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How much do poultry processing jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for poultry processing in the United States is $14.99, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.66 and $15.38 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.

More about Poultry Processing jobs
What cities are hiring for Poultry Processing jobs? Cities with the most Poultry Processing job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Poultry Processing jobs? The most popular types of Poultry Processing jobs are:
What states have the most Poultry Processing jobs? States with the most job openings for Poultry Processing jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Poultry Processing jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Poultry Processing jobs are:
Poultry Processing jobs near you
Infographic showing various Poultry Processing job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $31,178 per year, or $15 per hour.
Poultry Line Associate - 1st & 2nd Shift

Poultry Line Associate - 1st & 2nd Shift

Wayne Farms LLC

Pendergrass, GA

$18.85/hr

Full-time

Posted 7 days ago

Job description

SHIFT DETAILS:

  • Pay: Starting at $18.85/hr
  • Benefits available Day 1
  • On the Job training

PRIMARY FUNCTION: The Line Associate is responsible for the disassembly of poultry and may perform a wide variety of poultry processing related tasks as they rotate on the production line.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND TASKS:
Learn and perform production related tasks surrounding poultry processing such as debone or evisceration
Perform all duties in compliance with Company policies and procedures, agency guidelines (i.e. NCC Animal Welfare, U.S.D.A, etc.) and Federal, State and local legal requirements
Follow all safety protocols and wear required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) (i.e. non-slip footwear, earplugs, hair and beard nets, hardhats, etc.) correctly at all times in areas requiring PPE helping to promote a zero accident culture
Perform additional relevant duties as assigned

EDUCATION and CERTIFICATIONS:
High School diploma or equivalent preferred but not required

EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS:
Previous poultry experience preferred

SAFETY REQUIREMENTS:
Follow departmental and company safety policies and programs
Wear required protective equipment in all areas where mandatory

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
Ability to work non-standard shifts (weekends, holidays and extended shifts) as needed
Ability to lift up to 50 lbs occasionally
Exposure to wet and cold environment, and work around raw and/or animal odors
Exposure to noise of > 85 decibels, CO2 and moving equipment



 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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