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Usda Meat Grader Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Trim and customize portions of meat products using knives, band saws or other meat production ... Knowledge of poultry, beef, lamb, and pork products including USDA grades and standards.

Trim and customize portions of meat products using knives, band saws or other meat production ... Knowledge of poultry, beef, lamb, and pork products including USDA grades and standards.

Trim and customize portions of meat products using knives, band saws or other meat production ... Knowledge of poultry, beef, lamb, and pork products including USDA grades and standards.

Trim and customize portions of meat products using knives, band saws or other meat production ... Knowledge of poultry, beef, lamb, and pork products including USDA grades and standards.

Trim and customize portions of meat products using knives, band saws or other meat production ... Knowledge of poultry, beef, lamb, and pork products including USDA grades and standards.

Trim and customize portions of meat products using knives, band saws or other meat production ... Knowledge of poultry, beef, lamb, and pork products including USDA grades and standards.

Trim and customize portions of meat products using knives, band saws or other meat production ... Knowledge of poultry, beef, lamb, and pork products including USDA grades and standards.

Trim and customize portions of meat products using knives, band saws or other meat production ... Knowledge of poultry, beef, lamb, and pork products including USDA grades and standards.

Trim and customize portions of meat products using knives, band saws or other meat production ... Knowledge of poultry, beef, lamb, and pork products including USDA grades and standards.

Trim and customize portions of meat products using knives, band saws or other meat production ... Knowledge of poultry, beef, lamb, and pork products including USDA grades and standards.

Master Meat Cutter

Buffalo, NY · On-site

$25 - $26/hr

Trim and customize portions of meat products using knives, band saws or other meat production ... Knowledge of poultry, beef, lamb, and pork products including USDA grades and standards.

Trim and customize portions of meat products using knives, band saws or other meat production ... Knowledge of poultry, beef, lamb, and pork products including USDA grades and standards.

Trim and customize portions of meat products using knives, band saws or other meat production ... Knowledge of poultry, beef, lamb, and pork products including USDA grades and standards.

Trim and customize portions of meat products using knives, band saws or other meat production ... Knowledge of poultry, beef, lamb, and pork products including USDA grades and standards.

Trim and customize portions of meat products using knives, band saws or other meat production ... Knowledge of poultry, beef, lamb, and pork products including USDA grades and standards.

Trim and customize portions of meat products using knives, band saws or other meat production ... Knowledge of poultry, beef, lamb, and pork products including USDA grades and standards.

Trim and customize portions of meat products using knives, band saws or other meat production ... Knowledge of poultry, beef, lamb, and pork products including USDA grades and standards.

Trim and customize portions of meat products using knives, band saws or other meat production ... Knowledge of poultry, beef, lamb, and pork products including USDA grades and standards.

Trim and customize portions of meat products using knives, band saws or other meat production ... Knowledge of poultry, beef, lamb, and pork products including USDA grades and standards.

Trim and customize portions of meat products using knives, band saws or other meat production ... Knowledge of poultry, beef, lamb, and pork products including USDA grades and standards.

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Usda Meat Grader information

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$9

$17

$30

How much do usda meat grader jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 15, 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 degree do you need to be a food safety inspector?

To become a USDA meat grader or food safety inspector, a high school diploma or equivalent is typically required, with many positions preferring or requiring postsecondary education such as an associate's or bachelor's degree in food science, agriculture, or a related field. Relevant certifications and training in food safety standards, such as HACCP, are also important for employment in this role.

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.

How to become an USDA meat grader?

To become an USDA meat grader, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, relevant work experience in meat processing or quality inspection, and must pass a federal meat grading exam. Training is provided by the USDA, and graders often work in slaughterhouses or processing plants, using tools like inspection and grading standards to assess meat quality and safety.

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.

What is the highest paid agricultural job?

In the agricultural industry, senior roles such as agricultural managers, farm owners, and specialized consultants tend to have the highest salaries. For example, experienced farm managers or agribusiness executives often earn six-figure incomes, especially with advanced skills, certifications, and management responsibilities.

What education do you need to be a meat inspector?

