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Poultry Processing Workers Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Production Operator I

Vista, CA · On-site

$20 - $22.25/hr

... poultry processing industry. Headquartered in Vista, California, the company is known for ... Duties include packing various manufactured products and working in a fast-paced environment across ...

Poultry Packer

Vernon, CA · On-site

$10 - $48/hr

This position requires the candidate to be in refrigerated processing and warehouse areas. These ... We're looking for talented, hard-working individuals to join our team. Come grow with us and let us ...

Chicken Processor Location: Los Angeles, CA 90033 Shift: Monday-Friday, 2:00 PM - 10:30 PM Pay Rate ... Working with USDA and HACCP guidelines to ensure compliance with state and federal poultry ...

Process Engineer

Fullerton, CA · On-site

$78K - $120K/yr

Our portfolio includes poultry, beef, egg, alternative protein, salt, oils, starches, sweeteners ... Possesses working knowledge of engineering subject matter * Project management experience.

Process Engineer

Fullerton, CA · On-site

$78K - $120K/yr

Our portfolio includes poultry, beef, egg, alternative protein, salt, oils, starches, sweeteners ... Possesses working knowledge of engineering subject matter * Project management experience.

Process Engineer

Fullerton, CA · On-site

$78K - $120K/yr

Our portfolio includes poultry, beef, egg, alternative protein, salt, oils, starches, sweeteners ... Possesses working knowledge of engineering subject matter * Project management experience.

Cook II

Camp Pendleton, CA · On-site

$24.10/hr

... process. Employment Type: Full-time Pay Range: $24.10 - $24.10 Working with Sodexo is more than a ... Prepare large quantities, by various methods of cooking, meat, poultry, fish, and vegetables ...

Cook II

Camp Pendleton, CA · On-site

$24.10/hr

... process. Employment Type: Full-time Pay Range: $24.10 per hour - $24.10 per hour Working with ... Prepare large quantities, by various methods of cooking, meat, poultry, fish, and vegetables ...

Showing results 21-40

Poultry Processing Workers information

See California salary details

$10

$16

$20

How much do poultry processing workers jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for poultry processing workers in California is $16.39, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.71 and $17.55 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a poultry processing worker?

Poultry processing workers are individuals who work in facilities that prepare chickens, turkeys, and other birds for sale and consumption. Their responsibilities include tasks such as slaughtering, defeathering, cutting, packaging, and inspecting poultry products to ensure quality and safety standards are met. These workers operate various equipment and follow strict hygiene and safety protocols to prevent contamination. The job can be physically demanding and may involve working in cold environments. Poultry processing workers play a key role in getting poultry products from farms to consumers.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a poultry processing worker?

To thrive as a Poultry Processing Worker, you need good manual dexterity, physical stamina, attention to detail, and typically a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with food safety standards, use of knives, cutting tools, and processing machinery is important, and some employers may require basic food handling certifications. Teamwork, reliability, and the ability to follow instructions are crucial soft skills that help workers excel in fast-paced environments. These skills and qualifications ensure the safe, efficient, and high-quality processing of poultry products in compliance with health regulations.

What are some common challenges poultry processing workers face, and how can they be managed on the job?

Poultry processing workers often encounter challenges such as repetitive motions, fast-paced work, and maintaining strict hygiene standards. To manage these demands, it's important to follow proper ergonomic techniques to reduce strain, take scheduled breaks, and adhere closely to safety protocols. Additionally, clear communication with supervisors and team members can help address issues quickly and maintain a supportive work environment. Most employers provide training and personal protective equipment to help workers perform their tasks safely and efficiently.

What is the difference between Poultry Processing Workers vs Meat Processing Workers?

