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Whole Foods Butcher Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Butcher

Commack, NY · On-site

$20.05 - $35/hr

A career at Whole Foods Market is more than just the work you do- it's about your personal growth ... As an Expert Butcher, you are expected to showcase high levels of knowledge and proficiency ...

Butcher

Commack, NY

$20.05 - $35/hr

A career at Whole Foods Market is more than just the work you do- it's about your personal growth ... As an Expert Butcher, you are expected to showcase high levels of knowledge and proficiency ...

Butcher

Albuquerque, NM

$19.05 - $33.20/hr

A career at Whole Foods Market is more than just the work you do- it's about your personal growth ... As an Expert Butcher, you are expected to showcase high levels of knowledge and proficiency ...

Butcher

Red Bank, NJ

$20.05 - $35/hr

A career at Whole Foods Market is more than just the work you do- it's about your personal growth ... As an Expert Butcher, you are expected to showcase high levels of knowledge and proficiency ...

Expert Butcher

Jericho, NY · On-site

$17.25 - $22.75/hr

A career at Whole Foods Market is more than just the work you do- it's about your personal growth ... As an Expert Butcher, you are expected to showcase high levels of knowledge and proficiency ...

Butcher

Jericho, NY

$20.05 - $35/hr

A career at Whole Foods Market is more than just the work you do- it's about your personal growth ... As an Expert Butcher, you are expected to showcase high levels of knowledge and proficiency ...

Expert Butcher

Jericho, NY · On-site

$20.05 - $35/hr

A career at Whole Foods Market is more than just the work you do- it's about your personal growth ... As an Expert Butcher, you are expected to showcase high levels of knowledge and proficiency ...

Butcher

Phoenix, AZ

$16.50 - $30.20/hr

A career at Whole Foods Market is more than just the work you do- it's about your personal growth ... Successfully completed WFM Butcher Apprentice Program, or an equivalent training program.* * UK ...

Butcher

Woodcliff Lake, NJ · On-site

$17.50 - $30.20/hr

A career at Whole Foods Market is more than just the work you do- it's about your personal growth ... Successfully completed WFM Butcher Apprentice Program, or an equivalent training program.* * UK ...

Butcher

Holbrook, NY

$18 - $30.20/hr

A career at Whole Foods Market is more than just the work you do- it's about your personal growth ... Successfully completed WFM Butcher Apprentice Program, or an equivalent training program.* * UK ...

Butcher

Roseville, CA · On-site

$18.50 - $30.20/hr

A career at Whole Foods Market is more than just the work you do- it's about your personal growth ... Successfully completed WFM Butcher Apprentice Program, or an equivalent training program.* * UK ...

Butcher

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$20.50 - $31.50/hr

A career at Whole Foods Market is more than just the work you do- it's about your personal growth ... Successfully completed WFM Butcher Apprentice Program, or an equivalent training program.* * UK ...

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Whole Foods Butcher information

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$8

$18

$26

How much do whole foods butcher jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for whole foods butcher in the United States is $18.97, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.87 and $21.15 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a Whole Foods Butcher do?

A Whole Foods Butcher is responsible for preparing and cutting various types of meat, poultry, and seafood according to company standards and customer requests. They ensure that meat displays are well-stocked, attractive, and meet food safety regulations. Butchers also assist customers by providing product recommendations, answering questions about cuts of meat, and offering cooking tips. Additionally, they maintain cleanliness in the work area and may help with inventory and ordering.

What are the typical responsibilities and challenges faced by a Whole Foods Butcher during a standard shift?

As a Whole Foods Butcher, your day-to-day work involves preparing, cutting, and packaging a variety of meats while adhering to strict quality and safety standards. You'll interact regularly with customers, offering cooking advice and product recommendations, which requires strong communication skills. One common challenge is managing high volumes during peak hours while maintaining product freshness and display standards. Teamwork is essential, as you'll coordinate closely with other department staff to ensure smooth operations and meet customer needs. Over time, this role can provide opportunities for advancement into supervisory or specialized meat-cutting positions within the store.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Whole Foods Butcher, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Whole Foods Butcher, you need expertise in meat cutting, food safety, and knowledge of various meat products, typically gained through on-the-job training or culinary education. Familiarity with commercial meat processing equipment, inventory systems, and compliance with health and safety regulations is important. Excellent customer service, attention to detail, and strong teamwork skills help butchers excel in a retail environment. These abilities ensure high-quality products, customer satisfaction, and safe, efficient store operations.

What is the difference between Whole Foods Butcher vs Grocery Store Butcher?

