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Meat Processing Worker Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Process custom orders down to retail and portion cuts, including boning chucks and rounds * Handle ... Physically capable of standing for a full shift, lifting 50+ lbs, and working in a cold environment

Meat Clerk

Auburn, CA · On-site

$15 - $18.50/hr

Meat Processing, Wrapping, Pricing, Merchandising, Cleaning, Sanitation, Stocking Deli, Receiving ... Meat cutting (will train) Meat wrapping Working deli Receiving product Clean-up and sanitation ...

Meat Clerk

Palo Cedro, CA · On-site

$16.90 - $21.90/hr

Meat Processing, Wrapping, Pricing, Merchandising, Cleaning, Sanitation, Stocking Deli, Receiving ... Meat cutting (will train) Meat wrapping Working deli Receiving product Clean-up and sanitation ...

Meat Clerk

Chester, CA · On-site

$16.90/hr

Meat Processing, Wrapping, Pricing, Merchandising, Cleaning, Sanitation, Stocking Deli, Receiving ... Meat cutting (will train) Meat wrapping Working deli Receiving product Clean-up and sanitation ...

Meat Clerk

Auburn, CA · On-site

$16.50/hr

Meat Processing, Wrapping, Pricing, Merchandising, Cleaning, Sanitation, Stocking Deli, Receiving ... Meat cutting (will train) Meat wrapping Working deli Receiving product Clean-up and sanitation ...

Meat Clerk

Gridley, CA · On-site

$16.50/hr

Meat Processing, Wrapping, Pricing, Merchandising, Cleaning, Sanitation, Stocking Deli, Receiving ... Meat cutting (will train) Meat wrapping Working deli Receiving product Clean-up and sanitation ...

Meat Clerk

South Lake Tahoe, CA · On-site

$15.75 - $19.50/hr

Meat Processing, Wrapping, Pricing, Merchandising, Cleaning, Sanitation, Stocking Deli, Receiving ... Meat cutting (will train) Meat wrapping Working deli Receiving product Clean-up and sanitation ...

Meat Clerk

Gridley, CA · On-site

$16.50/hr

Meat Processing, Wrapping, Pricing, Merchandising, Cleaning, Sanitation, Stocking Deli, Receiving ... Meat cutting (will train) Meat wrapping Working deli Receiving product Clean-up and sanitation ...

Meat Clerk

Chester, CA · On-site

$16.90/hr

Meat Processing, Wrapping, Pricing, Merchandising, Cleaning, Sanitation, Stocking Deli, Receiving ... Meat cutting (will train) Meat wrapping Working deli Receiving product Clean-up and sanitation ...

Meat Clerk

Corning, CA · On-site

$16.90 - $20.90/hr

Meat Processing, Wrapping, Pricing, Merchandising, Cleaning, Sanitation, Stocking Deli, Receiving ... Meat cutting (will train) Meat wrapping Working deli Receiving product Clean-up and sanitation ...

Meat Clerk

South Lake Tahoe, CA · On-site

$16.50 - $19/hr

Meat Processing, Wrapping, Pricing, Merchandising, Cleaning, Sanitation, Stocking Deli, Receiving ... Meat cutting (will train) Meat wrapping Working deli Receiving product Clean-up and sanitation ...

Meat Clerk

Orland, CA · On-site

$14.50 - $17.75/hr

Meat Processing, Wrapping, Pricing, Merchandising, Cleaning, Sanitation, Stocking Deli, Receiving ... Meat cutting (will train) Meat wrapping Working deli Receiving product Clean-up and sanitation ...

Meat Clerk

Orland, CA · On-site

$14.50 - $17.75/hr

Meat Processing, Wrapping, Pricing, Merchandising, Cleaning, Sanitation, Stocking Deli, Receiving ... Meat cutting (will train) Meat wrapping Working deli Receiving product Clean-up and sanitation ...

Showing results 41-60

Meat Processing Worker information

See salary details

$5

$18

$24

How much do meat processing worker jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for meat processing worker in the United States is $18.24, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.31 and $17.79 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a meat processing worker?

Meat processing workers are professionals responsible for preparing, cutting, packaging, and inspecting meat products in processing plants or butcheries. They handle tasks such as slaughtering animals, trimming meat, grinding, deboning, and maintaining sanitation standards to ensure food safety. These workers often use specialized equipment and must follow strict safety and hygiene regulations. Their work is essential in supplying meat products to grocery stores, restaurants, and other food outlets.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a meat processing worker?

To thrive as a Meat Processing Worker, you need basic knowledge of food safety, attention to detail, physical stamina, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with food processing machinery, cutting tools, and sometimes HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point) certification is important. Strong teamwork, reliability, and effective communication are valuable soft skills in this role. These skills ensure food is processed safely and efficiently, maintaining quality standards and workplace safety.

What are some common challenges a meat processing worker might face on the job, and how can they be managed?

Meat Processing Workers often encounter challenges such as repetitive motions, working in cold environments, and maintaining strict hygiene standards. To manage these, workers are typically provided with specialized protective gear and receive training on proper lifting techniques and equipment handling. Maintaining focus on safety protocols and effective communication with team members helps prevent accidents and ensures a smooth workflow. Adapting to shift work and varying production demands is also common, but teamwork and support from supervisors can make these transitions easier.

