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Usda Meat Grader Jobs (NOW HIRING)

US Foods

Meat Cutter

Lexington, NC · On-site

$23/hr

Knowledge of poultry, beef, lamb, and pork products including USDA grades and standards. PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: * Experience with band saws, laser portion machinery or other meat production ...

Gourmet Ranch LLC

Meat Trimmer - Stock Yards

Houston, TX · On-site

$17 - $19/hr

Prepare high quality cuts of meats according to customer specifications using company standards and ... Knowledge of USDA grades and standards. LICENSES N/A EDUCATION N/A PHYSICAL QUALIFICATIONS ...

Gourmet Ranch LLC

Meat Trimmer - Stock Yards

Houston, TX · On-site

$17 - $19/hr

Prepare high quality cuts of meats according to customer specifications using company standards and ... Knowledge of USDA grades and standards. LICENSES N/A EDUCATION N/A PHYSICAL QUALIFICATIONS ...

Gourmet Ranch LLC

Meat Trimmer - Stock Yards

Houston, TX · On-site

$17 - $19/hr

Prepare high quality cuts of meats according to customer specifications using company standards and ... Knowledge of USDA grades and standards. LICENSES N/A EDUCATION N/A PHYSICAL QUALIFICATIONS ...

US Foods, Inc.

Custom Meat Cutter

Lexington, NC · On-site

$23 - $24/hr

Knowledge of poultry, beef, lamb, and pork products including USDA grades and standards. PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS * Experience with band saws, laser portion machinery or other meat production ...

Mississippi State University

Salary Grade: 13 Please see Staff Compensation Structure or Skilled Crafts and Service Maintenance ... Comply, develop, maintain, and oversee all procedures involving USDA FSIS. * Train and supervise ...

US Foods, Inc.

Master Meat Cutter

Lexington, NC · On-site

$25 - $26/hr

Prepare high quality cuts of meat according to customer specifications using company standards and ... Knowledge of poultry, beef, lamb, and pork products including USDA grades and standards.

Tyson Foods

General Manager Carcass Merchandising

Holcomb, KS · On-site

$43K - $53K/yr

... Meats beef operations. This role provides direct leadership, direction, and oversight to Sr Supervisor Carcass Merchandisers and their direct reports to ensure accurate USDA grade application ...

US Foods, Inc.

Meat Cutter Custom - Stock Yards

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$15.15 - $21.08/hr

Knowledge of poultry, beef, lamb, and pork products including USDA grades and standards. LICENSES * N/A PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS * Experience with band saws, laser portion machinery or other meat ...

USDA-FSIS

Consumer Safety Inspector

Fort Plain, NY · On-site

See specific grade level specialized experience definitions below. For the GS-05 Level: Applicants ... of meat, poultry, and processed egg products. USDA is a great place to start or continue your ...

New

Fort McCoy Meat LLC

Customer Service & Inside Sales

FL · On-site

$17 - $23/hr

Strong knowledge of the food and meat industry, including understanding customer expectations, USDA ... Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and the ability to understand various grades, selections, and ...

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Usda Meat Grader information

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How much do usda meat grader jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for usda meat grader in the United States is $17.08, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $11.54 and $20.19 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a USDA Meat Grader?

USDA Meat Graders are trained professionals who inspect and evaluate the quality of meat products, such as beef, pork, and lamb, based on established federal standards. They assess factors like marbling, color, texture, and maturity to assign official grades that help determine the value and marketability of the meat. Employed by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), these graders ensure that meat products meet safety and quality regulations, which benefits both consumers and producers. Their work is essential for maintaining the integrity and consistency of the meat supply chain.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a USDA Meat Grader?

To thrive as a USDA Meat Grader, you need a solid understanding of meat science, grading standards, and inspection procedures, typically supported by relevant agricultural or animal science education and USDA training. Familiarity with grading tools, inspection forms, and database systems like the USDA Livestock Mandatory Reporting program is essential. Attention to detail, integrity, and strong observational and communication skills help ensure accurate assessments and compliance with regulations. These skills are critical for maintaining food quality, safety, and consumer trust in the meat industry.

What are common challenges faced by USDA Meat Graders in their daily work, and how can they be addressed?

USDA Meat Graders often encounter challenges such as working in cold environments, maintaining concentration during repetitive tasks, and ensuring consistent application of grading standards. Staying alert and detail-oriented is key, as their decisions directly impact product quality and market value. Building strong communication with plant staff and participating in ongoing training can help address these challenges, ensuring accuracy and efficiency in grading. Adapting to the physical demands of the role and staying updated on regulatory changes are also important for long-term success.

What is the difference between Usda Meat Grader vs Meat Inspector?

AspectUsda Meat GraderMeat Inspector
CertificationsUSDA certification, Meat Grading certificationUSDA certification, Meat Inspection certification
Work EnvironmentMeat processing plants, grading facilitiesProcessing plants, regulatory agencies
Employer & Industry UsageMeat packing companies, USDAUSDA, government agencies, meat processing facilities

While both roles require USDA certification and work in meat processing environments, a USDA Meat Grader primarily assesses meat quality and assigns grades, whereas a Meat Inspector focuses on ensuring meat safety and compliance with regulations. The roles are complementary but distinct in their responsibilities within the meat industry.

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Usda Meat Grader jobs near you
Infographic showing various Usda Meat Grader job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, and 19% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $35,535 per year, or $17.1 per hour.

Scale Operator 5 - B Shift - Finney County Plant

Holcomb, KS • On-site

Tyson Foods
Food and Drink Manufacturing • 10K+ employees
Learn more about Tyson Foodsexternal

$13.75 - $17.75/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 9 days ago

Tyson Foods rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 558 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Job Details:

SUMMARY:

This position is responsible for accurate input of carcass data at the grade scale. Accurate operation and capture of rib eye images with the grading camera. Accurate stamping of USDA quality grades markings on beef carcass sides which have been designated and communicated by the USDA Meat Graders via computer monitor and verbally.

REQUIREMENTS:

Education: High School diploma or equivalent preferred.

Good communication skills and able to communicate well. Good mathematical skills, 10-key experience, self-motivated, and a good attendance record.

Experience: One plus year experience preferred.

Computer Skills: Basic computer skills preferred.

Communication Skills: Must be able to communicate with all level of Team Members.

Applicants who do not attach a resume with qualifications will not be considered.

**Preference given to internal qualified candidates currently employed at this facility followed by candidates from other Tyson facilities then external candidate**

Relocation Assistance Eligible:

No

Work Shift:

B Shift (United States of America)

Certain roles at Tyson require background checks. If you are offered a position that requires a background check you will be provided additional documentation to complete once an offer has been extended.

Hourly Applicants ONLY -You must complete the task after submitting your application to provide additional information to be considered for employment.


The successful candidate(s) must be willing and able to perform the physical requirements of the job with or without a reasonable accommodation.


Tyson is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, national origin, color, religion, age, genetics, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or veteran status.


We provide our team members and their families with paid time off; 401(k) plans; affordable health, life, dental, vision and prescription drug benefits; and more.


If you would like to learn more about your data privacy rights and how you may use that information, please read our Job Applicant Privacy Notice here.


Unsolicited Assistance: Tyson Foods and its subsidiaries do not accept unsolicited support from external recruitment vendors for open positions within the United States. Any resumes or candidate profiles submitted by recruitment vendors or headhunters to any employee or applicant tracking system at Tyson Foods or its subsidiaries, without a valid written request and search agreement approved by HR, will be considered the property of Tyson Foods. No fees will be paid if the candidate is hired due to an unsolicited referral.

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