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Usda Meat Inspection Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Smithfield Foods

FSQA NSIS Technologist

Denison, IA

... meat inspection system. Unlike traditional methods, NSIS shifts more control to the establishment ... OTHER SKILLS THAT MAKE YOU STAND OUT:2+ years' experience (Harvest processing, USDA inspector, or ...

Smithfield Foods

FSQA NSIS Technologist

Denison, IA

... meat inspection system. Unlike traditional methods, NSIS shifts more control to the establishment ... OTHER SKILLS THAT MAKE YOU STAND OUT: * 2+ years' experience (Harvest processing, USDA inspector ...

Bridges Staffing

Butcher/Meat Cutter

Grand Bay, AL · On-site

$18 - $24/hr

USDA Beef Processing Facility Hiring Butchers in Grand Bay, AL. Job Details: * Pay Range: $18-$24 ... Inspect meat according to federal and health department standards. * Prepare specialty meat items ...

Tyson Foods

General Manager Maintenance

Hope, AR · On-site

... meat inspection and OSHA requirements; interpret and enforce company policies; assist in the ... Knowledge of OSHA USDA HACCP Safety Security Sanitation Quality yields cost and efficiencies strong ...

Shop - Ebels General Store

Retail Meat Cutter

Falmouth, MI · On-site

$13.50 - $18/hr

Receive, inspect, and properly store meat products to ensure quality and freshness. * Load and ... Perform all work in compliance with company handbook, sanitation SOPs, and USDA/FSIS regulations.

Shop - Ebels General Store

Retail Meat Cutter

Evart, MI · On-site

$13.50 - $18/hr

Receive, inspect, and properly store meat products to ensure quality and freshness. * Load and ... Perform all work in compliance with company handbook, sanitation SOPs, and USDA/FSIS regulations.

Shop - Ebels General Store

Retail Meat Cutter

Evart, MI · On-site

$13.50 - $18/hr

Receive, inspect, and properly store meat products to ensure quality and freshness. * Load and ... Perform all work in compliance with company handbook, sanitation SOPs, and USDA/FSIS regulations.

Noo-Kayet Investments

Meat Processor

Bremerton, WA · On-site

$18 - $21/hr

Inspect meat products for quality and report any concerns to supervisors * Assist with inventory ... Knowledge of USDA and local health department regulations What We Offer * Competitive hourly wage ...

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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.

Supervisory Consumer Safety Inspector

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)

Greeley, CO • On-site

$74K/yr

Other

Posted 12 days ago

Job description

Public Service Loan Forgiveness Programis available.
Shifts and species will vary based on assignment. For add'l information call:
Crete, NE: Dr. Suh Niba @ 308-380-9667
Fort Morgan, CO / Greeley, CO: Dr. Emilia Smith @ 970-732-1376
Gordon, NE: Mr. Steven Perry @ 308-227-7953
Employee will primarily work in one plant but may be detailed to any shift at any plant in the Denver District.Qualifications:Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements (including time-in-grade restrictions, specialized experience and/or education) by the closing date of the announcement, as defined below.
Time in grade: Applicants must meet one year at the next lower grade to be considered for the next higher grade (e.g. one year at the GS-10 grade level for consideration at the GS-11 grade level.)
For the GS-11 level: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-10 level) that demonstrates:
  • Experience that provides knowledge of slaughter, processing, and inspection of meat, poultry, or egg products. Experience may include applying either the Federal Meat Inspection Act (FMIA), the Poultry Products Inspection Act (PPIA), or the Egg Products Inspection Act (EPIA) and/or the Humane Methods of Slaughter Act (HMSA) to ensure safety and wholesomeness of meat, poultry, and egg products intended for human consumption and enforce/implementation of regulatory requirements.
  • Skill to tactfully communicate with internal and external stakeholders (such as Noncompliance records, emails, verification reports, verbal/written communication to advise establishment personnel/colleagues/supervisors/consumers/academia to notify or inform about food safety or personnel, comments during work unit meetings).
  • Skill or ability to lead a team, supervise and/or provide direct oversight of the work of others or subject matter (related to food safety or ingestible items)
For more information on the qualifications for this position, click here.
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional, philanthropic, religious, spiritual, community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.Education:

There is no educational substitute for experience for this position.

Employment Type: OTHER

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