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Packing Meat Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Smithfield Foods

Packer - 3rd Shift

Sioux Center, IA · On-site

$20.40/hr

What You'll Do General Production employees will work with hand tools, knives, machinery and other equipment to process meat products for the consumer. These positions can be physically demanding and ...

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Packing Meat information

How much do meatpackers make?

Meatpackers typically earn an average hourly wage of around $13 to $17, with annual salaries ranging from approximately $27,000 to $35,000. Wages can vary based on experience, location, and the specific employer, and the job often requires physical stamina and knowledge of safety protocols.

How much do picker packers get paid?

Picker packers typically earn between $12 and $18 per hour, depending on experience, location, and the employer. Some positions may offer overtime pay or bonuses, especially in warehouse or meat packing facilities that operate in shifts or require specific skills.

What does a packing meat worker 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, and why are they important?

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 jobs make $3,000 a day?

High-paying jobs that can earn $3,000 a day include specialized roles such as surgeons, anesthesiologists, corporate lawyers, and senior executives. These positions typically require advanced education, significant experience, and often involve high-stakes decision-making or specialized skills. In some cases, freelance consultants or successful entrepreneurs may also reach this level of daily income.

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 must follow safety protocols to prevent injuries. The job requires attention to detail and physical stamina but can vary in difficulty depending on the specific role and work setting.

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.

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 are popular job titles related to Packing Meat jobs in Iowa? For Packing Meat jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Packing Meat jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Packing Meat jobs in Iowa are:
What cities in Iowa are hiring for Packing Meat jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most Packing Meat job openings:
Packing Meat jobs near you
Infographic showing various Packing Meat job openings in Iowa as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, and 13% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.
Packer - 3rd Shift

Packer - 3rd Shift

Smithfield Foods

Sioux Center, IA • On-site

$20.40/hr

Other

Re-posted 20 days ago

Job description

If you are currently employed at Smithfield, please log into Workday and submit your application through the Jobs Hub.
Have a seat at our table. When you join Smithfield, you become part of something special - a company that's sustainably feeding people around the world, producing good food the right way with respect for our people, animals, communities and planet. With opportunities across locations and functions, a culture grounded in our Core Four values - gratitude, communication, respect and accountability - and a strong commitment to learning, collaboration, and innovation, Smithfield offers challenging and rewarding careers where you can grow, contribute and make a real impact. Apply Now!
Your Opportunity
A great job and a great future await you at Smithfield Foods. As the world's largest pork processor and largest hog producer in the United States. We're looking for motivated people who want to join our team and grow lasting and meaningful careers with us.
Our team members receive industry-leading wages and are eligible for great benefits packages:
  • Hourly Competitive Starting Pay - $20.40/hour
  • $1.00/hour shift differential for 3rd shift
  • Comprehensive Health Insurance, Retirement Benefits and More.
In addition, we offer opportunities for career growth and professional development.
The Value You'll Bring
As a General Production team member at Smithfield Foods, you'll play a key role in delivering safe, high-quality food by performing essential production tasks and supporting your coworkers. Your reliability, attention to detail, and strong work ethic will help us meet our standards for safety, quality, and teamwork every day.
You'll contribute to a positive work environment, help maintain a safe and efficient production line, and ensure our products reach families across America. Your dedication and willingness to learn will make a real difference-both to your team and to our mission of delivering good food, responsibly.
What You'll Do
General Production employees will work with hand tools, knives, machinery and other equipment to process meat products for the consumer. These positions can be physically demanding and require good hand-eye coordination, and attention to detail. Production team members must be able to work their scheduled shift and may be required to work overtime depending on production demands.
Physical Demands & Work Environment
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals to perform the essential functions.
All applicants must be at least 18 years of age.
Applicants must be willing and able to:
  • Understand and follow oral and written instructions
  • Perform a task requiring continuous/repetitive movement, including grasping, pinching hands, flexing, and extending arms
  • Stand on concrete and/or platforms for up to a 12-hour shift
  • Work around animal blood and/or carcass parts
  • Work with a knife (if trained)
  • Work in cold areas (approximately 20-40 degrees) and/or warm areas (over 100 degrees)
  • Work in an environment that is wet and humid
  • Work while wearing a hard hat, hearing/eye protection, and steel-toed safety shoes
  • Work in a noisy environment using personal protective equipment (PPE)
  • Work with sanitation/cleaning chemicals
  • Work around strong smells/odors
  • Climb/move on ladders, steps, stairways, walkways and platforms
  • Bend, stoop, and twist repetitively over the course of an entire shift
  • Walk long distances
  • May require certification in order to operate various pieces of equipment required for the position
  • This work is physically demanding and can require the use of some or all body parts and muscle groups. Some positions may require repetitive overhead lifting up to 30 lbs, single lifting of heavy objects which can weigh up to 60 lbs, or lifting of objects using mechanical assistance.
  • Additional essential functions may be applicable to specific jobs.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. May perform other duties as assigned.
IndSPR-Ops
Relocation Package AvailableNo
EEO Information
Smithfield is an equal opportunity employer committed to workplace diversity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, gender identity, protected veterans status, status as a disabled individual or any other protected group status or non-job characteristic as directed by law.
If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment selection process, please call us at 757-357-1595.

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