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Meat Processing Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Butcher/Meat Cutter

San Leandro, CA ยท On-site

$16 - $24/hr

Use knives and operate (power) saws, grinders and other meat processing machinery to cut, trim and prepare meat products, minimizing waste wherever possible. * Clean/sanitize all equipment and area ...

Meat Clerk

Ladera Ranch, CA ยท On-site

$17.10 - $23.80/hr

Ability to operate meat processing equipment safely and efficiently * Available to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays * Must maintain a sense of integrity and adhere ...

Meat Clerk

Poway, CA ยท On-site

$17.10 - $22.85/hr

Ability to operate meat processing equipment safely and efficiently * Available to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays * Must maintain a sense of integrity and adhere ...

Meat Clerk

Ladera Ranch, CA ยท On-site

$17.10 - $23.80/hr

Ability to operate meat processing equipment safely and efficiently * Available to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays * Must maintain a sense of integrity and adhere ...

Meat Clerk

Perris, CA ยท On-site

$17.10 - $23.80/hr

Ability to operate meat processing equipment safely and efficiently * Available to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays * Must maintain a sense of integrity and adhere ...

Meat Clerk

Carlsbad, CA ยท On-site

$17.10 - $23.80/hr

Ability to operate meat processing equipment safely and efficiently * Available to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays * Must maintain a sense of integrity and adhere ...

Meat Clerk

Laguna Woods, CA ยท On-site

$17.10 - $23.80/hr

Ability to operate meat processing equipment safely and efficiently * Available to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays * Must maintain a sense of integrity and adhere ...

Meat Clerk

San Clemente, CA ยท On-site

$17.10 - $23.80/hr

Ability to operate meat processing equipment safely and efficiently * Available to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays * Must maintain a sense of integrity and adhere ...

Meat Clerk

Placentia, CA ยท On-site

$17.10 - $22.85/hr

Ability to operate meat processing equipment safely and efficiently * Available to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays * Must maintain a sense of integrity and adhere ...

Meat Clerk

Pasadena, CA ยท On-site

$18.77 - $23.80/hr

Ability to operate meat processing equipment safely and efficiently * Available to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays * Must maintain a sense of integrity and adhere ...

Meat Clerk

Pasadena, CA ยท On-site

$18.77 - $23.80/hr

Ability to operate meat processing equipment safely and efficiently * Available to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays * Must maintain a sense of integrity and adhere ...

Meat Clerk

Upland, CA ยท On-site

$17.10 - $23.80/hr

Ability to operate meat processing equipment safely and efficiently * Available to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays * Must maintain a sense of integrity and adhere ...

Meat Clerk

Upland, CA ยท On-site

$17.10 - $23.80/hr

Ability to operate meat processing equipment safely and efficiently * Available to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays * Must maintain a sense of integrity and adhere ...

Meat Clerk

Yucaipa, CA ยท On-site

$17.10 - $22.85/hr

Ability to operate meat processing equipment safely and efficiently * Available to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays * Must maintain a sense of integrity and adhere ...

Meat Clerk

Carlsbad, CA ยท On-site

$17.10 - $23.80/hr

Ability to operate meat processing equipment safely and efficiently * Available to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays * Must maintain a sense of integrity and adhere ...

Meat Clerk

San Clemente, CA ยท On-site

$17.10 - $23.80/hr

Ability to operate meat processing equipment safely and efficiently * Available to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays * Must maintain a sense of integrity and adhere ...

Meat Clerk

Fountain Valley, CA ยท On-site

$17.10 - $22.85/hr

Ability to operate meat processing equipment safely and efficiently * Available to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays * Must maintain a sense of integrity and adhere ...

Meat Clerk

Laguna Woods, CA

$17.10 - $23.80/hr

Ability to operate meat processing equipment safely and efficiently * Available to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays * Must maintain a sense of integrity and adhere ...

Meat Clerk

Perris, CA ยท On-site

$17.10 - $23.80/hr

Ability to operate meat processing equipment safely and efficiently * Available to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays * Must maintain a sense of integrity and adhere ...

Showing results 41-60

Meat Processing information

See California salary details

$5

$18

$24

How much do meat processing jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for meat processing in California is $18.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.07 and $17.55 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is meat processing?

