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Poultry Processing Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Pilgrim's

Poultry Production Hourly

Broadway, VA

$18.05 - $21.90/hr

Process poultry products using tools, manual labor, and equipment according to USDA and Pilgrim's standards. * Monitor equipment operation and report malfunctions or safety concerns promptly.

Perdue Farms

Jockey Driver - 2nd Shift

Prince George, VA · On-site

$19.50 - $25.25/hr

Experience in a poultry processing/manufacturing environment.Physical Requirements and Environmental FactorsWorks outdoors year-round in seasonal temperatures with noise exposure of 96.2 db; light ...

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Poultry Processing information

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How much do poultry processing jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for poultry processing in Virginia is $14.86, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.52 and $15.24 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced in poultry processing roles, and how can new employees prepare for them?

Poultry processing roles often involve working in fast-paced environments with repetitive tasks, strict hygiene standards, and temperature-controlled settings. New employees may find it challenging to adapt to standing for long periods, handling raw poultry, and meeting productivity targets. To prepare, it's helpful to focus on physical stamina, learn proper safety and sanitation protocols, and communicate proactively with team members and supervisors. Many facilities offer on-the-job training and emphasize teamwork to help newcomers acclimate successfully.

What is poultry processing?

Poultry processing is the series of steps involved in preparing poultry, such as chickens or turkeys, for consumption. This includes slaughtering, defeathering, eviscerating, cleaning, and packaging the meat for distribution. The process is carried out in specialized facilities called poultry processing plants, which follow strict hygiene and safety regulations to ensure food quality and safety. Workers in poultry processing may operate machinery, inspect products, and handle tasks on the production line.

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

To thrive in Poultry Processing, you need a strong understanding of food safety protocols, basic animal handling, and physical stamina, often with a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with industrial processing equipment, safety gear, and tools like knives or automated machinery is typically required. Attention to detail, teamwork, and the ability to work efficiently under pressure are key soft skills for this role. These skills are crucial to ensure product quality, workplace safety, and effective operation within high-volume processing environments.

What is the difference between Poultry Processing vs Poultry Butchering?

AspectPoultry ProcessingPoultry Butchering
CredentialsTypically no formal certifications required, but food safety training is commonSimilar; food safety and knife skills are essential
Work EnvironmentFactories or processing plants with machinery and assembly linesButcher shops, processing plants, or farms, often involving manual work
Industry UsageUsed broadly in poultry industry for large-scale processingMore specific to cutting, portioning, and preparing poultry

Both roles involve handling poultry, but poultry processing focuses on the entire processing line, including slaughter, cleaning, and packaging, often in large-scale facilities. Poultry butchering emphasizes manual cutting, portioning, and preparing poultry for sale or cooking. While they share similar skills and environments, poultry processing covers a broader scope within the industry.

What are popular job titles related to Poultry Processing jobs in Virginia? For Poultry Processing jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Poultry Processing jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Poultry Processing jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Poultry Processing jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Poultry Processing job openings:
Poultry Processing jobs near you
Infographic showing various Poultry Processing job openings in Virginia as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 54% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 7% Temporary, and 24% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $30,910 per year, or $14.9 per hour.
Poultry Production Hourly

Poultry Production Hourly

Pilgrim's

Broadway, VA

$18.05 - $21.90/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 29 days ago

Pilgrim's rating

5.8

Company rating: 5.8 out of 10

Based on 126 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

306th of 380 rated food and drinks producers

Job description

Description

Production Hourly
 
 
At Pilgrim’s, Safety Is A Condition, which means the safety of our team members comes first - always.
 
Join our production team and play a vital role in delivering safe, high-quality poultry products to customers. In this hands-on position, you’ll work on the processing line performing tasks such as cutting, trimming, packaging, and/or inspecting products to meet strict food safety and quality standards. You’ll operate equipment, maintain a clean work area, and follow all safety and biosecurity guidelines. This is a fast-paced environment where attention to detail and teamwork are key. If you’re dependable, willing to learn, and ready to grow with a company committed to excellence, this is your opportunity to make an impact!
 
