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Packing Meat Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Sysco Corporation

Meat Packer

Des Plaines, IL · On-site

$17.50 - $19/hr

US1292 Buckhead Meat Midwest Inc.-Illinois Division Sales Territory: None Zip Code: 60140 Travel Percentage: 0 Compensation Range: $17.50 - $19.00 The compensation range provided is in compliance ...

Sysco Corporation

Meat Packer

Des Plaines, IL · On-site

$10 - $48/hr

US1292 Buckhead Meat Midwest Inc.-Illinois Division Sales Territory: None Zip Code: 60140 Travel Percentage: 0 Compensation Range: $10.00 - $48.00 The compensation range provided is in compliance ...

Chefs' Warehouse

Product Packaging

Chicago, IL · On-site

The packaging team member will be part of a team of employees responsible for packing meat and seafood into pouches and boxes for distribution to our customers. The right employee will have strong ...

Sysco Corporation

Meat Packer

Des Plaines, IL · On-site

$10 - $48/hr

US1292 Buckhead Meat Midwest Inc.-Illinois Division Sales Territory: None Zip Code: 60140 Travel Percentage: 0 Compensation Range: $10.00 - $48.00 The compensation range provided is in compliance ...

AURORA PACKING CO INC

Production Worker

North Aurora, IL

$18.40 - $20.15/hr

... Packing Company policies and procedures. Applicants will be considered for any general production type opening in any department that may include, but not limited to: * Cuts, and trims meat products ...

AURORA PACKING CO INC

Production Worker

North Aurora, IL · On-site

$18.40 - $20.15/hr

... Packing Company policies and procedures. Applicants will be considered for any general production type opening in any department that may include, but not limited to: * Cuts, and trims meat products ...

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All JobsPacking Meat JobsPacking Meat Jobs in Illinois

Packing Meat information

See Illinois salary details

$8

$15

$17

How much do packing meat jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for packing meat in Illinois is $15.59, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.90 and $16.78 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a meat packer do?

A packing meat worker is responsible for preparing, packaging, and labeling meat products for distribution and sale. Their duties often include inspecting meat for quality, operating machinery to cut or wrap meat, and maintaining hygiene and safety standards. They may also be involved in weighing and sorting different cuts of meat, ensuring products meet company and regulatory requirements, and cleaning work areas to prevent contamination. This role is crucial in the food supply chain to ensure that meat products are safely and efficiently delivered to consumers.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a meat packer?

To thrive as a Meat Packer, you need attention to detail, physical stamina, and knowledge of food safety practices, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with meat processing equipment, packaging machinery, and basic inventory systems is typical for this role. Strong teamwork, reliability, and the ability to follow safety protocols are important soft skills. These abilities ensure product quality, workplace safety, and efficient operations in a fast-paced food production environment.

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

Meat packers often face challenges such as working in cold environments, handling sharp tools, and maintaining strict hygiene standards. Staying comfortable in refrigerated areas requires wearing appropriate protective clothing and taking regular breaks. Additionally, attention to detail and following safety protocols are crucial to avoid injuries and ensure product quality. Teamwork and communication with colleagues and supervisors also help in managing workload efficiently and addressing issues promptly.

What is the difference between Packing Meat vs Butcher?

AspectPacking MeatButcher
CredentialsMinimal; often requires food safety trainingFood safety certification, knife skills training
Work EnvironmentProcessing plants, packaging linesButcher shops, meat departments in stores
Industry UsageFood manufacturing, packagingMeat cutting, retail meat sales
Job FocusPreparing meat for packaging and distributionCutting, trimming, and preparing meat for sale

While Packing Meat involves preparing meat products for distribution through packaging, Butchers focus on cutting, trimming, and preparing meat for retail sale. Both roles require knowledge of food safety, but butchers typically need more specialized knife skills and certifications. Packing Meat is more about processing and packaging, whereas butchers work directly with customers and meat preparation.

How much does a packing meat make?

A meat packer typically earns between $12 and $18 per hour, depending on experience, location, and the employer. Some positions may offer overtime pay or benefits, and the job often requires attention to safety standards and the use of specialized tools or equipment.

Is meat packing a hard job?

Meat packing jobs can be physically demanding, involving repetitive tasks, standing for long periods, and handling heavy or sharp equipment. Workers often work in cold environments and may need to follow safety protocols and use protective gear. The job requires physical stamina and attention to safety but can vary in difficulty depending on the specific role and workplace conditions.

What qualifications do you need to be a packing meat?

To work as a meat packer, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent. Physical stamina and the ability to stand for long periods are important, and some employers may require training on food safety and sanitation procedures. Prior experience is not usually necessary but can be beneficial.

What are popular job titles related to Packing Meat jobs in Illinois?

For Packing Meat jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Packing Meat jobs in Illinois look for?

The top searched job categories for Packing Meat jobs in Illinois are:

Packing Meat jobs near you
Infographic showing various Packing Meat job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 63% Full Time, and 37% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $32,428 per year, or $15.6 per hour.

Meat Packer

Sysco Corporation

Des Plaines, IL • On-site

$17.50 - $19/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 21 days ago

Sysco rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 323 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

121st of 366 rated logistics

Job description

Company:
US1292 Buckhead Meat Midwest Inc.-Illinois Division
Sales Territory:
None
Zip Code:
60140
Travel Percentage:
0
Compensation Range:
$17.50 - $19.00
The compensation range provided is in compliance with state specific laws. Factors that may be used to determine your actual rate of pay include your specific skills, years of experience and other factors.
You may be eligible to participate in the Company's Incentive Plan.
BENEFITS INFORMATION:
For information on Sysco's Benefits, please visit https://SyscoBenefits.com
RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Tasks would include boxing and scanning
  • Assist machine operators in running machines and orders through the machine properly (apprentice type situation)

Skills
  • Ability to adjust to sudden changes in customer demands or operational goals
  • Commitment to work until the job is completed
  • Interacts well with others
  • Good team player
  • Results-oriented and detail-oriented
  • Customer-service oriented
  • Able to work safely with machinery, some heavy lifting required
  • Standing for long periods of time, twisted torso all day long, basic ability to read tickets and special requests, ability to recognize cuts of meat, able to write numbers and basic descriptions, basic math, reading and writing skills, able to work in a cold/wet environment fast-paced environment
  • Ability to work in a paced environment
  • Ability to be trained and learn new skills

Work Environment
  • Heavy lifting activities for this employee
  • Standing, walking and reaching are regular activities for this employee.
  • The ability to touch, feel, manipulate fingers and limbs to operate various processing and material handling equipment is necessary
  • The ability to smell is required, in order to detect levels of wholesomeness and spoilage
  • This position requires the candidate to be in refrigerated processing and warehouse areas. These areas are cold and wet and exposure to moving machinery and sharp surfaces are a regular occurrence.
  • Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

OVERVIEW:
Sysco is the global leader in foodservice distribution. With over 71,000 colleagues and a fleet of over 13,000 vehicles, Sysco operates approximately 333 distribution facilities worldwide and serves more than 700,000 customer locations.
We offer our colleagues the opportunity to grow personally and professionally, to contribute to the success of a dynamic organization, and to serve others in a manner that exceeds their expectations. We're looking for talented, hard-working individuals to join our team. Come grow with us and let us show you why Sysco is at the heart of food and service.
AFFIRMATIVE ACTION STATEMENT:
Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States.
We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer, and consider qualified applicants without regard to race, color, creed, religion, ancestry, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, veteran status or any other protected factor under federal, state or local law.
This opportunity is available through Sysco Corporation, its subsidiaries and affiliates.

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