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Meat Processing Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Nexus Employment

Meat Packer

Posen, IL

$16.25 - $16.75/hr

Nexus Employment Solutions Plus, Inc., is currently hiring for Full Time General Labor Warehouse Workers to work at a Meat Processing facility located in the South Holland, IL area. Full Time - ...

Nexus Employment Solutions

Meat Packer

Posen, IL · On-site

$16.25 - $16.75/hr

Nexus Employment Solutions Plus, Inc., is currently hiring for Full Time General Labor Warehouse Workers to work at a Meat Processing facility located in the South Holland, IL area. Full Time - ...

Nexus Employment Solutions

Meat Packer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$16.25 - $16.75/hr

Nexus Employment Solutions Plus, Inc., is currently hiring for Full Time General Labor Warehouse Workers to work at a Meat Processing facility located in the South Holland, IL area. Full Time - ...

Nexus Employment

Meat Packer

Chicago, IL

$16.25 - $16.75/hr

Nexus Employment Solutions Plus, Inc., is currently hiring for Full Time General Labor Warehouse Workers to work at a Meat Processing facility located in the South Holland, IL area. Full Time - ...

Chicago Meat Authority, Inc.

General Laborer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$17.66/hr

Chicago Meat Authority (CMA) is proud to have celebrated 36 years in the food industry. Located in Chicago's historic Stockyards, CMA is a forward thinking processor of value added beef, pork, and ...

ProStar

1st shift Meat Packer

Elk Grove Village, IL

$16.50/hr

Requires working in a consistently cool/refrigerated environment suitable for meat processing. * Physical role requiring the use of company-provided safety gear, including steel-toed boots, smocks ...

Illinois Sanitation Service Inc

Butcher's

Aurora, IL · On-site

$16.25 - $21.75/hr

We are currently seeking reliable and hardworking Butchers / Meat Warehouse Associates to join our team in a fast-paced meat processing and distribution warehouse. The ideal candidate will assist ...

Jsr Associates

Operations Manager

Saint Charles, IL

Lead a high-output meat processing and high-speed packaging operation with three direct reports and 80+ employees * Relocation assistance available for candidates outside the Chicagoland area * Work ...

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Meat Processing information

See Illinois salary details

$5

$17

$23

How much do meat processing jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 25, 2026, the average hourly pay for meat processing in Illinois is $17.68, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.78 and $17.26 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Who are the Big 4 in the beef industry?

The Big 4 in the beef industry typically refer to the four largest beef processing companies: Tyson Foods, JBS, Cargill, and National Beef. These companies dominate the industry in terms of production capacity and market share, often offering employment opportunities in meat processing plants. Workers in this field may need safety training and certifications depending on the role.

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 is top pay for a meat cutter at Costco?

The top pay for a meat cutter at Costco typically ranges from $20 to $30 per hour, depending on experience, location, and seniority. Experienced meat cutters with specialized skills may earn higher wages, and benefits often include health insurance and retirement plans.

What jobs pay 2000 a day?

In meat processing, high-paying roles such as plant managers, operations directors, or specialized quality assurance managers can earn around $2,000 per day, especially in large facilities or with extensive experience. These positions typically require advanced skills, certifications, and significant industry experience, and often involve overseeing production, safety, and compliance in a fast-paced 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.

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 many roles require knowledge of safety standards and use of processing equipment.
What are popular job titles related to Meat Processing jobs in Illinois? For Meat Processing jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Meat Processing jobs in Illinois look for? The top searched job categories for Meat Processing jobs in Illinois are:
What cities in Illinois are hiring for Meat Processing jobs? Cities in Illinois with the most Meat Processing job openings:
Meat Processing jobs near you
Infographic showing various Meat Processing job openings in Illinois as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $36,772 per year, or $17.7 per hour.

Technical Sales Manager - U.S. Meat Processing (Maurer-Atmos)

MWW Food Processing USA LLC

Elk Grove Village, IL • On-site

$95K - $120K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 13 days ago

Job description

Description

Founded i 

The Legacy Founded in 1928 and headquartered in Reichenau, Germany, Maurer-Atmos is the global gold standard for smoking, cooking, and maturing technologies. We don't just build machines; we engineer the taste, texture, and safety of the world's finest meat products.

The Mission We are seeking a Sales Champion to spearhead our expansion within the U.S. meat processing sector. This is a high-impact, autonomous role designed for a seasoned professional who is equally comfortable in a corporate boardroom and on a production floor. Your focus: delivering world-class smokehouses and batch ovens to the medium-sized processors and regional artisans who define the American meat industry.

Your Impact:

  • Drive High-Value Capital Sales: Own the full lifecycle for custom-configured thermal systems (smokehouses, batch ovens, and dry-cure systems).
  • Consultative Strategy: Perform on-site process analyses to help clients maximize yield, capacity, and energy efficiency.
  • Industry Influence: Leverage your "rolodex" of plant managers and owners to identify new installations and plant expansions.
  • Technical Translation: Partner with our German engineering teams to turn complex client needs into high-performance equipment solutions.
  • Market Intelligence: Position Maurer-Atmos as the premier choice for specialty and craft producers by staying ahead of regional trends.

MWW is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EOE/M/F/Vets/Disabled) employer and welcomes all qualified applicants.


Benefits:

  • Health insurance
  • Health Savings Account w/ ER contribution
  • Flexible Spending Account w/ ER contribution
  • Dental Insurance
  • Company Paid Disability Insurance
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Company Paid Life insurance
  • Paid holidays
  • Paid time off
  • 401k
  • Vision insurance

Requirements

What You Bring:

  • 5-10 Years of Experience: Proven success selling thermal processing systems (smoking, roasting, drying).
  • An Established Network: A deep, personal connection to the U.S. regional meat processing and butchery community.
  • Technical Fluency: You know the science behind a perfect salami, pepperoni, or smoked sausage.
  • Regulatory Mastery: Solid understanding of USDA/FDA requirements and HACCP principles.
  • The Road Warrior Spirit: Readiness for 50-70% travel across North America, with annual trips to our headquarters in Germany.

Apply