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Meat Processors Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Meat Cutting Operator Location: Lucas, OH Pay: $20-$30/hour based on experience Schedule: 1st Shift ... Process custom orders down to retail and portion cuts, including boning chucks and rounds * Handle ...

Meat Clerk

Auburn, CA · On-site

$16.50/hr

Meat Processing, Wrapping, Pricing, Merchandising, Cleaning, Sanitation, Stocking Deli, Receiving Product, Tracking Invoicing, Maintaining Accurate Inventories. Essential Job Functions: Meat cutting ...

Meat Clerk

Colusa, CA · On-site

$14.25 - $17.50/hr

Meat Processing, Wrapping, Pricing, Merchandising, Cleaning, Sanitation, Stocking Deli, Receiving Product, Tracking Invoicing, Maintaining Accurate Inventories. Essential Job Functions: Meat cutting ...

Meat Clerk

Meadow Vista, CA · On-site

$16 - $19/hr

Meat Processing, Wrapping, Pricing, Merchandising, Cleaning, Sanitation, Stocking Deli, Receiving Product, Tracking Invoicing, Maintaining Accurate Inventories. Essential Job Functions: Meat cutting ...

Meat Clerk

Penn Valley, CA · On-site

$15.50 - $19.25/hr

Meat Processing, Wrapping, Pricing, Merchandising, Cleaning, Sanitation, Stocking Deli, Receiving Product, Tracking Invoicing, Maintaining Accurate Inventories. Essential Job Functions: Meat cutting ...

Meat Cutter

Rockford, MI · On-site

$15 - $18/hr

Meat processing to maintain consistent product movement and customer satisfaction. * Ability to learn and follow the state-mandated sanitation guidelines and company policies. * Ability to operate ...

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Full-Time Meat Market Manager

Tyler, TX · On-site

$50K - $75K/yr

Proven hands-on experience in butchering and meat processing * Strong leadership skills -- able to train, inspire, and manage a team with patience and purpose * A genuine love for people and an ...

Butcher/Meat Cutter

Renner, SD

$14.75 - $19.50/hr

Stay informed about industry regulations, safety guidelines, and best practices related to meat processing and handling. Maintain accurate records of inventory, production, and quality control ...

Meat Cutter

Medina, OH · On-site

$13.50 - $18/hr

Familiarity with weights and measure processes specific to meat processing. * Ability to understand and follow specific safety and sanitation procedures. * Experience in product presentation and ...

Meat Cutter

Medina, OH · On-site

$13.50 - $18/hr

Familiarity with weights and measure processes specific to meat processing. * Ability to understand and follow specific safety and sanitation procedures. * Experience in product presentation and ...

Meat Cutter

Elkhart, IN · On-site

$14.50 - $19.50/hr

Familiarity with weights and measure processes specific to meat processing. * Ability to understand and follow specific safety and sanitation procedures. * Experience in product presentation and ...

Meat Cutter

Greenfield, WI · On-site

$15 - $20/hr

Familiarity with weights and measure processes specific to meat processing. * Ability to understand and follow specific safety and sanitation procedures. * Experience in product presentation and ...

Meat Cutter

Plainfield, IN · On-site

$15 - $19.75/hr

Familiarity with weights and measure processes specific to meat processing. * Ability to understand and follow specific safety and sanitation procedures. * Experience in product presentation and ...

Meat Cutter

Noblesville, IN · On-site

$14.25 - $19/hr

Familiarity with weights and measure processes specific to meat processing. * Ability to understand and follow specific safety and sanitation procedures. * Experience in product presentation and ...

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Meat Processors information

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How much do meat processors jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for meat processors in the United States is $18.24, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.31 and $17.79 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much money do meat processors make?

Meat processors typically earn an average hourly wage of around $12 to $20, with annual salaries ranging from approximately $25,000 to $45,000 depending on experience, location, and specific role. Skilled workers, such as butchers or those with certifications, may earn higher wages, especially in processing plants with advanced equipment and safety standards.

Who are the big 4 meat processors?

The big four meat processors in the industry are Tyson Foods, JBS, Cargill, and Smithfield Foods. These companies are among the largest employers of meat processors and operate large-scale processing plants across the country. They often require workers to follow safety protocols and may require certifications for certain roles.

What are some common challenges meat processors face on the job, and how can they be managed?

Meat processors often encounter challenges such as maintaining strict hygiene standards, working in cold environments, and performing repetitive tasks that require precision and attention to detail. Adhering to safety protocols and using proper protective equipment can help minimize risks and prevent injuries. Many employers provide comprehensive training and encourage regular breaks to support worker well-being. Additionally, teamwork and good communication with supervisors and co-workers are essential for effectively managing workflow and ensuring product quality.

What are meat processors?

Meat processors are workers or companies involved in the preparation, packaging, and distribution of meat products. Their tasks include slaughtering animals, cutting and deboning meat, grinding, curing, and packaging for sale to consumers or retailers. Meat processors play a critical role in ensuring food safety, quality control, and compliance with health regulations throughout the meat production process. They work in various environments such as slaughterhouses, meat packing plants, and food processing facilities.