AspectPoultry Processing WorkersMeat Processing Workers
CredentialsMinimal certifications, some may require food safety trainingSimilar certifications, often food safety and sanitation training
Work EnvironmentProcessing plants handling chicken, turkey, or other poultryProcessing plants handling beef, pork, or other meats
Industry UsageCommon in poultry industry, poultry farms, processing plantsCommon in meat industry, slaughterhouses, meat packing plants
Job TasksProcessing, cleaning, and packaging poultry productsButchering, trimming, and packaging various meats

Both Poultry Processing Workers and Meat Processing Workers perform essential roles in food processing, often requiring similar certifications and working in comparable environments. The main difference lies in the type of meat they handle—poultry versus other meats—making their job tasks specialized to their respective products.

What are popular job titles related to Poultry Processing Workers jobs in California?

For Poultry Processing Workers jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Poultry Processing Workers jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Poultry Processing Workers jobs in California are:

Infographic showing various Poultry Processing Workers job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $34,098 per year, or $16.4 per hour.

Meat, Fish & Poultry Clerks in San Jose @ South Bascom Ave

Lunardi's Markets

San Jose, CA • On-site

$18.30 - $30.67/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 24 days ago


Job description

About Us
Lunardi's Markets is a local, family-owned and operated grocery store chain in the San Francisco Bay Area with decades of continuous focus on high-quality products and customer service. We are grateful to our customers as they support our mission, which allows us to care for our employees.
About You (Must be 18 years of age)
We are looking for warm and friendly individuals who like to interact with customers to provide unmatched customer service. Applicants must be reliable and display positive attitude, be able to work in an environment that can at times be very fast paced, and be able to multi-task while observing high standards of safety and quality. Employment with Lunardi's Markets is ideal for applicants who are self-motivated, have an eye for detail, like the challenge of learning new skills, enjoy interacting with people, work well as part of a team, take pride in doing a great job, and are willing to grow within the organization.
About Compensation and Benefits
  • All available roles are for union jobs with competitive pay and benefits.
  • Pay rates will be negotiated during employment interview and will be determined upon the applicant's level of experience.

About Available Roles
We are looking for candidates for several roles depending on their interest, experience and skill set. Please note the description of the available roles below are not designed to cover or contain comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employees for these roles. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time.
  • Meat/ Fish & Poultry Clerks
  • No experience required. On-the-job training provided.
  • Provide excellent customer service, address the needs of customers in a timely and effective manner.
  • Accurately process customer transactions via the scale equipment.
  • Ensure product is rotated, within date, and properly displayed on shelves.
  • Receive, unload, and organize products in the cutting room, walk-in cooler, and freezer.
  • Clean cases and shelves, set up displays.
  • Follow sanitation and safety guidelines for all meat preparation areas, tools, and equipment.
  • Operate backroom equipment, including the pallet jacks and cardboard balers.
  • Act with honesty and integrity regarding customers and company policies.
  • Protect the safety of oneself, co-workers, and customers at all times, and reports safety-related accidents and incidents to management immediately.

  • Meat Cutters/ Fish & Poultry Cutters
  • Experience required.
  • All duties, responsibilities, and activities listed above for Meat/ Fish & Poultry Clerks.
  • Set up and break down meat, seafood, and gourmet cases.
  • Cutting and preparation of beef, pork, lamb, poultry, seafood, and sausages. Cut and prepare special orders for customers.
  • Preparation and grinding of beef, pork, lamb, poultry, and sausages.
  • Receive, unload, and put away product deliveries.
  • Maintain food safety procedures along with cleaning and sanitizing all meat, seafood, gourmet preparation areas, tools and equipment.

Physical Requirements:
  • Must be able to regularly lift at least 50 lbs.
  • Standing: Up to 8 hours per day.
  • Walking: Up to 8 hours per day.
  • Reaching/ Bending: Up to 8 hours per day.

Why should you apply?
  • Passion for food and people.
  • Outstanding customer service.
  • You would like to join a local, family-owned company who values you.
  • You get to enjoy and rely on competitive benefits.
  • You'll have opportunity to learn, grow and advance in your career.