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Union Meat Cutter Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

JBS Imports

PRODUCTION HOURLY

Beardstown, IL · On-site

$28.45/hr

Work with sharp knives or a cutting tool * Willing and capable of working overtime when necessary ... Inspect meat or meat products and/or packaging. * Stay aware of your surroundings and notify a ...

JBS USA

PRODUCTION HOURLY

Beardstown, IL

Work with sharp knives or a cutting tool * Willing and capable of working overtime when necessary ... Inspect meat or meat products and/or packaging. * Stay aware of your surroundings and notify a ...

JBS USA

PRODUCTION HOURLY

Beardstown, IL · On-site

$28.45/hr

Work with sharp knives or a cutting tool * Willing and capable of working overtime when necessary ... Inspect meat or meat products and/or packaging. * Stay aware of your surroundings and notify a ...

JBS USA

PRODUCTION HOURLY

Beardstown, IL · On-site

$28.45/hr

Work with sharp knives or a cutting tool * Willing and capable of working overtime when necessary ... Inspect meat or meat products and/or packaging. * Stay aware of your surroundings and notify a ...

All JobsUnion Meat Cutter JobsUnion Meat Cutter Jobs in Illinois

Union Meat Cutter information

See Illinois salary details

$9

$16

$23

How much do union meat cutter jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for union meat cutter in Illinois is $16.86, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.23 and $18.85 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a union meat cutter?

Union Meat Cutters are skilled workers responsible for cutting, trimming, and preparing various types of meat in retail stores, supermarkets, or meat processing facilities. They are represented by labor unions, which help negotiate better wages, benefits, and working conditions for their members. Union Meat Cutters often work with specialized tools and machinery to portion meat products according to customer or business needs, ensuring quality, safety, and adherence to health regulations. Their union status provides them with job security and access to collective bargaining agreements.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a union meat cutter?

To thrive as a Union Meat Cutter, you need expertise in meat selection, cutting, trimming, and portioning, typically supported by on-the-job training or a vocational certificate. Familiarity with meat cutting tools, band saws, grinders, and safety equipment is critical for daily operations. Attention to detail, teamwork, and strong customer service skills help you excel in meeting both quality standards and customer needs. These skills ensure efficient meat processing, workplace safety, and customer satisfaction in a unionized retail or wholesale environment.

What are some common challenges faced by union meat cutters in a grocery store environment?

Union Meat Cutters in grocery stores often encounter challenges such as maintaining strict food safety standards while working quickly to meet customer demand. Balancing high-volume production with precision in cutting and portioning is essential, especially during busy periods. Additionally, Meat Cutters need to adapt to changing inventory, handle heavy equipment, and collaborate closely with other team members, such as deli staff and department managers, to ensure smooth operations and customer satisfaction.

Do union meat cutters have a union?

Yes, many union meat cutters are members of labor unions such as the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW), which represent workers in the meatpacking and retail meat industry. These unions negotiate wages, benefits, and working conditions on behalf of their members.

Where do union meat cutters get paid the most?

Union meat cutters tend to earn the highest wages in regions with a strong union presence and higher living costs, such as certain metropolitan areas or states with higher minimum wages. Factors like experience, certifications, and the size of the employer also influence pay rates. Generally, unionized meat cutters in larger or more industrialized facilities receive higher compensation.

What are the most commonly searched types of Meat Cutter jobs in Illinois?

The most popular types of Meat Cutter jobs in Illinois are:

What are popular job titles related to Union Meat Cutter jobs in Illinois?

For Union Meat Cutter jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Union Meat Cutter jobs in Illinois look for?

The top searched job categories for Union Meat Cutter jobs in Illinois are:

What cities in Illinois are hiring for Union Meat Cutter jobs?

Cities in Illinois with the most Union Meat Cutter job openings:

Union Meat Cutter jobs near you
Infographic showing various Union Meat Cutter job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 60% Full Time, 38% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,079 per year, or $16.9 per hour.

