Meat Inspector

A Meat Inspector checks products and processes at an abattoir or meat processing facility. You’ll ensure facilities meet current health and quality standards and comply with all industry regulations. A Meat Inspector, or Meat Hygiene Inspector, might test samples or carry out inspections of animals or animal products.

Meat Inspectors should have a strong knowledge of health and safety standards in the meat industry and understand how to apply these in a range of settings. You should have strong attention to detail and excellent analytical skills. Meat Inspectors must be able to follow correct procedures and communicate well with people from a range of backgrounds.

Future demand Medium
Average yearly income $83,200
Skill level Advanced

How do I become a meat inspector?

All skill levels Beginner Experienced
Recommended
AMP40522

Certificate IV in Meat Safety Inspection
Blended
12 months
$7,000
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Meat Inspector Quality Assurance (Abattoir) Worker
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Meat Inspector Quality Assurance (Abattoir) Worker
AMP30316

Certificate III in Meat Processing (Meat Safety)
Traineeship
24 months
$4,400
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Meat Inspector
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Meat Inspector
AMP50221

Diploma of Meat Processing
Traineeship
12 months
Unavailable
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Meat Inspector Abattoir Supervisor
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Meat Inspector Abattoir Supervisor
AMP30116

Certificate III in Meat Processing (Boning Room)
Blended, On Campus, Traineeship
6 - 48 months
$0 - $4,100
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Meat Inspector Meat Process Worker Butcher
Abattoir Knife Hand
+ 1 more
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Meat Inspector Meat Process Worker Butcher Abattoir Knife Hand + 1 more
AMP30616

Certificate III in Meat Processing (General)
Traineeship
24 months
$0 - $3,800
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Butcher Meat Inspector Meat Process Worker
Apprentice Butcher
+ 1 more
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Butcher Meat Inspector Meat Process Worker Apprentice Butcher + 1 more
AMP30716

Certificate III in Meat Processing (Quality Assurance)
Traineeship
24 months
$4,500
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Meat Inspector Abattoir Knife Hand
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Meat Inspector Abattoir Knife Hand
AMP30516

Certificate III in Meat Processing (Slaughtering)
Blended, On Campus, Traineeship
6 - 48 months
$0 - $4,100
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Meat Inspector Abattoir Knife Hand Apprentice Butcher
Meat Process Worker
+ 1 more
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Meat Inspector Abattoir Knife Hand Apprentice Butcher Meat Process Worker + 1 more
AMP40516

Certificate IV in Meat Processing (Meat Safety)
Traineeship
24 - 48 months
$0 - $6,150
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Meat Inspector Quality Assurance (Abattoir) Worker
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Meat Inspector Quality Assurance (Abattoir) Worker
AMP30622

Certificate III in Meat Processing
Blended, On Campus
12 - 24 months
$0 - $6,000
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Meat Process Worker Butcher Meat Inspector
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Meat Process Worker Butcher Meat Inspector
AMP40222

Certificate IV in Meat Processing
Blended, On Campus
12 - 24 months
$0 - $6,000
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Meat Inspector Abattoir Supervisor
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Meat Inspector Abattoir Supervisor
*Showing course fees for all providers. Some providers may not be available in your area.

Related occupations

Abattoir Knife Hand

An Abattoir Knife Hand cuts and trims meat, prepares it for packing, and ensures safe transport, requiring teamwork and adherence to procedures.

Avg yearly income $54,600
Skill level Beginner

Abattoir Supervisor

An Abattoir Supervisor oversees operations, ensuring safety and efficiency, while managing staff and coordinating activities across departments.

Avg yearly income $70,200
Skill level Advanced

Abattoir Labourer

An Abattoir Labourer prepares livestock for slaughter, cuts meat, handles cleaning, packaging, and loading tasks, requiring teamwork, safety focus, and flexibility.

Avg yearly income $70,720
Skill level Beginner

Common questions

How much does a Meat Inspector earn?

In Australia, a full time Meat Inspector generally earns $1,600 per week ($83,200 annual salary) before tax. This is a median figure for full-time employees and should be considered a guide only. As you gain more experience you can expect a potentially higher salary than people who are new to the industry.

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Courses.com.au Team Industry expert

What are the job opportunities for a Meat Inspector?

This industry has seen stable employment numbers in recent years. There are currently 530 people employed as a Meat Inspector in Australia compared to 570 five years ago. Meat Inspectors may find work in regions of Australia where abattoir facilities are located.

Source: Australian Government Labour Market Insights

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Courses.com.au Team Industry expert

How do I become a Meat Inspector?

If you’re interested in a career as a Meat Inspector, consider enrolling in a Certificate III in Meat Processing (Meat Safety). This course will give you the practical skills to conduct ante and post-mortem inspections on various animals. You’ll cover topics including following strict hygiene, sanitation, HACCP and quality control standards.

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Courses.com.au Team Industry expert

Further reading

Choosing a security licence course in Australia: A step-by-step guide for jobseekers

10th November 2023)

Career spotlight: Hospitality professionals

17th September 2019)

Do I need a Certificate IV In Work Health and Safety?

22nd October 2019)

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