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How much do poultry processing workers jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for poultry processing workers in the United States is $16.61, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.90 and $17.79 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are poultry processing workers?

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 is a poultry processing worker?

A poultry processing worker is an employee involved in the slaughter, processing, and packaging of poultry products such as chicken or turkey. They typically work in slaughterhouses or processing plants, using tools and machinery to perform tasks like deboning, trimming, and quality inspection, often following safety and hygiene standards. The job may require standing for long periods and adhering to strict safety protocols.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Poultry Processing Worker, and why are they important?

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 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 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.

How much do chicken processors make?

Chicken processing workers typically earn an average hourly wage of around $12 to $15, which can translate to approximately $25,000 to $31,000 annually for full-time employment. Wages vary based on experience, location, and the specific employer, and workers often perform repetitive tasks in a fast-paced environment requiring safety training and adherence to hygiene standards.

What jobs pay 4000 a week without a degree?

Poultry processing workers typically do not earn $4,000 a week; such high wages are uncommon in this role. Jobs that can pay this amount without a degree often include specialized trades like commercial pilots, certain sales positions, or skilled trades such as electricians or plumbers with experience. These roles may require certifications, on-the-job training, or apprenticeships but not necessarily a college degree.

What is the qualification for poultry processing?

Poultry processing workers typically need a high school diploma or equivalent. Basic skills in handling equipment, attention to safety protocols, and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment are important; some positions may require training on specific tools or machinery used in processing plants.
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Poultry Processing Workers jobs near you
Infographic showing various Poultry Processing Workers job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% As Needed, 13% Full Time, 79% Part Time, and 4% Temporary. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $34,551 per year, or $16.6 per hour.
Poultry Processing Supervisor

Poultry Processing Supervisor

Wayne Farms LLC

Kinston, NC

Full-time

Posted 15 days ago

Job description

PRIMARY FUNCTION: The Poultry Processing Supervisor supervises production line/ department personnel to ensure all procedures are followed in compliance with Company policies (i.e. HACCP, SSOPs, GMPs, etc.) and Federal and State regulations (i.e. USDA, OSHA, etc.) while achieving the highest level of productivity and maintaining customer specifications and satisfaction.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND TASKS:

  • Manage production line/department by establishing procedures and adjusting as necessary to meet production schedules, increase efficiencies and meet or exceed budget objectives
  • Deploy and rotate personnel in the most effective manner to optimize efficiency and facilitate ergonomics to ensure production schedules are met
  • Ensure daily reporting is accurately completed and recorded as required (i.e. departmental reports, attendance/staffing, yields, etc.)
  • Identify and communicate opportunities for process optimization (throughput, waste reduction, product quality, ergonomics, etc.) and/or reduce/eliminate repeat deficiencies (i.e. hold product, accidents, downtime, etc.)
  • Lead or participate in the planning and implementation of process improvements, monitor improvement metrics and respond to unfavorable trends
  • Partner with Quality Assurance to ensure a food safe and sanitary environment following all specifications and USDA requirements
  • Mentor, coach and train/ cross-train employees encouraging career development; provide consistent feedback concerning strengths and areas in need of improvement
  • Administer performance improvement plans and disciplinary actions on a fair and consistent basis
  • Follow and promote all safety initiatives, (i.e. wear and ensure others wear appropriate PPE in area where mandatory) helping to maintain a zero accident culture
  • Work corroboratively with other departments/shifts ensuring departmental or location goals are met or exceeded
  • Learn, understand and adhere to current Union negotiated contract if applicable
  • Perform additional duties as assigned

SUPERVISOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • This role supervises up to 100 employees
  • This role is a Leader of People role with required competencies: Sizing up People, Delegation, Planning, Customer Focus and Conflict Management

EDUCATION and CERTIFICATIONS:

  • High School diploma or equivalent; Associate's degree with relevant college course work preferred

EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS:

  • Minimum one (1) years' experience within a manufacturing setting; three (3) years' experience in food manufacturing or poultry industry preferred
  • Demonstrated one (1) years' leadership experience including knowledge of timekeeping requirements, policy adherence, Top 25 behaviors, conflict resolution and the ability to resolve issues efficiently and effectively; three (3) years' experience preferred
  • Working knowledge of poultry processing, food safety regulations, OSHA guidelines, GMP and HACCP.
  • Must have the ability to effectively communicate in English, both verbal and written, with internal and external customers in a timely and professional manner; ability to communicate in multiple languages preferred
  • Strong attention to detail, organizational skills with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects
  • Proficient computer and math skills
  • Self-starter who demonstrates strong initiative and sense of urgency, with the ability to work in a fast paced environment
  • Strong organizational skills

SAFETY REQUIREMENTS:

  • Follow and ensure others follow departmental and company safety policies and programs
  • Wear required protective equipment in all areas where mandatory

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

  • Ability to work non-standard or extended shifts including nights, weekends, and/or holidays as needed
  • Ability to be exposed to noise (>85 decibels), CO2, and moving production
  • Ability to move about throughout shift
  • May be exposed to heat (99F, 37C) and cold (45F, 4C)
  • Exposure to wet and/or dusty environment
  • Work around live and/or raw animal odors

 We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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