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Usda Meat Inspection Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Jensen Meat

QA Supervisor

Riverside, CA · On-site

$32 - $35/hr

... USDA regulated meat production divisions. This position plays a critical role in maintaining ... Dual inspection experience preferred) • Strong knowledge of GMP, HACCP, FSMA, SQF, USDA/FDA ...

JBS USA

QA/FOOD SAFETY SUPERVISOR

Green Bay, WI

... Supervision, USDA (meat), and all employeesEnsures food safety, human resources, and safety ... inspectors regarding product, employees, safety, etc. Ensure compliance to HACCP plan for all ...

Curtze Food Service

2nd Shift Meat Packer

Erie, PA

Conform to all relevant USDA standards as they apply to the position * Conduct operations in a ... Perform daily inspection checks of machinery, following all appropriate safety procedures * Perform ...

Curtze Food Service

2nd Shift Meat Packer

Erie, PA

Conform to all relevant USDA standards as they apply to the position * Conduct operations in a ... Perform daily inspection checks of machinery, following all appropriate safety procedures * Perform ...

Curtze Food Service

2nd Shift Meat Packer

Erie, PA

Conform to all relevant USDA standards as they apply to the position * Conduct operations in a ... Perform daily inspection checks of machinery, following all appropriate safety procedures * Perform ...

Curtze Food Service

2nd Shift Meat Packer

Erie, PA · On-site

$20.10/hr

Conform to all relevant USDA standards as they apply to the position * Conduct operations in a ... Perform daily inspection checks of machinery, following all appropriate safety procedures * Perform ...

RUPRECHT CO

2nd Team Lead- Pack Off

Mundelein, IL

Role and Responsibilities Perform daily visual walk around inspections of all equipment to observe ... USDA meat & poultry jurisdiction. All Kilcoy team members are responsible for food safety and ...

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How much do usda meat inspection jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 24, 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.

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 is the highest salary of a food inspector?

The highest salary for a USDA meat inspector can exceed $70,000 annually, especially for experienced inspectors or those in supervisory roles. Salaries vary based on location, experience, and level of responsibility, with some inspectors earning over $80,000 with overtime and benefits.

What do meat inspectors make?

Meat inspectors working for the USDA typically earn a median annual salary of around $50,000 to $70,000, depending on experience, location, and level of responsibility. Salaries can increase with experience, certifications, and supervisory roles, and inspectors often work in regulated environments that require adherence to safety standards and inspection procedures.

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 does it take to become a USDA meat inspector?

To become a USDA meat inspector, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, pass a background check, and complete specialized training provided by the USDA. They must also pass written and practical exams, and often have some experience in meat processing or food safety. Certification and ongoing training are required to maintain employment in this role.

How long does it take to become a meat inspector?

Becoming a USDA meat inspector typically requires completing a training program that lasts several weeks to a few months, followed by on-the-job training and passing a certification exam. Candidates usually need a high school diploma or equivalent, and some experience in meat processing or food safety can be beneficial.
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Usda Meat Inspection jobs near you
Infographic showing various Usda Meat Inspection job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,697 per year, or $22.5 per hour.

Retail Meat Cutter

Shop - Ebels General Store

Reed City, MI • On-site

$15 - $18/hr

Full-time

Posted 21 days ago

Job description

Ebels General Store is seeking an experienced and dependable Full-Time Meat Cutter for our Reed City location. This position plays a key role in our retail operations by preparing high-quality meat products, maintaining attractive display cases, and providing excellent customer service. Each member of the retail meat team helps uphold Ebels' reputation for freshness, quality, and cleanliness while ensuring compliance with all food safety and sanitation standards.

Compensation for this position ranges from $15.00 to $18.00 per hour, based on experience, skills, and qualifications.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Cut, trim, grind, and prepare meats for retail display and customer orders.
  • Weigh, wrap, price, label, and merchandise meat products in display cases.
  • Shape, lace, and tie roasts by hand using knives, skewers, and twine.
  • Operate meat saws, grinders, knives, and other meat-processing equipment safely.
  • Receive, inspect, and properly store meat products to ensure quality and freshness.
  • Load and unload meat coolers and display cases; rotate product as needed.
  • Transport meat from production areas to retail areas by hand or cart.
  • Provide courteous, knowledgeable service to retail customers, including answering questions and cutting meat to order.
  • Clean, sanitize, and maintain equipment, tools, and work areas throughout the day and during end-of-day breakdown.
  • Perform all work in compliance with company handbook, sanitation SOPs, and USDA/FSIS regulations.
  • Maintain Ebels' high standards for food safety, sanitation, and product presentation.
  • Other duties may be assigned as needed.

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