This cross-sectional study was conducted from October 2018 to April 2019 on S. aureus with the objective of determining prevalence and associated risk factors, bacterial load and antibiotic profile of some selected antibiotics from ready-to-eat raw beef in Bahir Dar city. A total of 101 raw beef samples were collected from butcher shops using simple random sampling method for isolation, microbial load determination and antibiotic susceptibility test of S. aureus using conventional culture method. Potential risk factors related to meat contamination were evaluated by using personal observation and questionnaire survey. The data were analyzed by using descriptive statistics logistic regression model. Out of 101 raw beef samples, 55 (54.45%) isolates were positive for S. aureus with mean count of 3.40 ± 0.63 (log10cfu/g). The potential contamination risk factors were worker’s inadequate food safety training (P = 0.011, COR=15), low knowledge level of foodborne diseases (AOR=15.87, P=0.009), poor attitudes to the necessity of workers medical evaluation before employment (AOR=5.18, P=0.022) and poor washing practice of working clothes (AOR= 98.76, P=0.000). High S. aureus drug resistance were observed on penicillin (92.73%) followed by cefoxitin (74.5%), tetracycline (63.63%), clindamycin (50.9%), trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (23.63%), chloramphenicol (16.36%), erythromycin (12.73%), gentamycin (9.09%) and ciprofloxacin (0%). Multi-drug resistance was also found in 54 (98%) of S. aureus isolates. Generally, S. aureus is a major meat contaminant in butcheries of Bahir Dar city due to inadequate food safety training, low level of hygienic practices and frequent handling of paper currency. Therefore, improving the food safety knowledge and handling practice of meat handlers is important to prevent S. aureus foodborne intoxications. Keywords: Antibiotic; Bahir Dar city; Contamination; Raw beef; Staphylococcus aureus vi LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS APHI CFS Amhara Public Health Institute Centre for Food Safety cfu colony forming unit CLSI Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute CSA Central Statistical Agency DNA Deoxyribo-Nucleic Acid FAO Food and Agricultural Organization FBD Foodborne disease H2O2 MDR Hydrogen Peroxide Multiple Drug Resistant MRSA Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus MSA Mannitol Salt Agar PPE Personal Protective Equipment SE Staphylococcal Enterotoxins SEl SFI Staphylococcus Enterotoxin-like Staphylococcal Foodborne Intoxication SFD Staphylococcal