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Meat Processor Jobs in Kentucky (NOW HIRING)

Cook

Lexington, KY ยท On-site +1

$24.45 - $28.53/hr

  • PTO

Slices meat items by hand, confirming to specific size requirements or weight specifications ... Plans cooking processes to produce meals on time and at the proper temperature which may require ...

SEAFOOD/LEAD CLERK

Paducah, KY ยท On-site

$11.25 - $15/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • PTO

Support the day-to-day functions of the Meat/Seafood operations. Embrace the Customer 1st strategy ... Plan, organize and supervise the inventory process. * Train department associates on inventory ...

Showing results 41-60

Meat Processor information

See Kentucky salary details

$4

$15

$21

How much do meat processor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for meat processor in Kentucky is $15.85, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.05 and $15.43 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

How much do meat processors make?

Meat processors typically earn an average hourly wage of around $12 to $16, with annual salaries ranging from approximately $25,000 to $35,000. Wages can vary based on experience, location, and whether the worker is certified to operate specific equipment or handle specialized tasks.

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.

What are popular job titles related to Meat Processor jobs in Kentucky?

For Meat Processor jobs in Kentucky, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Meat Processor jobs in Kentucky look for?

The top searched job categories for Meat Processor jobs in Kentucky are:

What cities in Kentucky are hiring for Meat Processor jobs?

Cities in Kentucky with the most Meat Processor job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Meat Processor jobs in KY?

For Meat Processor jobs in KY, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Meat Processor job openings in Kentucky as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 66% Full Time, and 34% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $32,958 per year, or $15.8 per hour.

Maintenance/Industrial Mechanical Technician (3rd Shift)

Specialty Foods Group

Owensboro, KY โ€ข On-site

$29.25 - $33.75/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision

Posted 14 days ago


Job description

Maintenance/Industrial Mechanical Technician (3rd Shift) - Specialty Foods Group, LLC Owensboro, KY
Specialty Foods Group, LLC (SFG), a dynamic pork processor and packager based in Owensboro, Kentucky, is looking for a motivated Mechanical Maintenance Technician to work in our world-class facility. The Mechanical Maintenance Technician is responsible for supporting the production operation by minimizing equipment downtime and completing preventative and corrective maintenance.
If you are interested in this unique opportunity for a growing company that helps feed the world, then look no further than Specialty Foods Group.
Responsibilities:
  • Support the production operation by providing immediate response to all breakdowns to minimize equipment downtime
  • Completing preventative and corrective maintenance on various meat processing equipment
  • Systematically troubleshoot and resolve issues with various facility equipment and tools
  • Perform minor electrical work not requiring a licensed electrician such as replacing light bulbs, fuses, breakers, etc.
  • Perform other duties as needed or required

Qualifications:
  • Industrial Maintenance Degree preferred, High School Diploma with 3-5 years' experience will be considered
  • 1 to 2 years working in an industrial maintenance role
  • Knowledge of 110-, 220- and 480-volt electrical systems
  • Experience in maintaining mechanical drives, chain drives and conveyor systems
  • Willingness to work extensive overtime, including weekends as needed
  • Must be able to read and comprehend various prints, schematics and other company related documents
  • Experience in performing basic machine alignment using precision instruments
  • Knowledge of hydraulics, pneumatics, and gear boxes
  • Ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment
  • Ability to work in extreme hot, cold, wet, humid, and odorous environments
  • Uphold company policies and ethical standards
  • Must possess personal hand tools for the position
  • Commitment to follow safety policies and practices
  • Willingness to complete Confined Space training
  • Hazmat certification a plus
  • Must be able to successfully pass internal maintenance test

Specialty Food Groups offers its full-time team members excellent benefits including: Medical, Dental, and Vision and other insurance options. SFG also provides eligible team members with Tuition Reimbursement and Discount Days. Work includes extreme cold environments, standing for extended periods of time, repetitive motions and lifting, and working with raw meat products.
Interested candidates can apply online at
EOE, including Disability/Veteran
Specialty Foods Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE) and values diversity. Our EOE policy not only prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any protected category under state, local or federal law, but also reflects our commitment to making all employment decisions without regard to an individual's membership in a protected class. This policy relates to all phases of employment, including, but not limited to, recruiting, employment, placement, promotion, transfer, demotion, termination, rates of pay and other forms of compensation, selection for training, the use of all facilities, and participation in company-sponsored employee activities. As part of its equal opportunity policy, we also take affirmative action in accordance with applicable laws to ensure that women, minorities, protected veterans and individuals with disabilities have opportunities to join and progress within the Company.