PRODUCTION HOURLY

JBS Imports

Beardstown, IL • On-site

$28.45/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 12 days ago

Job description

Description
Position at JBS USA
JBS is seeking an hourly Production Team Member! Position starts at $22.20/hr. with the ability to go up to $28.45/hr. plus a $1/hour shift differential.
JBS® Pork is a leader in premium pork products designed to provide customers with a superior eating experience each and every time. Our wide selection of brands including Swift® and Swift Premium®, are well-recognized for their value, freshness and consistency. From our premium fresh natural products to our innovative dry rubbed, ready-to-cook products, JBS Pork offers the solution for your quality pork needs.
JBS is hiring for quality, motivated, people to join the JBS team on our production floor as general laborers.
Applicants should be willing or capable of performing the following jobs in the plant:
  • Work in an area where livestock is being killed
  • Work regularly in temperatures are near or below freezing (Coolers, Loading Dock Freezer)
  • Work in areas with unpleasant odors
  • Work in damp or cold conditions (20-30 Degrees-Fabrication)
  • Work in extreme heat (up to 104 degrees in the kill floor)
  • Work in areas that require you to lift, pull, or push 50 lbs.
  • Work with sharp knives or a cutting tool
  • Willing and capable of working overtime when necessary (Heavy Season- August- February
  • Available to work Day and Nights
  • Willing and capable of working Saturdays
  • Willing and capable of working in or around bloody areas, in a fast pace work environment, performing repetitive hand motions and body movements. Physical demanding jobs may take 5 to 6 weeks for the body to fully adjust to the work conditions, work environment, and job descriptions.

LIFTING/ PUSHING/PULLING - 10 lbs. -50 lbs. production
NEUTRAL WRIST- Repetitive hand motions and grasping.
REACHING - Reaching for product on the conveyor belt with hooks, reaching for boxes, or bags
STANDING - Constant standing for 8 to 10 hours per day, 6 days a week (Loading dock 7 days as needed per schedule.) (2 allowed breaks are scheduled based on the union contract and operational requirements.)
Loading Dock
Heavy Work - Exerting 51 to 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or 26 to 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or 11 to 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects. Physical Demand requirements are in excess of those for Medium Work.
Very Heavy Work - Exerting in excess of 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or in excess of 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or in excess of 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects. Physical Demand requirements are in excess of those for Heavy Work.
Expectations-
Report to work every day at your scheduled start time.
Follow all company policies and procedures.
Follow supervisors and managers instructions.
Have the ability to work with others, and get along with others.
Work to the best of your abilities and have the desire to learn and grow.
Responsibilities:
  • Use assortment of knives, steel, and a hook to perform job tasks.
  • Keep knife sharp: develop good knife sharpening skills. Ask for assistance if needed.
  • Operate heavy equipment.
  • Bag and Box product.
  • Must use proper personal protective equipment effectively.
  • Expected to work hands on at high speed and times to lift over 50 pounds.
  • Must keep work areas clean and follow proper food safety protocols.
  • Must adhere to JBS specifications in product to ensure quality of meat.
  • May have to shave or wash animal meat before packing.
  • Inspect meat or meat products and/or packaging.
  • Stay aware of your surroundings and notify a supervisor if you recognize a hazard.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Working Conditions:
  • Production and maintenance settings
  • Exposure to various chemicals, machinery, and knives
  • Slippery floors, cold temperatures, and loud ambient noise
  • Ability to work 50+ hours
  • Good attendance and safety records

Benefits Include
  • Paid Vacation
  • Medical, dental and vision benefits
  • 401(k) plan
  • Better Futures Program
  • Onsite Cafeteria
  • Career development opportunities

Relationships:
Internal: Employees on the production line and plant management
External: USDA and Union
Comments: The schedule for this position is typically Mon - Fri. Weekend work required as scheduled. During Fall Season, Saturdays are typically scheduled.
EOE/M/F/Vet/Disabled
JBS offers a full range of benefits including health care, life insurance, and a 401 (K) plan.
JBS is an equal opportunity employer.
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.

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