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Meat Processor Jobs in Kentucky (NOW HIRING)

Kroger

SEAFOOD/LEAD CLERK

Paducah, KY · On-site

$11.25 - $15/hr

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 ...

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Meat Processor information

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$4

$15

$21

How much do meat processor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 8, 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.

More about Meat Processor jobs
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:
Meat Processor jobs near you
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.

Meatcutting Worker

Careers with DeCA | Commissaries

Fort Campbell, KY

$20.73/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 22 days ago

Job description

Serves as the Meatcutting Worker in a Defense Commissary Agency (DeCA) location. The primary purpose of this position is to Assist full performance meatcutters by performing the simpler tasks when processing beef, pork, veal, and lamb into retail and ready-to-eat cuts for sale to patrons.
This is an open-continuous announcement with an established initial cut-off date 14 days after the open date of the announcement. Please see the "How You Will Be Evaluated" section for more information.Qualifications:You must meet qualifications and requirements by the closing date. Per the OPM Qualification System for Trades and Labor Occupations, how you gained the skill and/or knowledge or the length of time you have spent in this line of work is not as important as what you can do and that you have the required ability or potential to successfully perform the duties of this position. Your resume should show your specific knowledge, skill, and abilities for this position in relation to each of the elements being measured.
Examples of qualifying experience:
  • Working in the retail meat department traying, wrapping and weighing meat for sale to patrons.
  • Cutting, trimming and boning meat.
  • Using hand tools and operating powered meat cutting equipment.

You will receive credit for all relevant qualifying experience (paid and unpaid), including volunteer work done through National Service program (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social).
Physical requirements: (1) Continuously walk, stand, bend, stoop, stretch, and reach. (2) Lift up to 50 pounds independently and occasionally over 50 pounds with assistance. You will attest to your ability to perform these physical requirements in the Questionnaire.
As part of the online application process, you will respond to a series of questions designed to evaluate what you can do against what the work requires (job element method). This job has one critical element, called the screen-out element (SOE). The SOE addresses the critical knowledge, skill, and abilities essential to satisfactory job performance. Applicants who clearly fail to meet the lowest acceptable requirement in the SOE are rated ineligible and receive no further consideration. The job elements for this job are:
  • Ability to do the Work of the Position Without More than Normal Supervision
  • Dexterity and Safety
  • Work Practices (includes keeping things neat, clean and in order)
  • Ability to Interpret Instructions, Specifications, etc. (other than blueprints)
  • Materials
  • Technical Practice
  • Use and maintain hand and power tools
Overtime: Occasional
Bargaining Unit Status: varies by location
Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA): Nonexempt
Obligated Position: No
Those retired under CSRS or FERS considered: No. DoD criteria not met.
Work environment: May be subject to temperature changes based on opening and closing doors, working on loading docks, outside, and in refrigerated rooms. May be exposed to hot or cold weather, damp conditions, or drafty conditions. There is a danger of minor cuts, scrapes, bruises or heat sealer burns.
Telework eligible: No
Remote work eligible: NoEducation:You may not use education to qualify for this position.Employment Type: OTHER

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