To become a USDA meat grader, applicants typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, along with relevant experience in meat processing or grading. Some positions may require post-secondary education or specialized training in meat science or food safety, and certification from the USDA is often necessary. Strong attention to detail and knowledge of meat quality standards are essential for the role.
More about Usda Meat Grader jobs
What cities are hiring for Usda Meat Grader jobs? Cities with the most Usda Meat Grader job openings:
What states have the most Usda Meat Grader jobs? States with the most job openings for Usda Meat Grader jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Usda Meat Grader jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Usda Meat Grader jobs are:
Infographic showing various Usda Meat Grader job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, and 33% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $35,535 per year, or $17.1 per hour.
Master Meat Cutter

$25 - $26/hr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 15 days ago


US Foods rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 228 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

102nd of 341 rated logistics


Job description

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES  

  • 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 product labels.

  • Read and understand cut tickets. 

  • Set up the cutting room as required.

  • Keep cutting rooms and surrounding area clean and sanitized.

  • Follow company GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) to maintain sanitary conditions.

  • Train and mentor junior level cutters in basic skills improvement

  • Work continually in a refrigerated environment 35°F- 45°F.

  • Complete miscellaneous other duties as assigned.

  • Finish time is when work is completed and could require overtime without notice.

RELATIONSHIPS

  • Internal: The incumbent is required to interact with employees, sales, and management at levels of responsibility throughout the company in a professional manner.

  • External: N/A

WORK ENVIRONMENT

  • Onsite: Must be able to work continually in a refrigerated environment 35°F- 45°F.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

  • Skilled as a specialty meat cutter using knives required. 

  • Minimum (5) years’ experience as a meat cutter including middle meats such as filets and ribeye.

  • Experience with band saws, laser portion machinery or other meat production equipment is required.

  • Ability to work in a fast-paced production environment. 

  • Must be able to read, write and communicate in English as it relates to the job and to the safety regulations. 

  • Must have basic math skills (add, subtract, multiply, divide)

  • Ability to read and understand customers specifications and do basic math functions.

EDUCATION

  • High school diploma or GED equivalent preferred.  

CERTIFICATIONS/TRAINING

  • Knowledge of poultry, beef, lamb, and pork products including USDA grades and standards.

  • Knowledge of NAMA guidelines and product cut numbers required.

PHYSICAL QUALIFICATIONS

  • Must be able to perform the following physical activities for the described length of time.

OCCASIONALLY: 1% - 33 / FREQUENTLY: 34% - 66% / CONTINUOUSLY: 67% - 100% or NEVER

JOB REQUIRES WORKER TO:

FREQUENCY:

STAND: CONTINUOUSLY

WALK: OCCASIONALLY

DRIVE VEHICLE: N/A

SIT: OCCASIONALLY

LIFT

1-10 lbs (Sedentary): OCCASIONALLY

11-20 lbs (Light): FREQUENTLY

21-50 lbs (Medium): FREQUENTLY

51-100 lbs (Heavy): OCCASIONALLY

Over 100 lbs (Very Heavy): N/A

CARRY

1-10 lbs (Sedentary): OCCASIONALLY

11-20 lbs (Light): OCCASIONALLY

21-50 lbs (Medium): FREQUENTLY

51-100 lbs (Heavy): OCCASIONALLY

Over 100 lbs (Very Heavy): N/A

PUSH/PULL 1: FREQUENTLY

CLIMB/BALANCE 2: FREQUENTLY

STOOP/SQUAT: FREQUENTLY

KNEEL: FREQUENTLY

BEND: FREQUENTLY

REACH ABOVE SHOULDER: OCCASIONALLY

TWIST: FREQUENTLY

GRASP OBJECTS 3: CONTINUOUSLY

MANIPULATE OBJECTS 4: FREQUENTLY

MANUAL DEXTERITY 5: FREQUENTLY

1 (Push/Pull: Hand truck, gate, straps, metal ramp, truck door, dolly, boxes, truck gear shift)

2 (Climb/Balance: In/Out Truck/Trailer to cab. On/Off ramp to ground level and side doorsteps and Platform of trailer. Stairs)

3 (Grasp Objects: Hand truck, boxes, cartons, steering wheel)

4 (Manipulate Objects: Boxes, dolly, metal truck ramp, hand truck, paperwork, truck gate, straps)

5 (Manual Dexterity: Typing, use of office machines such as copiers, printers)

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 $25.00-$26.00/Hour. This role may also receive overtime compensation

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. 


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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