1

Meat Processing Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

As the Meat Cutter, you are managing, cutting, and trimming meat and seafood according to The Fresh ... processes that require significant attention to detail. This is a fast-paced position that requires ...

Meat Cutter

Midlothian, VA · On-site

$500/wk

As the Meat Cutter, you are managing, cutting, and trimming meat and seafood according to The Fresh ... processes that require significant attention to detail. This is a fast-paced position that requires ...

As the Meat Cutter, you are managing, cutting, and trimming meat and seafood according to The Fresh ... processes that require significant attention to detail. This is a fast-paced position that requires ...

Meat Cutter

Alexandria, VA · On-site

$500/wk

As the Meat Cutter, you are managing, cutting, and trimming meat and seafood according to The Fresh ... processes that require significant attention to detail. This is a fast-paced position that requires ...

Meat Cutter

Newport News, VA · On-site

$500/wk

As the Meat Cutter, you are managing, cutting, and trimming meat and seafood according to The Fresh ... processes that require significant attention to detail. This is a fast-paced position that requires ...

Meat Cutter

Midlothian, VA · On-site

$500/wk

As the Meat Cutter, you are managing, cutting, and trimming meat and seafood according to The Fresh ... processes that require significant attention to detail. This is a fast-paced position that requires ...

As the Meat Cutter, you are managing, cutting, and trimming meat and seafood according to The Fresh ... processes that require significant attention to detail. This is a fast-paced position that requires ...

As the Meat Cutter, you are managing, cutting, and trimming meat and seafood according to The Fresh ... processes that require significant attention to detail. This is a fast-paced position that requires ...

As the Meat Cutter, you are managing, cutting, and trimming meat and seafood according to The Fresh ... processes that require significant attention to detail. This is a fast-paced position that requires ...

Meat Cutter

Newport News, VA · On-site

$500/wk

As the Meat Cutter, you are managing, cutting, and trimming meat and seafood according to The Fresh ... processes that require significant attention to detail. This is a fast-paced position that requires ...

Meat Cutter

Newport News, VA · On-site

$500/wk

As the Meat Cutter, you are managing, cutting, and trimming meat and seafood according to The Fresh ... processes that require significant attention to detail. This is a fast-paced position that requires ...

Meat Cutter

Midlothian, VA · On-site

$500/wk

As the Meat Cutter, you are managing, cutting, and trimming meat and seafood according to The Fresh ... processes that require significant attention to detail. This is a fast-paced position that requires ...

Meat Cutter

Midlothian, VA · On-site

$500/wk

As the Meat Cutter, you are managing, cutting, and trimming meat and seafood according to The Fresh ... processes that require significant attention to detail. This is a fast-paced position that requires ...

As the Meat Cutter, you are managing, cutting, and trimming meat and seafood according to The Fresh ... processes that require significant attention to detail. This is a fast-paced position that requires ...

Meat Cutter

Newport News, VA · On-site

$500/wk

As the Meat Cutter, you are managing, cutting, and trimming meat and seafood according to The Fresh ... processes that require significant attention to detail. This is a fast-paced position that requires ...

As the Meat Cutter, you are managing, cutting, and trimming meat and seafood according to The Fresh ... processes that require significant attention to detail. This is a fast-paced position that requires ...

Meat Cutter

Arlington, VA · On-site

$17.50 - $23.25/hr

As a Meat Cutter, you will be on the cutting edge with our beef, poultry, and other meat products ... process, please contact us at 1-888-255-2269(option #4).

Meat Cutter

Warrenton, VA · On-site

$15.25 - $20.25/hr

As a Meat Cutter, you will be on the cutting edge with our beef, poultry, and other meat products ... process, please contact us at 1-888-255-2269(option #4).

Technician, Controls

Petersburg, VA · On-site

$29.50 - $38.75/hr

Meat Processing and Equipment knowledge preferred * Strong, committed, and unquestioned record of safe work practices Additional Responsibilities * Conduct equipment audits to ensure excellent ...