AspectWhole Foods ButcherGrocery Store Butcher
CertificationsFood safety, meat cutting certificationsFood safety, meat cutting certifications
Work EnvironmentHigh-end grocery, specialty meat countersStandard grocery store, various meat sections
Employer & Industry UsageSpecialty grocery chains, organic marketsMass-market grocery chains, supermarkets
Search & Comparison IntentCustomer service, quality meat cuttingBasic meat preparation, volume handling

The Whole Foods Butcher and Grocery Store Butcher roles share similar certifications and work environments, focusing on meat preparation and customer service. However, Whole Foods Butchers typically work in higher-end, specialty settings with an emphasis on organic and premium products, whereas Grocery Store Butchers operate in more mainstream supermarkets handling larger volumes of standard meats.

Does Whole Foods have a butcher department?

Whole Foods employs butchers as part of their meat department, where they prepare and cut fresh meats for customers. Butchers at Whole Foods typically have skills in meat cutting, customer service, and may hold relevant certifications such as ServSafe or similar food safety credentials.
More about Whole Foods Butcher jobs

What cities are hiring for Whole Foods Butcher jobs?

Cities with the most Whole Foods Butcher job openings:

What states have the most Whole Foods Butcher jobs?

States with the most job openings for Whole Foods Butcher jobs include:

Infographic showing various Whole Foods Butcher job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 5% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,449 per year, or $19 per hour.

$20.05 - $35/hr

Full-time

Medical, PTO

Re-posted 19 days ago


Whole Foods Market rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Whole Foods Market

Based on 1,477 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

6.1

Company rating compared to similar companies: 6.1 out of 10

Grocery stores average

Based on 50,578 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

The best things about working at Whole Foods Market

  • 98%

    98% say they get paid time off

    say they get paid time off

  • 90%

    90% say their health insurance is affordable

    say their health insurance is affordable

  • 88%

    88% say they have respectful managers

    say they have respectful managers

Featured by Whole Foods Market, based on 1477 Breakroom Quiz responses from their frontline employees


Job description

A career at Whole Foods Market is more than just the work you do- it's about your personal growth and creating meaningful change. Our purpose is to nourish people and the planet. That means improving how people eat, funding grants for school gardens, providing access to fresh and healthy food to people living within food deserts, alleviating poverty in developing countries, and so much more. Working with us means you are making a difference within your community and beyond. We aren't just a grocery store: we're world-changers. And with your help, we will continue to set the standards of excellence and revolutionize the grocery industry.

As an Expert Butcher, you are expected to showcase high levels of knowledge and proficiency regarding the handling, cutting, preparation, display, and selling of meat and poultry. You are expected to serve as coach and mentor to Butchers and Apprentice Butchers, supervise the entire Meat Team, and place orders when Team Leadership is not available. At Whole Foods Market, we uphold our Core Values and Leadership Principles by providing courteous, friendly, and efficient service to customers and Team Members at all times. All positions must be performed in accordance with team and store Standard Operating Procedures. Further, Team Members must be prepared and able to perform the duties inherent in other Team Member job descriptions. All positions promote national, regional, and store programs and initiatives, and ensure adherence to all applicable health and safety regulations including Food Safety and regulatory duties required in the department.

Job Responsibilities: 

  • Maintains WFM GIG policies, standard operation procedures, and quality standards. 

  • Performs all aspects of meat cutting including achieving margin and preventing shrink; prepares special orders and custom requests; follows assigned trimming specifications. 

  • Cuts, platters, and merchandises products (beef, pork, lamb, veal, bison, poultry, sausage, oven ready products, and cured meats); ensures accuracy of signs and pricing. 

  • Trains and mentors other Butchers and Apprentice Butchers including performing the duties of the Designated Instructor. 

  • Supervises and delegates tasks to Meat Team Members, Apprentice Butchers, and Butchers. 

  • Functions as point person and departmental person in charge in absence of Team Leadership. 

  • Assists Team Leadership with ordering and inventory management including submitting orders in their absence. 

  • Provides excellent customer service, addresses the needs of customers in a timely and effective manner and models suggestive selling techniques; answers phones and pages promptly and courteously. 

  • Maintains, or ensures maintenance of, a clean and sanitary working and shopping environment; maintains equipment in accordance with WFM cleanliness and safety standards. 

  • Performs opening, mid, and closing duties as assigned.  

  • Immediately reports safety hazards and violations. 

  • Performs other duties as assigned by store, regional, or national leadership. 
     

Job Skills 

  • Extensive knowledge of meat and poultry, product claims, cooking techniques, and product origins sold within the local market. 

  • Knowledge of living conditions of animals and the ability to educate the public on these issues.  

  • Excellent cutting skills with ability to break product down into sub-primal and retail cuts. 

  • Strong organizational skills and the ability to delegate work as assigned. 

  • Strong communication skills and willingness to work as part of a team.  

  • Ability to deliver information in a clear and respectable manner to fellow Team Members, customers, and vendors. 

  • Passion for natural foods, animal welfare, and the mission of Whole Foods Market.  

