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Usda Meat Grader Jobs (NOW HIRING)

US Foods

Meat Cutter

Blasdell, NY · On-site

$26/hr

Knowledge of poultry, beef, lamb, and pork products including USDA grades and standards.Knowledge ... To review available benefits, please click here: -NY/LCustom-Meat-Cutter_R276025-1 ?source=BT

US Foods

Master Meat Cutter

Buffalo, NY · On-site

$29/hr

Count and stack cut meat portions on trays per customer and company specifications. * Label portion ... Knowledge of all poultry, beef, lamb, and pork products including USDA grades and standards.

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 ...

US Foods

Custom Meat Cutter

Greensburg, PA · On-site

$22 - $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 ...

US Foods, Inc.

Custom Meat Cutter

Greensburg, PA · On-site

$22 - $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 ...

US Foods, Inc.

Custom Meat Cutter

Blasdell, NY · On-site

$26 - $27/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 ...

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)

$40K/yr

Smith@usda.gov Employee may be detailed to any shift at any plant in the Philadelphia District ... See specific grade level specialized experience definitions below. For the GS-05 Level: Applicants ...

University of Arizona

Food Specialist II

Tucson, AZ · On-site

$18.15 - $22.69/hr

Responsibilities involve the preparation of meat, adherence to safety and sanitation standards, and ... Work in accordance to USDA regulations, HACCP, SSOP and GMP standards. * Work with student, staff ...

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Usda Meat Grader information

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How much do usda meat grader jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 26, 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a USDA Meat Grader, and why are they important?

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 some 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.

What are USDA Meat Graders?

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.
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Usda Meat Grader jobs near you
Infographic showing various Usda Meat Grader job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 66% Full Time, 29% Part Time, 3% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,535 per year, or $17.1 per hour.
Meat Cutter

Meat Cutter

US Foods

Blasdell, NY • On-site

$26/hr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 27 days ago

US Foods rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 241 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

95th of 358 rated logistics

Job description

$26.00/Hour, Benefits on Day 1!
  • Trim and customize portions of meat products using knives, band saws or other meat production equipment.
  • Count and stack on tray portions per customer and company specifications.
  • Label portion with supplied number product labels.
  • Set up cutting room as required.
  • Keep cutting room and surrounding area clean and sanitized.
  • Follow company GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) to maintain sanitary conditions.
  • Work continually in a refrigerated environment 35°F- 45°F.
  • Complete miscellaneous other duties as assigned.

Education/Training:
  • High school diploma or GED equivalent preferred. Incumbent must have the ability to work in a fast paced production environment.
  • Finish time is when work is completed and could require overtime with our without notice.

Related Experience/Requirements:
  • Skilled as a specialty meat cutter using knives required; minimum (1) year experience as a meat cutter. Experience with band saws, laser portion machinery or other meat production equipment is preferred.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:
  • Knowledge of poultry, beef, lamb, and pork products including USDA grades and standards.Knowledge of NAMA guidelines and product cut numbers, i.e. 1184F vs 1184B is required.
  • Must be able to work continually in a refrigerated environment 35°F- 45°F

Compensation depends on relevant experience and/or education, specific skills, function, geographic location, and other factors as applicable by law. The expected base rate for this role is between  $21.00-$22.00/hour.
Benefits for this role may include health insurance, pre-tax spending accounts, retirement benefits, paid time off​ , short-term and long-term disability, employee stock purchase plan, and life insurance. To review available benefits, please click here: https://www.usfoods.com/careers/benefits.html. 
https://usfoods.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/usfoodscareersExternal/job/Blasdell-NY/LCustom-Meat-Cutter_R276025-1
?source=BT

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About US Foods

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

US Foods® is one of America's great food companies and a leading foodservice distributor, partnering with approximately 300,000 restaurants and foodservice operators to help their businesses succeed. With nearly 28,000 employees and more than 70 locations, we provide our customers with a broad and innovative food offering and a comprehensive suite of e-commerce, technology and business solutions.

Industry

Food services and drinking places

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Rosemont, IL, US

Year founded

1853

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