What is the difference between Meat Processing Worker vs Butcher?

AspectMeat Processing WorkerButcher
CredentialsNone required, some may have food safety certificationsFood safety certifications often preferred or required
Work EnvironmentProcessing plants, industrial settingsButcher shops, grocery stores, meat markets
Employer & IndustryMeat processing companies, food manufacturingButcher shops, supermarkets, specialty meat stores
Job FocusPreparing meat for packaging, trimming, cutting in bulkCustom cuts, customer service, retail sales

While both roles involve working with meat, Meat Processing Workers focus on bulk processing and preparation in industrial settings, whereas Butchers typically work directly with customers, performing custom cuts and retail sales in smaller shops or supermarkets.

How much does a meat processing worker make?

A meat processing worker typically earns between $12 and $20 per hour, depending on experience, location, and the specific employer. Entry-level positions may pay closer to the minimum wage, while experienced workers or those with specialized skills can earn higher wages. Overtime and shift differentials can also increase overall earnings.

What states have the most Meat Processing Worker jobs?

States with the most job openings for Meat Processing Worker jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Meat Processing Worker jobs?

For Meat Processing Worker jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Subject Matter Expert (SME) - Online Course Development, AFF-1015: Meat Processing Sanitation and...

Randolph, VT • On-site

$1.0K/wk

Part-time

Posted 28 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Create and revise original course materials following VTSU Online's established course development process.

  • Develop and implement course content related to meat processing sanitation and HACCP principles.

  • Support the delivery of the online course and ensure course materials meet quality standards.


Job description

Program Overview and Course Structure

VTSU CAFFE - The Applied Meat Processing & Butchery Arts Certificate Program is a hybrid training program for a career in the meat industry. The meat industry demands technical expertise with a deep understanding of safety and ethical standards. As consumers increasingly seek transparency and quality, professionals who can merge skill and regulatory knowledge are in high demand. This certificate gives candidates the chance to build a robust foundation while adapting to the ever-changing landscape of food production and processing. To meet these evolving needs, the MeatCraft Butcher Program at VTSU provides a comprehensive curriculum, within three stackable levels, designed to develop well-rounded professionals

Total Credits

Level 1: MeatCraft Apprentice Butcher: 13 credits

Level 2: MeatCraft Artisan Butcher: 23 credits

Level 3: MeatCraft Master Butcher: 30 credits

Program Outcomes

Understand the science and develop skills to expertly process beef, pork, lamb and poultry. Employ industry standards of safety for meat products and meat fabrication. Tackle realistic problems and variables in complex, high-pressure workforce scenarios. Demonstrate value-added skills with sausage-making, marketing, and culinary techniques (Level 2). Understand advanced meat product development, and be able to employ ethical and humane methods for livestock harvesting (Level 3). Complete a hands-on abattoir internship within a production environment (Level 3). Identify career pathways in the industry and establish professional contacts.

Program Structure:

Description and Details

Structure

Sequential, skill-building format, practical understanding, foundational concepts, specialized techniques, safety, sanitation, butchery, processing, regulatory compliance

Format

Hybrid delivery, online lecture, hands-on intensives, mentorship, peer collaboration, focused instruction, abattoir (meat facility) internship, regional partner sites, traceability, humane handling, value-added meat products

Completion

Certificate in Meat Processing and Food Safety, Credentials valued by employers

Targeted Population

High school students (dual and early college enrollment), working adults, culinary professionals, aspiring butchers, Retail meat operations, processing plants, butcher shops, local food systems

As an SME, you will create and revise original course materials following VTSU Online's established course development process, including templates, milestones, and quality reviews. Compensation per course is $ 1,000.00/credit.

Course Details:

AFF-1015: Meat Processing Sanitation and HACCP

Catalog Title: Meat Processing Sanitation and HACCP

Credit Hours: 2

Format: 100% Online, AFF1015

Catalog Description:

This course covers safe and sanitary practices in meat processing environments. Students learn about microbial hazards, effective sanitation methods, and the principles of HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point), a systematic approach to food safety required in all USDA-inspected meat processing plants. This course highlights the crucial role of sanitation in protecting public health and maintaining product quality, and prepares students to sit for the HACCP exam.

Learning Outcomes:

Identify biological, chemical, and physical hazards in meat processing environments. Implement cleaning and sanitation protocols for equipment and workspaces. Adopt personal hygiene and facility design principles to minimize risks. Apply federal regulations related to sanitation and inspection. Explain the seven principles of HACCP and their role in food safety systems. Develop a compliant HACCP plan tailored to meat products.

Prerequisites: None.

Minimum Qualifications

Required minimum qualifications:

  • Qualified candidates should have applied (workforce) subject matter experience, either through direct work experience in the industry, educational degree(s)/certifications, or a combination thereof. Prior experience teaching is preferred.
  • Applicants should include a brief statement of interest and a resume or CV showing any relevant work and/or educational experience.

    Scheduled Hours Weekly:

    40

    Budgeted Wage for this Position:

    $1,000/credit

    Exempt Status:

    Exempt

    Grade:

    T02

    Job Posting Responsibilities: