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Poultry Processing Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Perdue Farms

Shipping Loader

Bridgewater, VA · On-site

$19.30/hr

Works at various stations along the production line processing poultry food products. * Adheres to all safety requirements including PPE (Personal Protective Equipment), preventing and reporting ...

Perdue Farms

Shipping Loader

Bridgewater, VA · On-site

$19.30/hr

Works at various stations along the production line processing poultry food products. * Adheres to all safety requirements including PPE (Personal Protective Equipment), preventing and reporting ...

Farmer Focus

Boiler Operator

Harrisonburg, VA · On-site

$33 - $40/hr

Prior experience in a food processing, poultry processing, manufacturing, or production environment. * Experience supporting energy conservation initiatives, system improvements, or preventive ...

Farmer Focus

IT Admininstrator

Harrisonburg, VA · On-site

Experience supporting IT systems in manufacturing, production, food processing, poultry processing, or plant environment. * Experience supporting production technology, including scales, scan guns ...

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Poultry Processing information

See Virginia salary details

$9

$14

$16

How much do poultry processing jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 4, 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 81% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $30,910 per year, or $14.9 per hour.
Shipping Loader

Shipping Loader

Perdue Farms

Bridgewater, VA • On-site

$19.30/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Perdue Farms rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 97 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

257th of 389 rated food and drinks producers

Job description

Perdue Foods has a goal of becoming the most trusted name in premium proteins by creating products for consumers and for retail and foodservice customers around the globe while changing the way animals are raised for food. It is part of Perdue Farms, a fourth-generation, family-owned food and agricultural business deeply rooted in tradition yet with a forward-thinking mindset. We believe that success starts with our people, and our culture is built on a foundation of teamwork, integrity, and respect, where every voice matters and everyone is encouraged to contribute to our shared goals. We are dedicated to creating a supportive, inclusive environment where associates feel valued and inspired to make an impact, both within the company and in the communities we serve. From promoting growth and development to prioritizing work-life balance, we’re committed to helping our team members thrive. That's Perdue.

Summary

Join our team as a Shipping Loader and help move our products to the finish line! In this fast-paced, hands-on role, you’ll play a key part in getting high-quality products safely loaded and ready for delivery. You’ll use power equipment to load trailers accurately, support efficient shipment flow, and ensure documentation is completed with precision. If you thrive in an active environment, enjoy working with a team, and take pride in keeping products moving safely and on time, we’d love to have you on board!

This position has a base rate of $19.30 per hour, with opportunities for pay premiums, shift differentials and overtime where applicable. Annual bonus available (variable depending on performance). 

In addition to hourly wages, Perdue offers a competitive benefits package, including medical/Rx, 401(k) with employer match after 1 year, critical illness, accident insurance, dental, vision, life insurance, optional group life insurance, short-term and long-term disability protection, flexible spending accounts and paid time off.  

Principal Essential Duties & Responsibilities 

  • Works at various stations along the production line processing poultry food products. 

  • Adheres to all safety requirements including PPE (Personal Protective Equipment), preventing and reporting unsafe acts and conditions, Lockout-Tagout procedures and Process Safety Management related matters. 

  • Maintains clean and safe working environment. 

  • Participate in Company and department safety programs. 

  • Operate an electric jack to load 2,500 cases of palletized products per 8-hour shift. 

  • Document on a load diagram of what products are put on trailers, and in what position and quantity. 

Minimum Education and Experience 

  • Minimum of 6 months of consecutive work history with one employer within the past 3 years in a comparable field. 

  • Licensed or becoming licensed to operate a powered industrial vehicle after certified instruction. 

Preferred Education and Experience 

  • High School or equivalent is beneficial but not required. 

  • Experience in a poultry processing/manufacturing environment. 

Physical Requirements and Environmental Factors 

When in a plant environment:  

  • Exposure primarily consists of wet and moist floors which include metal and plastic grating surfaces.  

  • May be exposed to temperatures of 28 degrees to 100 degrees Fahrenheit with both ambient and100% humidity.  

  • May handle products from 25 degrees to 50 degrees Fahrenheit.  

  • May be exposed to noise ranges of 50db to 110 db.  

  • May be exposed to dust, feathers and all chemicals used in poultry, food, processing facility.  

  • Must wear and use protective and safety equipment required for the job as directed by the Company.  

  • Occasional exposure to carbon dioxide vapors 10ppm and chlorine less than 20 ppm.  

  • Able to stand for several hours.  

  • Work may include lifting (up to 50 lbs), reaching, bending, pushing boxes on conveyor assembly.

Perdue Farms Inc. is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status

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