What jobs pay 4000 a week without a degree?

Meat processors typically do not earn $4,000 a week without specialized experience or supervisory roles. High-paying jobs that can reach this level without a degree often include skilled trades like commercial truck driving, sales positions, or certain construction roles, which may require certifications or on-the-job training. These roles usually involve physical work, technical skills, or sales expertise rather than formal college degrees.

What is the difference between Meat Processors vs Butchers?

AspectMeat ProcessorsButchers
CredentialsFood safety certifications, food handling licensesMeat cutting certifications, food safety licenses
Work EnvironmentProcessing plants, industrial kitchensButcher shops, grocery stores, markets
Employer & IndustryMeat packing companies, processing plantsButcher shops, supermarkets, restaurants
Job FocusProcessing, cutting, packaging meat in large quantitiesCustom cutting, retail sales, customer service

Meat Processors primarily work in processing plants focusing on large-scale meat cutting and packaging, while Butchers typically work in retail settings, preparing meat for customers. Both roles require food safety certifications, but their work environments and job focus differ significantly.

What is a meat processor's job?

A meat processor's job involves preparing, cutting, and packaging meat products for sale. They operate machinery, follow safety and sanitation standards, and may inspect meat for quality and safety. Attention to detail and knowledge of processing techniques are essential in this role.

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 a solid understanding of food safety, meat cutting techniques, and basic math skills, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with meat processing equipment, safety protocols, and sometimes certifications like HACCP are commonly required. Attention to detail, teamwork, and physical stamina are important soft skills in this role. These skills ensure the safe and efficient preparation of meat products while maintaining high standards of quality and workplace safety.
More about Meat Processors jobs
What states have the most Meat Processors jobs? States with the most job openings for Meat Processors jobs include:
Infographic showing various Meat Processors job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 62% Full Time, and 38% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $37,947 per year, or $18.2 per hour.
Meat Cutting Operator

Meat Cutting Operator

JSK Recruiting, Inc

Lucas, OH

$20 - $30/hr

Full-time

Retirement, PTO

Posted 9 days ago


Job description

Meat Cutting Operator
Location: Lucas, OH
Pay: $20–$30/hour based on experience
Schedule: 1st Shift, approximately 6:00 AM–3:00 PM | Monday–FridayAbout the CompanyThis is a well-established, independent meat processing operation serving both wholesale and custom processing markets in north-central Ohio. The facility handles a full range of species and cut types, from primal breakdown on the wholesale side to portion-cut custom orders. The team is hands-on, experienced, and takes real pride in the craft. The company is growing and investing in its facilities, with a new plant expansion underway in the near future.Why This Role Stands Out
  • $20–$30/hour depending on skill level. Top pay for top knife hands.
  • Consistent 1st shift schedule with strong work-life balance
  • Full comprehensive benefits and 401K
  • 100% employer-paid short-term disability
  • Profit-sharing bonus based on annual performance and merit
  • Paid holidays and PTO that grows with tenure
  • Relocation assistance available for the right out-of-area candidate
 Responsibilities
  • Break beef carcasses into primal and subprimal cuts for wholesale distribution
  • Process custom orders down to retail and portion cuts, including boning chucks and rounds
  • Handle grinding, packaging, labeling, and proper storage of finished product
  • Maintain knife sharpness, cleanliness, and sterilization throughout the shift
  • Operate meat processing equipment safely and in accordance with company standards
  • Follow all HACCP and FSIS food safety and sanitation procedures without exception
  • Assist with end-of-shift cleanup and sanitization of the fabrication room and equipment
  • Support cooler organization and load-out for wholesale and custom orders as needed
 Requirements
  • 1+ years of meat cutting or meat processing experience in a processing plant, wholesale operation, or comparable setting
  • Strong primal and subprimal breakdown skills preferred, boning experience on rounds and chucks is a plus (we can train).
  • Solid understanding of food safety, sanitation, and HACCP requirements
  • Physically capable of standing for a full shift, lifting 50+ lbs, and working in a cold environment
  • Reliable, focused, and able to maintain quality output throughout a production shift
  • Experience on a fabrication line at a larger processing facility is welcomed

If you know your way around a meat processing, take pride in your skills, and want to join a team that values the craft, send your resume and let’s connect.
#ZR

Company Description

The team at JSK Recruiting, Inc. prides itself on providing boutique-level services combined with the resources of a larger recruiting firm. We forgo the traditional nine-to-five workday model in favor of complete accessibility. We are here for our clients and candidates when they need us most.
With 12 years of experience in the field of supply chain and manufacturing recruiting, we maintain the relationships that employers are looking for in a recruiting firm as well as those that talented professionals need when they are ready to make a career change.
At JSK Recruiting, we provide complete recruiting services, from sourcing candidates to organizing the interview process. Finding both long-term employees and rewarding careers across manufacturing and supply chain positions has never been easier.