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Meat Technician Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Tamus

Meat Science Laboratory Technician

Prairie View, TX · On-site

$17.25 - $22.75/hr

Job Title Meat Science Laboratory Technician Agency Prairie View A&M University Department Cooperative Agricultural Research Center Proposed Minimum Salary Commensurate Job Location Prairie View ...

Tamus

Meat Science Laboratory Technician

Prairie View, TX · On-site

$17.25 - $22.75/hr

Job Title Meat Science Laboratory Technician Agency Prairie View A&M University Department Cooperative Agricultural Research Center Proposed Minimum Salary Commensurate Job Location Prairie View ...

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How much do meat technician jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for meat technician in the United States is $23.56, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.79 and $24.52 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a meat technician?

A meat technician is a worker responsible for processing, inspecting, and preparing meat products in slaughterhouses or processing plants. They often operate specialized equipment, follow safety and sanitation standards, and may require certifications such as HACCP or food safety training. The role involves ensuring meat quality and compliance with industry regulations.

What is top pay for a meat cutter at Costco?

The top pay for a meat cutter at Costco typically ranges from $20 to $30 per hour, depending on experience, location, and seniority. Experienced meat cutters with certifications or specialized skills may earn higher wages, and Costco often offers benefits and opportunities for advancement.

Is butchering a skilled trade?

Yes, butchering is considered a skilled trade that requires knowledge of meat cuts, proper handling, and safety procedures. Meat technicians often learn through apprenticeships or technical training to develop precision and efficiency in butchering tasks.

What is the difference between Meat Technician vs Meat Inspector?

AspectMeat TechnicianMeat Inspector
CertificationsFood safety, HACCP, USDA certificationsUSDA certification, food safety training
Work EnvironmentProcessing plants, laboratoriesProcessing plants, government facilities
Employer & Industry UsageMeat processing companies, food industryGovernment agencies, regulatory bodies

Meat Technicians focus on processing, quality control, and ensuring safety standards in meat production. Meat Inspectors primarily oversee compliance with regulations, inspecting meat products for safety and quality. Both roles require food safety certifications and work in processing environments, but Meat Inspectors have a regulatory oversight role, often working for government agencies.

What are Meat Technicians?

Meat Technicians are skilled professionals who work in the meat processing industry, ensuring that meat products are prepared, processed, and packaged safely and efficiently. They are responsible for tasks such as inspecting meat for quality, operating processing equipment, adhering to food safety regulations, and sometimes performing basic butchery. Their role is crucial in maintaining product standards and ensuring that consumers receive safe, high-quality meat products. Meat Technicians often work in slaughterhouses, meat processing plants, or food manufacturing facilities.

What are some common challenges Meat Technicians face when working in a fast-paced production environment?

Meat Technicians often encounter challenges such as maintaining strict hygiene standards while keeping up with production quotas. They must carefully handle equipment and meat products to ensure both safety and quality, which can be demanding during peak processing times. Adapting to rapidly changing tasks, collaborating with team members, and following detailed procedures are essential for success. Effective communication and time management skills help overcome these challenges and contribute to a smooth workflow.

What qualifications do you need to be a meat cutter?

To become a meat cutter, individuals typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and on-the-job training or an apprenticeship. Skills in knife handling, knowledge of meat cuts, and familiarity with sanitation standards are important; some employers may prefer candidates with food safety certifications.

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

To thrive as a Meat Technician, you need knowledge of meat processing, food safety standards, and quality control, often supported by a food science or meat technology background. Familiarity with tools such as meat slicers, grinders, packaging equipment, and HACCP systems is typically required. Attention to detail, manual dexterity, and strong teamwork are soft skills that set outstanding Meat Technicians apart. These skills and qualities are crucial for maintaining product quality, ensuring food safety, and supporting efficient operations in meat processing environments.
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What job categories do people searching Meat Technician jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Meat Technician jobs are:
Meat Technician jobs near you
Infographic showing various Meat Technician 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 $49,013 per year, or $23.6 per hour.
Dark Meat Technician-Days

Dark Meat Technician-Days

Simmons Foods

South West City, MO • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 17 days ago

Simmons Foods rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 13 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

143rd of 395 rated food and drinks producers

Job description

PURPOSE OF THE POSITION To be fluent in all dark meat production work on a rotation basis. These include the following jobs: grader, line loader (hangers), scale operator, box maker, batcher, labeler. ESSENTIAL POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES Performs the above positions on the dark meat department. Participates as a member of the Team. Participates in the ongoing development, communication and implementation of team concepts, programs and policies; coordinates work to ensure best practices with all team members. Attends appropriate team meetings. As a member of the Team, fosters strong cohesiveness regarding all major issues; e.g., direction, annual plan, budget, policy changes, etc. Accepts responsibility to quickly identify any areas that lack cohesiveness, bringing them to the attention of the team leader and working with the team in a supportive manner to resolve issues and actively look for ways, and reinforce actions needed, to achieve synergy possible within the larger organization. Simmons Operating systems principles and objectives: Is familiar with Simmons' established operating systems (e.g. quality, security, office environment, company policies, LEAN); understands the responsibility to maintain familiarity with the systems and this position's role in support of these systems - including a consideration of the impact of individual actions on the systems and the responsibility to communicate concerns and improvement ideas. Performs other duties as necessary in support of business objectives: This position description is intended to guide the activities of the person in this position and is not intended to limit the thinking and creativity of the person as to the work of this function nor is it intended that this describes all the work that may be required of the person in this position. Physical Activities: Occasional bending of the neck, lifting/carrying up to 50 pounds. Frequent bending of the waist, twisting at the neck. Constant standing, twisting at the waist, simple grasping, power grasping, pushing/pulling, reaching above, at and below shoulder level, repetitive motion of the shoulders, arms and hands, use of vision. Work Environment: Inside line work around loud equipment/machinery, walking around drains, footbaths, hoses, cold. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Will use waterproof footwear, gloves, apron, hearing protection, hair net(s) and other protective equipment as needed or required. Travel: NA Technical Experience: Preferred experience working around machinery. Industry Experience: To working knowledge of a food processing facility. Minimum Education: Must be able to operate scale operator and labeler with provided training material (verbal and written.)

For immediate consideration of hourly production positions located in the area from Fairland, OK to Jane
and Southwest City, MO please apply in person Monday thru Friday, between 7:00 am and 5:00 pm at:
Simmons Foods Hiring Center
10700 S. State Hwy 43
Southwest City, Missouri
64863
In person applications at our Hiring Center receive priority consideration. You may still apply for positions
online; however please note that positions may be filled at our Hiring Center before our online
applications are reviewed.

What Simmons Foods employees say

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About Simmons Foods

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Simmons Foods, headquartered in Siloam Springs, AR, US, is an established player in the global food processing industry. The company was founded in 1949 by Bill Simmons, and over the decades, it has grown to become a world leader in poultry, pet, and animal nutrition industries. Through its official website (simmonsfoods.com), the company has consistently communicated its commitment to quality, reliable partnerships, and innovative solutions. It specializes in the production and distribution of chicken, pet foods, and specialty pet snacks. Their mission is to be at the forefront of innovation in food products and to provide quality and value to customers and consumers.

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Siloam Springs, AR, US

Year founded

1949

Social media

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