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Meat Processor Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Aerotek

Production Associate

Davenport, IA · On-site

$19/hr

General Production Worker This entry-level general production role supports multiple functions across the meat-processing production area. The position focuses on general labor tasks, maintaining ...

Aerotek

General Production Worker

Davenport, IA · On-site

$18/hr

Employees will contribute to production operations by adhering to policies and procedures for meat processing, including Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) and Hazard Analysis and Critical Control ...

BHJ

Freezer Dock Ship & Recv Material Handler

Fort Dodge, IA · On-site

$16.25 - $19.50/hr

Experience in the meat processing industry is desired but not required * Ability to obtain forklift and pallet jack certification Will be frequently exposed to extreme cold and wet conditions and be ...

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All JobsMeat Processor JobsMeat Processor Jobs in Iowa

Meat Processor information

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$4

$17

$23

How much do meat processor jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for meat processor in Iowa is $17.14, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.25 and $16.73 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are meat processors?

Meat processors are professionals who prepare meat for sale and consumption by slaughtering animals, cutting, trimming, deboning, grinding, and packaging meat products. They work in various settings such as slaughterhouses, processing plants, butcher shops, and grocery stores. Meat processors must follow strict food safety and sanitation guidelines to ensure the quality and safety of the products. Their responsibilities can also include inspecting meat for quality, operating specialized equipment, and maintaining records. This role requires attention to detail, physical stamina, and knowledge of health regulations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Meat Processor, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Meat Processor, you need knowledge of meat cutting techniques, food safety standards, and basic math skills, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with meat processing machinery, cutting tools, and adherence to USDA or HACCP guidelines is typically required. Attention to detail, physical stamina, and teamwork are important soft skills for excelling in this role. These abilities ensure product quality, workplace safety, and efficient operations in a fast-paced food production environment.

What Is a Meat Processor?

A meat processor prepares meat for packaging. As a meat processor, your duties revolve around cleaning, grinding, and packaging meat. You are also responsible for sorting meat and labeling packages. To perform this job, you do not need formal education, but you must complete on-the-job training. You can find these positions at grocery stores, meat packing plants, and animal slaughterhouses. Meat processors usually stand for long periods using heavy equipment, so you must have excellent physical stamina to complete your job safely. Similar job titles include meat production worker and meat packer.

What are some common challenges faced by meat processors, and how can they be addressed on the job?

Meat processors often face challenges such as working in cold environments, maintaining strict hygiene standards, and performing repetitive tasks that can lead to fatigue. Addressing these challenges involves wearing appropriate protective clothing, adhering to sanitation protocols, and utilizing ergonomic equipment to reduce strain. Teamwork and good communication with supervisors are also essential to ensure safety and efficiency, as well as to quickly address any issues that arise during production.

What is the difference between Meat Processor vs Butcher?

AspectMeat ProcessorButcher
CertificationsFood safety, HACCPNone required, but some may have food handling
Work EnvironmentProcessing plants, industrial settingsRetail stores, butcher shops, markets
Employer & Industry UsageMeat processing companies, food manufacturingButcher shops, grocery stores, restaurants
Job FocusProcessing, cutting, packaging meat in bulkCustom cutting, customer service, retail sales

While both roles involve working with meat, a Meat Processor primarily focuses on bulk processing, cutting, and packaging in industrial settings, often requiring food safety certifications. A Butcher typically works in retail environments, preparing meat for customers and providing personalized service. Understanding these differences helps job seekers find the right role based on their skills and career goals.

More about Meat Processor jobs
What are popular job titles related to Meat Processor jobs in Iowa? For Meat Processor jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Meat Processor jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Meat Processor jobs in Iowa are:
What are popular job titles related to Meat Processor jobs in IA? For Meat Processor jobs in IA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Meat Processor jobs near you
Machine Operator - 1st Shift

Machine Operator - 1st Shift

Fair Oaks Foods, LLC

Davenport, IA

$15 - $18.50/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 17 days ago

Job description

Position Summary

The Production Machine Operator will safely control various machines and equipment involved in production.

Responsibilities

  • Contribute to production operations by following policies and procedures for meat processing; Good Manufacturing Practices, Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) regulations, etc.
  • Contribute to a safe and sanitary work environment by complying with established procedures and rules.
  • Prepare and assemble meat-processing equipment for operation. Disassemble and prepare meat-processing equipment for sanitation washing
  • Document the production process by maintaining production logs.
  • Contribute to production operations by solving process problems, making equipment adjustments, reporting production and quality data, recording decisions, and referring problems to the Production Supervisor.
  • Attend to the current needs of the process by responding immediately to the expressed orders of the Production Supervisor and/or Production Foreman.
  • Responsible for the quality of work performed and for identifying and documenting quality problems for corrective action and prevention of non-conforming products.

Qualifications

  • Ability to understand and follow written and verbal instructions.
  • Ability to follow directions and work well in a team.
  • Ability to interpret and translate engineering designs and documentation.
  • Thorough understanding of or the ability to quickly learn production equipment.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
  • Understanding of and the ability to abide by applicable OSHA and environmental regulations.
  • Demonstrated ability to calculate figures and amounts and adjust the machine accordingly.

Physical Demands and Work Environment:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; use hands to fingers, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance, stoop, kneel, couch, or crawl, talk or hear as defined below.

  • Standard of 8-hour shifts and longer as the company requires
  • Standing and/or walking throughout the shift
  • Lifting /Carrying a minimum of 75 lbs.
  • Use both hands, as necessary
  • Work in both extreme hot and cold environments.
  • Communicate effectively while performing job duties

Observes safety and security procedures such as Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), Material Safety Data (MSD) sheets, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), LOTO as trained and certified, Emergency Evacuations, and Building Security; Reports potentially unsafe conditions and injuries: near miss/incidents/accidents timely; Uses and cares for company equipment and materials properly.

The above is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or physical requirements. Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Fair Oaks Foods assures equal employment opportunity in all its hiring and employment policies and practices, which include all aspects of employment, such as recruiting, hiring, promotions, transfers, demotions, layoffs or terminations, compensation, benefits, training, company-sponsored education, social and recreational programs or events, and all other terms, conditions, and privileges of employment. These policies and practices are administered without regard to “legally protected categories” such as: race, color, religion, national origin, age, gender, disability, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation or sexual orientation, pregnancy status or medical conditions related to childbirth, and/or any other factor protected by law.

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