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Usda Meat Inspection Jobs (NOW HIRING)

A.N. Deringer

Meat Inspection Shift Lead

Champlain, NY · On-site

$20 - $24/hr

Prepares meat for inspection according to USDA regulations. * Maintains inspection log. * Resolves problems including: locations of shipments, bad health certificates, rescheduling employees to meet ...

Parker County Beef Company

Be Seen First

USDA Butcher

Springtown, TX · On-site

$17.25 - $20/hr

The USDA Butcher plays a crucial role in meat processing, primarily handling beef to ensure quality ... meat cutting, rigorous quality inspection, and maintaining sanitation and safety standards. The ...

Tag'z Meats

Meat Cutter

Murfreesboro, TN · On-site

$18 - $23/hr

Follow strict food safety and sanitation guidelines (HACCP, USDA standards, proper temperature ... Receive and inspect incoming meat shipments for quality and accuracy. Price products accurately and ...

Tag'z Meats

Meat Cutter

Murfreesboro, TN · On-site

$18 - $23/hr

Follow strict food safety and sanitation guidelines (HACCP, USDA standards, proper temperature ... Receive and inspect incoming meat shipments for quality and accuracy. Price products accurately and ...

Tag'z Meats

Meat Cutter

Murfreesboro, TN · On-site

$18 - $23/hr

Follow strict food safety and sanitation guidelines (HACCP, USDA standards, proper temperature ... Receive and inspect incoming meat shipments for quality and accuracy. Price products accurately and ...

Red Barn Meats, Inc.

Meat Cutter

Croghan, NY · On-site

$15.75 - $21/hr

We have built a reputable customer base providing both USDA and custom meat processing as well as ... Pre-operational inspection of equipment for cleanliness Setting up equipment Cut, grind, and ...

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Usda Meat Inspection information

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How much do usda meat inspection jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for usda meat inspection in the United States is $22.45, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.43 and $24.52 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Is it hard to become a food inspector?

Becoming a USDA meat inspector requires completing specific training, passing written and practical exams, and often obtaining relevant certifications. The process involves understanding food safety regulations, inspection procedures, and sometimes working in a regulated environment, which can be competitive but is structured to ensure qualified candidates are prepared for the role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a USDA Meat Inspector, and why are they important?

To thrive as a USDA Meat Inspector, you need a solid understanding of food safety regulations, animal science, and inspection procedures, typically supported by relevant training or an associate degree in a related field. Familiarity with inspection tools, laboratory testing equipment, and USDA data management systems is essential. Attention to detail, integrity, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for identifying violations and coordinating with plant personnel. These skills and qualities ensure the safety and quality of meat products, protecting public health and maintaining regulatory compliance.

What are USDA meat inspectors and what do they do?

USDA meat inspectors are professionals employed by the United States Department of Agriculture to ensure that meat and poultry products are safe, wholesome, and correctly labeled and packaged. They inspect facilities that process meat and poultry, examine animals before and after slaughter, and verify that sanitary and safety standards are maintained. Their work helps to protect public health by preventing contaminated or unfit meat from entering the food supply. Inspectors also enforce federal regulations and may collect product samples for laboratory analysis.

What is the difference between Usda Meat Inspection vs Meat Processing Technician?

AspectUsda Meat InspectionMeat Processing Technician
CertificationsUSDA certification, food safety trainingFood safety, equipment operation, sometimes USDA or state certifications
Work EnvironmentInspection stations, slaughterhouses, processing plantsProcessing plants, production lines, meat packaging facilities
Job FocusInspecting meat for safety, compliance, and qualityProcessing, packaging, and handling meat products

While both roles work within the meat industry, USDA Meat Inspection focuses on ensuring meat safety and compliance through inspection, whereas Meat Processing Technicians handle the processing and packaging of meat products. Both require food safety knowledge, but USDA Meat Inspectors primarily perform oversight and compliance checks, often with USDA certification, in inspection environments. Meat Processing Technicians are more involved in the production process, operating equipment and preparing meat for sale.

What are some common challenges faced by USDA Meat Inspectors during daily inspections?