  • Strong work ethic and ability to work in a fast-paced environment with a sense of urgency. 

  • Understanding of and compliance with WFM quality goals. 
     

Experience 

  • Successfully completed WFM Butcher Apprentice Program, or an equivalent training program.* 

  • Expert meat cutting experience in a butcher role, usually resulting from 3-5 years of full-time butcher experience* 

  • Proven track record of training and mentoring other Butchers or Apprentice Butchers.* 

  • *Exceptions may apply for UK 
     

Physical Requirements/Working Conditions 

  • Must be able to lift 50 pounds. 

  • In an 8-hour workday: standing/walking 6-8 hours. 

  • Hand use: single grasping, fine manipulation, pushing and pulling. 

  • Work requires the following motions: bending, twisting, squatting and reaching. 

  • Exposure to FDA approved cleaning chemicals. Exposure to temperatures: 90 degrees Fahrenheit. 

  • Ability to work in a wet and cold environment. 

  • Ability to handle knives and other cutting equipment. 

  • Ability to work a flexible schedule including nights, weekends, and holidays as needed.  

  • Ability to use tools and equipment, including box cutters, electric pallet jacks, and other heavy machinery. 
     

Note: The purpose of this document is to provide a general summary of essential responsibilities for the position and is not meant as an exhaustive list. This document does not reflect all job duties or requirements for every position. Requirements build as one progresses through the job levels, so any job duties required at a lower level may be required at the higher level in addition to the duties listed for that higher level. Duties, assignments, and other responsibilities may differ for similar positions based on business conditions, departmental or geographic location, and/or needs for the particular position. An individual must demonstrate successful performance in their current position before being considered for promotion. In addition, in order to promote into a higher-level position, a business need for the promotion must exist and the candidate must be considered the most qualified person for the new position. Completion of certain milestones such as obtaining an advanced degree or certification, time in current position, or developing skills to perform at the higher-level role do not guarantee a promotion. 

      The wage range for this position is $20.05-$35.00 Hourly, commensurate with experience. Whole Foods Market offers "Whole Benefits". Whole Benefits offers a wide range of benefits for Full and Part-Time Team Members, including eligibility for a store discount, paid time off, financial wellness, health & wellness support programs, and access to other Team Member perks. Eligibility for Whole Benefits is determined under the terms of the applicable Whole Benefits plan at a person’s date of hire and may vary based on work location, length of service, and job type (such as regular or seasonal). Click here for benefit details.
      At Whole Foods Market, we provide a fair and equal employment opportunity for all Team Members and candidates regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, age, marital status, disability, or any other legally protected characteristic. Whole Foods Market hires and promotes individuals solely based on qualifications for the position to be filled and business needs.
      Whole Foods Market works with job sites like Indeed, LinkedIn, and ZipRecruiter to promote opportunities at our company. Please be aware that other career sites may not be accurate or up to date and may even be fraudulent. We encourage and recommend all candidates to apply via our site.
      More detail about Whole Foods Market part of Whole Foods Market, please visit https://culinaryagents.com/entities/369472-Whole-Foods-Market

      Working at Whole Foods Market

      Perks for frontline workers

      From Whole Foods Market, via Breakroom

      • 20% employee discount

      • Paid time off

      • Flexible scheduling

      • Health insurance with dental & vision

      • Growth opportunities

      What to expect from working at Whole Foods Market

      From Whole Foods Market

      About Whole Foods Market, in their own words

      From Whole Foods Market

      At Whole Foods Market, we understand that the heart and soul of our organization lies in the remarkable people who make up our team. We're more than a grocer; we're a community of diverse, talented individuals coming together to make a positive impact on the world through food.

      Company values

      From Whole Foods Market

      Our purpose is to nourish people and the planet. We’re a purpose-driven company that aims to set the standards of excellence for food retailers. Quality is a state of mind at Whole Foods Market.

      Core Values: (1) We sell the highest quality natural and organic foods (2) We satisfy and delight our customers (3) We promote team member growth and happiness (4) We practice win-win partnerships with our suppliers (5) We create profits and prosperity (6) We care about our community and the environment


      What Whole Foods Market employees say

      Pay

      Benefits

      Hours and flexibility

      Workplace

      Get the full story on Breakroom


      Whole Foods Market logo

      About Whole Foods Market

      Sourced by ZipRecruiter

      Whole Foods Market, Inc., a subsidiary of Amazon, is an American multinational supermarket chain headquartered in Austin, Texas, which sells products free from hydrogenated fats and artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives.A USDA Certified Organic grocer in the United States, the chain is popularly known for its organic selections. Whole Foods has 500 stores in North America and seven in the United Kingdom As of March 4, 2019.

      Industry

      Food and beverage stores and retail

      Company size

      10,000+ Employees

      Headquarters location

      Austin, TX, US