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Usda Meat Inspector Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

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How much do usda meat inspector jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for usda meat inspector in Chicago, IL is $23.15, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.06 and $25.29 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a USDA Meat Inspector?

USDA Meat Inspectors are trained professionals employed by the United States Department of Agriculture to ensure that meat and poultry products are safe, wholesome, and properly labeled for human consumption. They inspect animals before and after slaughter to check for signs of disease or contamination and enforce federal regulations regarding food safety and sanitation in processing plants. Their work helps protect public health by preventing unsafe or contaminated products from reaching consumers.

What are some common challenges faced by USDA Meat Inspectors in their daily work?

USDA Meat Inspectors often face challenges such as maintaining strict adherence to safety and sanitation standards in fast-paced processing environments. They must stay vigilant to identify potential hazards or violations while balancing the need to keep production lines moving efficiently. Inspectors also navigate regular communication with plant management and workers, sometimes needing to enforce regulations that impact operations. Successfully managing these responsibilities requires strong attention to detail, resilience under pressure, and effective interpersonal skills.

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 anatomy, and the ability to identify health hazards, typically supported by a high school diploma and on-the-job training or USDA certification. Familiarity with inspection tools, data entry systems, and sanitation monitoring devices is important. Attention to detail, integrity, and strong communication skills help inspectors enforce standards and collaborate with plant staff. These abilities ensure the safety and quality of meat products, protecting public health and maintaining regulatory compliance.

What is the difference between Usda Meat Inspector vs Food Safety Inspector?

AspectUsda Meat InspectorFood Safety Inspector
CertificationsUSDA certification, HACCP knowledgeVaries by agency, often HACCP and food safety certifications
Work EnvironmentMeat processing plants, slaughterhousesFood production facilities, regulatory agencies
Employer & IndustryUSDA, meat and poultry industryFederal, state, or local agencies across food sectors

The USDA Meat Inspector primarily focuses on inspecting meat and poultry products in processing plants to ensure safety and compliance with regulations. Food Safety Inspectors have a broader scope, overseeing various food industries to ensure public health standards are met. While both roles require similar certifications and work environments, their specific responsibilities and industry focus differ.

Is it hard to become a USDA Meat Inspector?

Becoming a USDA Meat Inspector requires meeting specific qualifications, including relevant education, work experience, and passing written and practical exams. The process involves completing training programs and obtaining certifications, which can take several months to a year depending on individual circumstances.

What are popular job titles related to Usda Meat Inspector jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Usda Meat Inspector jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Usda Meat Inspector jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Usda Meat Inspector jobs in Chicago, IL are:

Usda Meat Inspector jobs near you
Infographic showing various Usda Meat Inspector job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 58% Full Time, and 42% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $48,143 per year, or $23.1 per hour.

Meat Production Associate - Stock Yards

US Foods, Inc.

South Elgin, IL • On-site

$19 - $20.75/hr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 23 days ago

US Foods rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 243 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

91st of 364 rated logistics

Job description

ARE YOU A CURRENT US FOODS EMPLOYEE? PLEASE APPLY DIRECTLY THROUGH OUR INTERNAL WORKDAY CAREER SITE

Join Our Community of Food People!

THE STOCK YARDS STORY
We’ve been providing chefs with expertly cut and portioned beef and pork for over 120 years, based on rigid meat-selection criteria, precise beef aging and expert trimming. Whatever your need, from white-linen presentation to casual family dining, our procurement experts will find the best-quality options that work for your budget and pack-size needs, carefully selected from our extensive meat assortment.
Prepare and pack meat products to achieve production demands. Must adhere to USDA Safety and Sanitation Regulations and customer specifications.

Location is at Chicago Stock Yards in Aurora, IL

1st shift

Schedule: Monday - Friday, 6:00 am - 6:00 pm OT and Saturdays as needed.

Hablamos Español!

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
• Work in a fast-paced environment preparing meat products to feed lines and/or prepare for the next stage of processing
• Effectively utilize tools, processes, and materials to process and package meat products within planned schedules
• Follow all Food Safety requirements and GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices)
• Perform visual inspection of meat products to meet certain specifications
• Meet company standards and customer specifications
• Assist in cleanliness of general work area
QUALIFICATIONS
Must be able to work continually in a refrigerated environment 35°F- 45°F.   Must be able to work for periods of time in a freezer environment -10°F to +10°F with company provided apparel.   May require overtime with or without notice.  Finish time is when work is completed.
Education/Training:  High School graduate or GED preferred with basic reading, writing and math skills.
Related Experience/Requirements: Production, warehouse, food processing, manufacturing, food production or food service warehouse environments preferred.  Able to work overtime as needed. Complete miscellaneous and other duties as assigned. 
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:  Perform various roles including activities such as product receiving and selection, packaging, sorting, re-boxing, marination, further processing and facility sanitation while adhering to company manufacturing requirements and safety regulations.

Work Environment

Work continually in refrigerated environment 35F- 45Fdegrees
Must be able to work for periods of time in freezer 10F to - 10F degrees

Physical Requirements

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

OCCASIONALLY: 1% - 33% FREQUENTLY: 34% - 66% CONTINUOUSLY: 67% - 100% Never: 0%

JOB REQUIRES WORKER TO:          

SIT: Occasionally

STAND: Continuously

WALK: Occasionally

DRIVE: Continuously

JOB REQUIRES WORKER TO LIFT:  

1-10lbs: Occasionally

10-20lbs: Frequently

25-50lbs: Frequently

50-100lbs: Frequently

Over 100lbs: Never

JOB REQUIRES WORKER TO CARRY:        

1-10 lbs.: Occasionally

10-20 lbs.: Occasionally

25-50 lbs.: Occasionally

50-100 lbs.: Occasionally

Over 100 lbs.: Never

JOB REQUIRES WORKER TO:          

Push/pull: Frequently 

Step/Climb/balance: Frequently 

Stoop/squat: Frequently

Kneel: Frequently

Bend: Frequently

Reach above shoulder: Occasionally

Grasp objects: Continuously

Manipulate objects: Frequently

Reach/Turn: Frequently

Compensation depends on relevant experience and/or education, specific skills, function, geographic location, and other factors as applicable by law (for example: state minimum wage thresholds). The expected base rate for this role is between $19.00 and $20.75 hr.

As applicable, 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

***EOE – Race/Color/Religion/Sex/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity/National Origin/Age/Genetic Information/Protected Veteran/Disability Status*** 

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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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