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Meat Processing Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

Retail Meat Cutter

Pueblo, CO · On-site

$18 - $24/hr

You will operate electric meat saws, grinders and other meat processing equipment. You will provide product suggestions to our customers and assist them with special orders. Your job will be to ...

You will operate electric meat saws, grinders and other meat processing equipment. You will provide product suggestions to our customers and assist them with special orders. Your job will be to ...

You will operate electric meat saws, grinders and other meat processing equipment. You will provide product suggestions to our customers and assist them with special orders. Your job will be to ...

Retail Meat Cutter

Buena Vista, CO · On-site

$18 - $26/hr

You will operate electric meat saws, grinders and other meat processing equipment. You will provide product suggestions to our customers and assist them with special orders. Your job will be to ...

You will operate electric meat saws, grinders and other meat processing equipment. You will provide product suggestions to our customers and assist them with special orders. Your job will be to ...

MEAT - MEAT CLERK

Denver, CO

$14.50 - $17.75/hr

COOL, Food Safety, Sanitation, Meat/Produce Scale operation, Mark Downs, Inventory Processes, Meat POG's, Meat Cutter Resource Manual. * Ensure displays and case signs are updated appropriately, and ...

COOL, Food Safety, Sanitation, Meat/Produce Scale operation, Mark Downs, Inventory Processes, Meat POG's, Meat Cutter Resource Manual. * Ensure displays and case signs are updated appropriately, and ...

MEAT - MEAT CLERK

Denver, CO · On-site

$14.50 - $17.75/hr

COOL, Food Safety, Sanitation, Meat/Produce Scale operation, Mark Downs, Inventory Processes, Meat POG's, Meat Cutter Resource Manual. * Ensure displays and case signs are updated appropriately, and ...

MEAT - MEAT CLERK

Denver, CO · On-site

$14.50 - $17.75/hr

COOL, Food Safety, Sanitation, Meat/Produce Scale operation, Mark Downs, Inventory Processes, Meat POG's, Meat Cutter Resource Manual. * Ensure displays and case signs are updated appropriately, and ...

COOL, Food Safety, Sanitation, Meat/Produce Scale operation, Mark Downs, Inventory Processes, Meat POG's, Meat Cutter Resource Manual, Daily Manager Signoff and Meat Cutting List * Responsibilities ...

Follow all food safety protocols, including proper storage and handling of raw and processed meats. * Operate and maintain cutting equipment, knives, and tools safely and efficiently. 4. Customer ...

Meat Cutter Journey - FT

Aspen, CO · On-site

$25 - $29.25/hr

Follow all food safety protocols, including proper storage and handling of raw and processed meats. * Operate and maintain cutting equipment, knives, and tools safely and efficiently. 4. Customer ...

The full can be made available as part of the hiring process. What you'll do...Be a Team Member: Collaborates with other associates to build a strong meat team; communicating with the members of the ...

The full can be made available as part of the hiring process. What you'll do...Be a Team Member: Collaborates with other associates to build a strong meat team; communicating with the members of the ...

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Meat Processing information

See Colorado salary details

$5

$19

$26

How much do meat processing jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for meat processing in Colorado is $19.18, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.22 and $18.70 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Who are the Big 4 in the meat industry?

The Big 4 in the meat industry typically refer to Tyson Foods, JBS, Cargill, and Smithfield Foods. These companies are among the largest meat processors globally, offering numerous job opportunities in processing plants, quality control, and logistics.

What is a meat processing worker?

A meat processing worker is responsible for preparing, cutting, and packaging meat products in a processing plant. They operate machinery, follow safety protocols, and ensure quality standards are met, often working in refrigerated environments and requiring knowledge of food safety regulations.

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.

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 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 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.

How much money do meat processors make?

Meat processors typically earn an average annual salary between $25,000 and $45,000, depending on experience, location, and specific role. Skilled workers or those in supervisory positions can earn higher wages, and benefits may include health insurance and overtime pay.

Is butchering a skilled trade?

