Manufacturing & Production

Poultry Process Worker

SOC 51-3022.00 · ESCO 7511 · OSCA 831332

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Role snapshot

Overview

Works on a poultry processing line to eviscerate, portion, inspect, and package chicken or other poultry, maintaining strict hygiene standards and meeting production targets. This role involves repetitive manual tasks in a fast-paced, often cold or wet environment, requiring attention to detail and adherence to food safety regulations.

Ensures the safe and efficient production of poultry products for consumption, contributing to the food supply chain and public health by adhering to strict hygiene and quality standards.

On the job

  • Operate processing equipment such as eviscerators, portioning machines, and packaging systems.
  • Perform manual tasks like cutting, trimming, deboning, and skinning poultry parts.
  • Inspect poultry products for quality defects, foreign materials, and compliance with specifications.
  • Package finished poultry products into various containers for storage and shipment.
  • Clean and sanitize workstations, tools, and processing equipment according to strict hygiene protocols.
Poultry Process Worker at work

Tools & technology

Knives and cutting toolsProcessing machinery (e.g., eviscerators, deboners)Packaging equipment (e.g., vacuum sealers, scales)Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) including gloves, aprons, and safety glassesHigh-pressure hoses and sanitation chemicals

Average salary

$35K
MEDIAN SALARY Annual · USD
$28K Bottom 10%
$42K Top 10%

Job outlook

Stable

Demand is steady. This is an established role with consistent hiring across sectors.

Education & training

High school diploma or GED often preferred, but not always required. On-the-job training is common and typically sufficient.

Career pathways

WHERE YOU COULD GO

Poultry Processing Team Lead
Quality Control Inspector (Food)

CURRENT ROLE

Poultry Process Worker

Manufacturing & Production

ADJACENT MOVES

Meat Cutter
Seafood Process Worker
No Experience Required
General Laborer
Food Production Assistant

STARTING POINTS

Who thrives here

Interest profile

R

realistic · RCI

People who enjoy practical, hands-on tasks in a structured environment, with a focus on precision and detail, often thrive in this role. It suits individuals who prefer concrete work over abstract problem-solving.

Personality characteristics

Conscientious

Follows established procedures precisely, maintains high standards of cleanliness, and adheres to strict food safety protocols.

Practical

Prefers hands-on tasks and tangible outcomes, focusing on efficient execution of physical work.

Calm under pressure

Maintains focus and efficiency in a fast-paced, often demanding production line environment.

Cooperative

Works effectively and harmoniously alongside team members to meet shared production goals.

Focused

Can concentrate on repetitive tasks for extended periods, contributing to consistent output.

Best for

  • Individuals who enjoy practical, manual work and contributing to a tangible product.
  • Those who thrive in highly structured environments with clear procedures and expectations.
  • People who are meticulous about hygiene and quality standards in a production setting.

Watch out for

  • The work environment can be cold, wet, and physically demanding, requiring significant stamina.
  • Tasks are often highly repetitive and require sustained focus for long periods.
  • Production targets create a fast-paced environment with constant pressure to maintain efficiency.

A week in the life

A representative working week for a Poultry Process Worker — where the deep work, meetings, and admin actually land.

8am9am10am11am12pm1pm2pm3pm4pm5pm6pm
Mon
Shift briefing and PPE check
Processing line operations (e.g., evisceration, cutting)
Lunch break
Processing line operations (e.g., portioning, inspection)
Workstation cleaning and sanitation
Tue
Packaging and labeling products
Lunch break
Quality control checks and defect sorting
Wed
Processing line operations (e.g., deboning, trimming)
Lunch break
Equipment setup and calibration
General plant cleaning duties
Thu
Processing line operations (e.g., evisceration, cutting)
Lunch break
Packaging and quality control
Fri
Processing line operations (final production run)
Team meeting / Production review
Lunch break
Thorough end-of-week cleaning and sanitation
Deep work Meeting External Social Admin

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