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Meat Processing Jobs in Nebraska (NOW HIRING)

Demonstrates knowledge of quality assurance principles, food science, meat processing, and USDA regulations, ensuring compliance with company and industry standards.Capable of creating, interpreting ...

Meat Manager

La Vista, NE

$18.50 - $19.12/hr

Support receiving processes by ensuring incoming product is properly checked for quality and accuracy * Maintain overall department cleanliness, organization, and compliance with applicable ...

Route Driver - Nights

Wahoo, NE ยท On-site

$17.75 - $23/hr

Job Summary A Route Driver is responsible for operation of a truck to collect raw material from meat processors, slaughter facilities, grocery stores, and picking up dead animals from farm sites ...

Route Driver - Nights

Wahoo, NE ยท On-site

$29.24/hr

Job Summary A Route Driver is responsible for operation of a truck to collect raw material from meat processors, slaughter facilities, grocery stores, and picking up dead animals from farm sites ...

Part-Time Cook

Omaha, NE ยท On-site

$20 - $22/hr

Meat and cheese slicing machines, steamers, mandolins, grills and broilers. * Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for food preparation.

Part-Time Cook

Omaha, NE ยท On-site

$20 - $22/hr

Meat and cheese slicing machines, steamers, mandolins, grills and broilers. * Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for food preparation.

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Meat Processing information

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$5

$17

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How much do meat processing jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for meat processing in Nebraska is $17.39, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.49 and $16.97 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 Nebraska? For Meat Processing jobs in Nebraska, the most frequently searched job titles are:
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What cities in Nebraska are hiring for Meat Processing jobs? Cities in Nebraska with the most Meat Processing job openings:
Infographic showing various Meat Processing job openings in Nebraska as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $36,181 per year, or $17.4 per hour.
Food Safety & QA Technologist

Food Safety & QA Technologist

Smithfield Foods

Crete, NE โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Posted 26 days ago


Job description

If you are currently employed at Smithfield, please log into Workday and submit your application through the Jobs Hub. Have a seat at our table. When you join Smithfield, you become part of something special - a company that's sustainably feeding people around the world, producing good food the right way with respect for our people, animals, communities and planet. With opportunities across locations and functions, a culture grounded in our Core Four values - gratitude, communication, respect and accountability - and a strong commitment to learning, collaboration, and innovation, Smithfield offers challenging and rewarding careers where you can grow, contribute and make a real impact. Apply Now!THE VALUE YOU'LL BRING: The position summary states the general nature and purpose of the job. Overall accountabilities are defined in this section. As part of our Food Safety & Quality Assurance team, you will play an important role in ensuring our products meet the highest standards. You will perform routine sanitation checks, enforce HACCP and USDA regulations, and use your technical expertise to track products from start to finish - identifying issues and driving corrective actions when needed.You will be responsible for monitoring quality in your area, from grading products and documenting results to overseeing sanitation, temperatures, GMPs, and more. Working closely with production teams, you'll help resolve issues, investigate root causes, and improve processes. You'll also support quality programs through training and performance assessment.Your attention to detail ensures our brands - from Smithfield to Nathan's Famous - are delivered safely and with confidence.WHAT YOU'LL DO: The below statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. May perform other duties as assigned. Quality Verification: You conduct routine inspections - including process, metal detection, cooking, and chilling - to ensure products meet all quality standards. You identify and act on out-of-spec products, interpret customer specs, and collaborate with teams to correct issues quickly.Quality Improvement: You drive continuous improvement by addressing deficiencies, identifying root causes of failures, and supporting QA programs. This includes training, spec reviews, and collaborating on initiatives to enhance product quality and reduce waste.Food Safety & HACCP Compliance: You help develop and enforce HACCP programs, monitor critical control points, and ensure food safety protocols are followed throughout the production process.Regulatory & Sanitation Oversight: You ensure USDA regulatory requirements are met, assist with food safety documentation updates, and perform pre-op sanitation checks - following up to guarantee proper cleaning and sampling procedures.Communication & Training: You report food safety issues, recommend corrective actions, and support plant training on deficiencies. In the absence of key personnel, you're prepared to step in or delegate responsibilities as needed.WHAT WE'RE SEEKING: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals to perform the essential functions. High school diploma or general education degree (GED), required.For internal candidates with 4+ years of experience with the company, the Company has the discretion to waive educational requirements.Must have the ability to complete required forms in English, which requires the ability to read and write in English.Demonstrates knowledge of quality assurance principles, food science, meat processing, and USDA regulations, ensuring compliance with company and industry standards.Capable of creating, interpreting, and maintaining technical documents, reports, and manuals, with effective written and verbal communication across teams and stakeholders.Experienced in using monitoring equipment, analyzing data, and responding to regulatory or customer inquiries with sound, evidence-based decisions.Proficient in office software and able to interpret and follow instructions in various formats, including written, oral, and visual.OTHER SKILLS THAT MAKE YOU STAND OUT:Associate's degree, preferredEffectively collaborates with others in a fast-paced, dynamic environment while maintaining a respectful, approachable, and team-oriented attitude to foster strong working relationships and a positive workplace culture.PHYSICAL DEMANDS & WORK ENVIRONMENT: The physical demands described here are representative of those an employee should possess to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee may encounter while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Office and plant setting. The plant environment will include wet or humid conditions (non-weather related), extreme cold and heat (non-weather related), working near moving mechanical parts, exposure to fumes or airborne particles, and chemicals.Noise level in the work environment is usually moderate but can be loud when in the production area.Occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 poundsSpecific vision includes close vision, distance vision, and ability to adjust focus.Exposed to temperatures ranging from 30 - 80 degrees, working in warm and cold area simultaneously.Frequently required to stand for prolonged times; walk; use hands to handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl and talk or hear. Relocation Package Available No EEO Information Smithfield is an equal opportunity employer committed to workplace diversity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, gender identity, protected veterans status, status as a disabled individual or any other protected group status or non-job characteristic as directed by law. If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment selection process, please call us at 757-357-1595.