Yes, butchering is considered a skilled trade that requires knowledge of animal anatomy, proper cutting techniques, and safety procedures. Skilled butchers often undergo training or apprenticeships to develop precision and efficiency in meat processing tasks.
What are popular job titles related to Meat Processing jobs in Colorado? For Meat Processing jobs in Colorado, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Meat Processing jobs in Colorado look for? The top searched job categories for Meat Processing jobs in Colorado are:
What cities in Colorado are hiring for Meat Processing jobs? Cities in Colorado with the most Meat Processing job openings:
Infographic showing various Meat Processing job openings in Colorado as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, and 17% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $39,902 per year, or $19.2 per hour.
Production Lead - Meat Processing & Cutting

Production Lead - Meat Processing & Cutting

Shamrock Foods Company

Commerce City, CO

$28 - $30/hr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 8 days ago


Shamrock Foods rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 49 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

8th of 48 rated food wholesalers


Job description

  • Starting compensation: $28-$30 per hour (depending on experience)
  • Shift details: Monday to Friday (8:00 am to finish)

Works with the Production Manager and Production Supervisors to coordinate activities of workers concerned with all areas of cutting and trimming meat to size, grinding, weighing, shaping, lacing, tying meat cuts, and receiving within the ground beef and poultry areas by performing the following duties.

Essential Duties: 

  • Interprets and enforces company policies and safety regulations to workers.
  • Confers with all captains, supervisors, and managers to coordinate activities of individual departments.
  • Helps create production schedules and estimates worker hour requirements for completion of job assignments.
  • Security - Warns violators of rule infractions, such as wandering plant, smoking, or eating in plant, and contacts SECURITY DEPARTMENT when persons engaging in suspicious or criminal acts are seen.
  • Follow through with associates’ concerns in a timely matter.
  • Assigns duties and examines work for exactness, neatness, and conformance to policies and procedures.
  • Establishes or adjust work procedures to meet production schedules.
  • Advises employees on care and preservation of packaging of items received, stored, and shipped; methods and use of equipment in handling, storing, maintaining, and shipping stock; and related problems.
  • Studies records and recommends remedial actions for reported non-usable, slow moving and excess stock.
  • Reviews records for accuracy of information and compliance with established procedures.
  • Determines work procedures, prepares work schedules, and expedites workflow.
  • Issues written and oral instructions and maintain harmony among workers and resolves grievances.
  • Studies and standardizes procedures to improve efficiency of subordinates.
  • Initiates or suggest plans to motivate workers to achieve work goal.
  • Facilitates training and review process of all department players.
  • Analyzes and resolves work problems or assists workers in solving work problems.
  • Adjusts errors and complaints.
  • Reviews production costs and product quality and modifies production and inventory control programs to maintain and enhance profitable operation of Meat Plant.
  • Regular and reliable attendance.
  • Other duties may be assigned.

Qualifications: 

  • High school diploma or GED or 10 years of experience or combination of education and experience within meat production/processing environment. 
  • Two years’ experience with cutting various meat products.
  • Must be proficient in data entry and basic computer knowledge
  • Must have the ability running an electric pallet jack or forklift.
  • Must be able to understand all policies, procedures, instructions, rules and regulations (including all safety training and safety information) associated with this position which are written in English
  • Must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.

Physical Demands:

  • While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly exposed to wet and/or humid conditions and moving mechanical parts. The employee is frequently exposed to extreme cold; risk of electrical shock and vibration. The employee is occasionally exposed to high, precarious places and extreme heat. The noise level in the work environment is usually very loud.

Corporate Summary: 

At Shamrock Foods Company, people come first – our associates, our customers, and the families we serve across the nation. A privately-held, family-owned and -operated Forbes 500 company, Shamrock is an innovator in the food industry and has been since being founded in Arizona in 1922.

Our Mission:

At Shamrock Foods Company, we live by our founding family’s motto to “treat associates like family and customers like friends.”

Why work for us?

Benefits are a major part of your overall compensation, and we believe offering them at an affordable cost is not only the right thing to do, but it helps keep you and your family healthy.  That’s why Shamrock Foods pays for the majority of your health insurance, allowing you to take home more of your paycheck.  And it doesn’t stop there - our associates also enjoy additional benefits such as 401(k) Savings Plan, Profit Sharing, Paid Time Off, as well as our incredible growth opportunities, continued education, wellness programs, and much more!

Equal Opportunity Employer

At Shamrock Foods Co all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other basis protected by applicable law.


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