MEAT/DEPT LEADER

Lynchburg, VA

$20.50 - $27/hr

Plan, organize, train and direct Meat department associates; perform production and customer ... process improvements to direct reports in a positive manner. * Demonstrate aptitude to manage ...

New

next page

Showing results 1-20

Meat Processing information

See Virginia salary details

$5

$18

$24

How much do meat processing jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for meat processing in Virginia is $18.09, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.16 and $17.64 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 Virginia? For Meat Processing jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Meat Processing job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, and 25% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $37,622 per year, or $18.1 per hour.
Meat Cutter

Meat Cutter

The Fresh Market Inc

Virginia Beach, VA • On-site

$500/wk

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 16 days ago


The Fresh Market rating

6.0

Company rating: 6.0 out of 10

Based on 271 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

57th of 120 rated grocery stores


Job description

The Fresh Market & You:

Our mission is to make everyday eating extraordinary for our guests, and we are looking for a new team member who will commit to helping us deliver on this mission.

 Our added benefits for joining The Fresh Market team

  • Team Member discount of 30% 
  • Early Earn Wage Access (You can access up to 50% (max $500) of your earned wages on-demand per pay period)
  • 401K contribution and company match
  • Financial Wellness Program
  • Personal time off and additional time off purchase plans are available
  • Medical, Dental, Vision, Disability, and Life Insurance for individual, spouse, partner, and family
  • Discounts on pet insurance, daycare, event tickets, and many more.
About the Position:

As the Meat Cutter, you are managing, cutting, and trimming meat and seafood according to The Fresh Market standards and as requested by our Guests. You also assist with department inventory, pricing integrity, merchandising, and other operational processes that require significant attention to detail. This is a fast-paced position that requires efficiency, effectiveness, and a passion for excellence to drive results while curating an impeccable experience for our guests and team members. 

What You'll Do:
  • Maintain knowledge of products/weekly ad items throughout the store and work across departments to assist guests in finding products and complete meal solutions 
  • Handle, slice, expertly cut, and trim a variety of the department's prime and premium meat and seafood products, and items for our convenient meal solutions throughout the day, while also managing quality product levels as indicated within TFM standards 
  • Monitor the temperature of cases, spillovers, and storage areas  
  • Enforce and follow department practices regarding receiving, stocking, and unloading deliveries of products to ensure freshness and quality; including but not limited to cases, coolers, freezers, and sales floor  
  • Ensure department adherence to all safety requirements and protocols, including food safety, per TFM policies, and per law
Availability:

This position requires the willingness to work a flexible schedule, including weekends, days, evenings, and holidays. 

Qualifications:

CERTIFICATIONS 

All Meat Cutters must be certified within The Fresh Market's internal training platform within 90 days of hire.

At a minimum, what you'll need: 

  • 2 years or more of experience in cutting meat 
  • Must be at least 18 years of age
We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer:

The Fresh Market is a proud, equal-opportunity employer that is committed to creating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace. 

Reasonable Accommodation: Consistent with applicable laws, The Fresh Market will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified applicants and team members, unless doing so would result in an undue hardship to The Fresh Market. This guiding principle applies to all aspects of employment, including hiring and job assignment, compensation, discipline, termination, and access to benefits and training. 

The statements in this job posting describe the general nature and level of work expected in this role but are not all-inclusive. The Fresh Market looks forward to talking with interested candidates to share additional details about the applicable responsibilities, duties, and skills required

Employment Type: FULL_TIME

What The Fresh Market employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


Fresh Market logo

About Fresh Market

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The Fresh Market is a renowned American chain of gourmet supermarkets based in Greensboro, North Carolina. Established in 1982, the company operates in the retail industry, predominantly specializing in offering superior quality, freshness, and variety of products. Their product catalog includes a variety of fresh food products, gourmet groceries, baked goods, and delicacies, among others. With a mission of "making everyday eating extraordinary," they are committed to providing customers with the freshest and finest quality food. Over the years, The Fresh Market has gained significant recognition in the industry, having successfully established over 150 stores across the United States.

Industry

Retail

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Greensboro, NC, US

Year founded

1982