Responsibilities: 
  • Process poultry products using tools, manual labor, and equipment according to USDA and Pilgrim’s standards.
  • Monitor equipment operation and report malfunctions or safety concerns promptly.
  • Maintain a clean, organized work area and follow all safety, food safety, and animal welfare guidelines.
  • Support team members by sharing skills and knowledge while promoting a positive work atmosphere.
  • Participate in continuous improvement and problem-solving initiatives.
  • Perform other duties as assigned to meet production and quality goals.
  • Demonstrate flexibility by performing tasks in different areas of production as needed.
  • Other duties as assigned.
 
What You’ll Need: 
  • Education: High School Diploma/GED preferred.
  • Experience: Poultry or food industry experience is a plus.
  • Skills: Ability to multitask and work quickly, have good communication skills, ability to comprehend simple instructions and apply common sense, and must be a team player and be willing to work close to other employees at some stations. (Less than 3 feet apart.) 
  • Physical requirements: Ability to work in cool temperatures (around 40 degrees), ability to stand and use hands for 8-11 hours per day and lift 50 bs or more.
 
Why Work for Pilgrim’s? 
  • Schedule: Monday-Friday with some weekend work required;
  • Benefits: Vision, Medical, and Dental coverage begin after 60 days of employment;
  • Paid Time Off: Sick leave, vacation, company observed holidays or, any other statutorily required paid leave
  • 401(k): company match begins after the first year of service and follows the company vesting schedule;
  • Base hourly salary rate of $18.05-$21.90 with a $1.00 shift differential for 2nd and 3rd shift
  • Perfect attendance incentive of $2.00 extra per hour for perfect attendance;
  • Career Development: Our company is dedicated to supporting professional growth by offering continuous learning opportunities and a focus on career growth through various learning and development programs;
  • Better Futures 
 
The Company is dedicated to ensuring a safe and secure environment for our team members and visitors. To assist in achieving that goal, we conduct drug, alcohol, and background checks for all new team members post-offer and prior to the start of employment. The Immigration Reform and Control Act requires that verification of employment eligibility be documented for all new employees by the end of the third day of work.
 
About us: Pilgrim’s is a leading global food company with more than 62,000 team members worldwide. The company processes, prepares, packages, and delivers fresh, frozen, and value-added food products for customers in more than 100 countries. Pilgrim’s operates protein processing plants and prepared foods facilities in 14 states, Puerto Rico, Mexico, the U.K, the Republic of Ireland and continental Europe.
 
Our mission: To be the best in all that we do, completely focused on our business, ensuring the best products and services to our customers, a relationship of trust with our suppliers, profitability for our shareholders and the opportunity of a better future for all of our team members.
 
Our core values are: Availability, Determination, Discipline, Humility, Ownership, Simplicity, Sincerity
 
EOE, including disability/vets 
 
Unsolicited Assistance: JBS and its companies do not accept unsolicited assistance from any recruitment vendors for any of our open jobs. All resumes or candidate profiles submitted by recruitment vendors or headhunters to any employee at JBS and its companies or via the applicant tracking system, in any form without a valid written request and search agreement previously approved by HR, will be solely owned by JBS and its companies. No fees will be paid should the candidate be hired by JBS and its companies because of an unsolicited referral.

What Pilgrim's employees say

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About Pilgrim's

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Pilgrim's is a leading global provider of high-quality food products, including well-recognized brands and value-added premium products. As one of the world's largest poultry producers, Pilgrim's has provided wholesome, quality products to customers and consumers for more than seven decades. It's our passion for excellence that continues to drive us to be the best, and we seek opportunities to diversify and grow.

Industry

Animal farming

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Greeley, CO, US

Year founded

1946

Social media

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