USDA Meat Inspectors often encounter challenges such as maintaining strict attention to detail while inspecting high volumes of products, adapting to varying facility conditions, and staying current with evolving regulations. They must ensure food safety by identifying potential contamination or non-compliance, sometimes under time constraints or in fast-paced environments. Collaboration with plant staff and effective communication are essential for addressing issues and ensuring corrective actions are implemented promptly.
What cities are hiring for Usda Meat Inspection jobs? Cities with the most Usda Meat Inspection job openings:
What states have the most Usda Meat Inspection jobs? States with the most job openings for Usda Meat Inspection jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Usda Meat Inspection jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Usda Meat Inspection jobs are:
Usda Meat Inspection jobs near you
Infographic showing various Usda Meat Inspection job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, and 6% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,697 per year, or $22.5 per hour.
Meat Inspection Shift Lead

Meat Inspection Shift Lead

A.N. Deringer

Champlain, NY • On-site

$20 - $24/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

Job description

This is a second shift, Monday through Friday position with a 3:00PM to 11:30PM schedule.This position is responsible for maintaining a clean, sanitary meat inspection facility, scheduling and assigning shift employees in cleaning the facility, preparing meat for inspections, and resolving customer and transportation problems.Job Responsibilities:
  • Performs and directs shift employees in general sanitation and cleaning tasks at the facility.
  • Operates cleaning equipment, including floor machine, steam machine, and shampoo- carpet machine.
  • Prepares meat for inspection according to USDA regulations.
  • Maintains inspection log.
  • Resolves problems including:  locations of shipments, bad health certificates, rescheduling employees to meet staffing needs.
  • Stays up-to-date on all USDA regulations and changes.
  • Closes and locks up facility after thorough sanitation.
  • May be assigned or cross trained in duties similar to current duties.
  • Inspects facility and writes up SSOP report daily in order to open facility.
  • Trains new employees in meat inspection operations.
  • Backs up meat inspection supervisor when out.
  • Supervision of meat inspection employees.
  • Performs additional duties as assigned by management.

Required Qualifications:

  • Highschool diploma/GED
  • Previous Supervisory experience 
  • Proficient in basic math skills
  • Familiar with Microsoft Office Suites
  • Computer proficiency

Preferred Experience:

  • Previous warehousing experience
  • Previous experience in food preparation
The hourly range of compensation for this position is $20-$24Competencies:All Deringer employees should be fully committed to the Core Values:Passion, Respect, Integrity, Expertise, Innovative Solutions, Relationships, Support, Determination, Value and a High Level of Accountability In addition, the following competencies are specific to this position:
Analytical – Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness; applies feedback to improve performance; monitors own work to ensure quality; gathers and analyzes information skillfully; demonstrates ability to multi-task and establish priorities.
Customer Oriented – Manages difficult or emotional customer situations; responds promptly to customer needs; solicits customer feedback to improve service; demonstrates ability to speak clearly and persuasively in positive and negative situations; listens and gets clarification; responds well to questions. 
Interpersonal Skills – Focuses on solving conflict, not blaming; maintains confidentiality; listens to others without interrupting; keeps emotions under control; remains open to others’ ideas and tries new things; takes responsibility for own actions; contributes to building a positive team spirit; supports everyone’s efforts to succeed.
Motivation – Sets and achieves challenging goals; demonstrates persistence and overcomes obstacles; measures self against standard of excellence; takes calculated risks to accomplish goals.
Problem Solving – Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; develops alternative solutions; works well in group problem-solving situations; uses reason even when dealing with emotional topics.  
Work Standards – Sets high standards and well-defined realistic goals for oneself; displays a high level of effort and commitment towards completing tasks in a timely manner; demonstrates the ability to work independently; meets deadlines and handles large volumes of work.
Working Conditions and Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear.The employee frequently is required to stand; walk; and stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl.The employee is occasionally required to sit and climb or balance.The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 75 pounds, frequently lift and/or move fifty to seventy-five pounds, and frequently lift and/or move more than one hundred pounds.Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly exposed to moving mechanical parts.The employee is frequently exposed to high, precarious places and fumes or airborne particles.The employee is occasionally exposed to outside weather conditions; extreme cold; extreme heat and vibration. The noise level in the work environment is usually loud.Ready to join our team? A.N. Deringer offers comprehensive health, dental, and vision plans in addition to many excellent voluntary health and wellness benefits. We offer generous paid time off, including paid holidays, and promote flexibility in your work environment to assure a positive integration of work and life. Disclaimer: The above job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of the work being performed by people assigned to this role and is not an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. Deringer reserves the right to amend and change responsibilities to meet business and organizational needs as necessary.  

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