Meat processing refers to the series of steps involved in converting raw animal carcasses into consumable meat products. This process can include slaughtering, cutting, deboning, grinding, curing, smoking, packaging, and labeling. Meat processors must follow strict food safety regulations to ensure the final products are safe for consumption. The industry produces a wide range of products, including fresh cuts, sausages, deli meats, and ready-to-eat foods. Meat processing plays a crucial role in making meat products accessible and convenient for consumers.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in meat processing, and why are they important?

To thrive in meat processing, you need a solid understanding of food safety, proper handling techniques, and basic butchery skills, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with cutting tools, meat grinders, packaging machines, and compliance with HACCP or other food safety certifications is typically required. Attention to detail, manual dexterity, and the ability to work efficiently in a team are valuable soft skills for this role. These skills and qualities are important to ensure product quality, safety, and efficiency in a fast-paced processing environment.

What are some common challenges faced by meat processing workers, and how can they be addressed?

Meat processing workers often encounter challenges such as repetitive motions, physically demanding tasks, and exposure to cold environments. Adhering to proper safety protocols, using ergonomic tools, and taking regular breaks can help prevent injuries and fatigue. Additionally, many facilities provide training on safe handling techniques and encourage teamwork to ensure tasks are completed efficiently and safely. Open communication with supervisors about any concerns is also important for maintaining a safe and productive work environment.

What is the difference between Meat Processing vs Butcher?

AspectMeat ProcessingButcher
CredentialsFood safety certifications, HACCP trainingMeat cutting certifications, food safety knowledge
Work EnvironmentProcessing plants, industrial settingsButcher shops, grocery stores, markets
Industry UsageLarge-scale meat production and packagingRetail meat cutting and customer service

Meat Processing involves large-scale production, focusing on processing, packaging, and safety standards, often in industrial settings. Butchers primarily work in retail environments, cutting and preparing meat for customers. Both roles require food safety knowledge, but Meat Processing emphasizes production processes, while Butchers focus on customer service and meat preparation.

How to become a meat processing worker?

To become a meat processing worker, individuals typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and may undergo on-the-job training to learn safety procedures and processing techniques. Some positions require knowledge of food safety standards and the use of specialized equipment; certifications in food safety or sanitation can improve job prospects.

What job categories do people searching Meat Processing jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Meat Processing jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Meat Processing jobs?

Cities in California with the most Meat Processing job openings:

Infographic showing various Meat Processing job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,450 per year, or $18 per hour.

Butcher/Meat Cutter

FOODNET SUPERMARKET INC

San Leandro, CA โ€ข On-site

$16 - $24/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 22 days ago


Job description


Full Job Description

As a Butcher, you will be on the cutting edge with our beef, poultry, and other meat products, and you must be willing to devote time to engage our customers in friendly conversations about our products. To be successful in this position, you need to be passionate about meats and the success of the department. We invite you to join our team and create a lasting impression and positive experience for the customers we serve.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS**
* Provide high-quality customer service in accordance with our Company’s customer service standards and policies and procedures. 
* Comply with established Weight and Measures, health and sanitation and safety policies, procedures and guidelines. Use knives and operate (power) saws, grinders and other meat processing machinery to cut, trim and prepare meat products, minimizing waste wherever possible. 
* Clean/sanitize all equipment and area in a safe and proper manner according to federal, state and local regulations and employer policy. 
* Weigh, package and label meat and poultry items for display.
 * Promote sales within department. 
* Inspect displayed products for expired dates and remove when necessary. 
* Follow the established division markdown policy. 
* Take special orders from customers and provide special cuts.
* Maintain area and conduct business in accordance with federal, state and local laws and regulations and employer policy. 
* Adhere to uniform and grooming policy as defined within company policy.
Job Types: Full-time 40+ overtime / week
Pay: $16.00 - $24.00 per hour + bonus

Benefits:
  • 401(k)
  • 401(k) matching
  • Dental insurance
  • Employee discount
  • Flexible schedule
  • Health insurance
  • Vision insurance
  • Life insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Paid training
Physical setting:
  • Grocery store
Schedule:
  • 10 hour shift
  • 12 hour shift
  • 8 hour shift
  • Holidays
  • Weekend availability
Ability to commute
  • San Leandro (94579)
Experience:
  • Butcher experience required (1 year+)
  • Customer service experience preferred +
  • Bilingual preferred but not required 
Work Location: One location