1

Baggage Handler Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Material Handler

Newton, IA · On-site

$15.50 - $18.75/hr

We are currently looking for Material Handlers to join the Mittera family where ideas are valued, and internal mobility is promoted! In our production facilities, Material Handlers find products on ...

Material Handler

Newton, IA · On-site

$15.50 - $18.75/hr

Thanks to our material handlers, customer orders can be fulfilled and moved quickly. Essential Duties and Responsibilities * Operates forklifts, pallet jacks, and other machinery to move items, or ...

Material Handler

Newton, IA · On-site

$15.50 - $18.75/hr

We are currently looking for Material Handlers to join the Mittera family where ideas are valued, and internal mobility is promoted! In our production facilities, Material Handlers find products on ...

Material Handler

Ames, IA · On-site

$17.50/hr

Material Handler Are you looking for a safe, clean, and comfortable environment to work in? Are you someone who likes to be active, hands-on, and wants to make an impact? Are you ready to work for a ...

Material Handler

Ankeny, IA · On-site

$21 - $24/hr

The Material Handler is responsible for loading and unloading material within a warehouse operation, which includes pulling orders together and assembling them for shipment to customers. These tasks ...

Material Handler

Ankeny, IA · On-site

$21 - $24/hr

Material Handler Chicago Tube and Iron Company is a leader in the metals distribution and fabrication industry. We are an established company with an impressive record of profitability and growth.

Material Handler Req ID: 48739 Date: Jun 24, 2026 Location: Des Moines, IA, US, 50313 Company: Sonepar Brand: Irby Utility Your next career opportunity As one of the largest utility distribution ...

New

Material Handler

Ankeny, IA · On-site

$21 - $24/hr

The Material Handler is responsible for loading and unloading material within a warehouse operation, which includes pulling orders together and assembling them for shipment to customers. These tasks ...

Material Handler

Ankeny, IA · On-site

$21 - $24/hr

The Material Handler is responsible for loading and unloading material within a warehouse operation, which includes pulling orders together and assembling them for shipment to customers. These tasks ...

Showing results 21-40

Baggage Handler information

See Iowa salary details

$10

$17

$21

How much do baggage handler jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for baggage handler in Iowa is $17.34, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.56 and $19.86 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a baggage handler?

As a baggage handler, you work at the airport, loading and unloading luggage and cargo from aircraft. Your primary responsibilities are to get luggage onto departing flights and off of arriving flights. Your job involves operating conveyor belts and luggage carousels, driving tugs and tow tractors between the concourse and the airport’s baggage claim area, and lifting heavy, large, oversized baggage which can weigh over 50 pounds. If you work as a ramp agent, baggage handling is an aspect of your job. Other job duties of a ramp agent include deicing airplanes, guiding aircraft, and servicing aircraft.

What does a baggage handler do?

A Baggage Handler is responsible for loading, unloading, and moving luggage and cargo at airports. Their tasks include sorting baggage, ensuring it is placed on the correct aircraft, and transporting it between airport terminals and planes. They also check for damaged luggage and sometimes assist with lost baggage claims. Baggage Handlers play a crucial role in ensuring that flights depart and arrive on time by managing the flow of passenger belongings efficiently.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a baggage handler, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Baggage Handler, you need physical stamina, attention to detail, and basic literacy, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with conveyor belt systems, handheld scanners, and airport safety protocols is typically required. Reliability, teamwork, and clear communication are important soft skills for coordinating effectively with colleagues and ensuring timely baggage delivery. These skills and qualities are essential for maintaining operational efficiency, passenger satisfaction, and safety in a fast-paced airport environment.

What are some common challenges faced by baggage handlers and how can they be addressed?

Baggage handlers often work in fast-paced environments where handling heavy luggage, tight schedules, and varying weather conditions are everyday challenges. To address these, many airports provide safety training, ergonomic equipment, and enforce regular breaks to minimize physical strain and reduce the risk of injury. Effective teamwork and clear communication with supervisors and airline staff are also essential for ensuring luggage is loaded and unloaded accurately and efficiently. Being adaptable and maintaining a strong focus on safety are key to success in this role.

What is the difference between Baggage Handler vs Skycap?

AspectBaggage HandlerSkycap
CredentialsNone required, physical fitness preferredMay require a valid driver's license or security clearance
Work EnvironmentAirports, baggage claim areas, cargo facilitiesAirport curbside, passenger check-in areas
Employer & IndustryAirlines, airports, cargo companiesAirlines, airport services
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for airport ground staff rolesPassenger service roles at airports

While both Baggage Handlers and Skycaps work at airports, Baggage Handlers focus on loading and unloading luggage, whereas Skycaps assist passengers with their baggage at curbside and provide check-in services. Their roles complement each other in airport operations, but they differ in responsibilities and work settings.

Do baggage handlers get paid well?

Baggage handlers typically earn wages close to minimum wage or slightly above, with pay varying by location and employer. Experienced handlers or those working in busy airports may earn higher wages and benefits, especially if they have specialized skills or certifications. Overall, the pay is generally considered modest compared to other aviation or logistics roles.

Is baggage handling a hard job?

Baggage handling is physically demanding and requires good stamina, as workers often lift heavy luggage and work in fast-paced environments. It also involves working outdoors or in cargo areas, sometimes during irregular hours or overnight shifts. Success in this role depends on physical fitness, attention to safety procedures, and the ability to work efficiently under pressure.

What qualifications do you need for a baggage handler?

Baggage handlers typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and must pass background checks and drug screenings. Physical stamina, the ability to lift heavy objects, and good communication skills are important, and some employers may require safety training or certifications related to equipment operation.

What are popular job titles related to Baggage Handler jobs in Iowa?

For Baggage Handler jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Baggage Handler jobs in Iowa look for?

The top searched job categories for Baggage Handler jobs in Iowa are:

What are popular job titles related to Baggage Handler jobs in IA?

For Baggage Handler jobs in IA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Baggage Handler job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 77% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,077 per year, or $17.3 per hour.

Material Handler

Mittera

Newton, IA • On-site

$15.50 - $18.75/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 12 days ago


Mittera rating

6.1

Company rating: 6.1 out of 10

Based on 9 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

37th of 50 rated marketing agency


Job description

We are currently looking for Material Handlers to join the Mittera family where ideas are valued, and internal mobility is promoted! In our production facilities, Material Handlers find products on shelves, wrap or package them appropriately, and place them on delivery trucks; they may also take products off of trucks and put them on shelves. Thanks to our material handlers, customer orders can be fulfilled and moved quickly.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
  • Operates forklifts, pallet jacks, and other machinery to move items, or signals machine operators to move materials onto and off trucks, ships, and loading docks
  • Reads and understands the job ticket and other special instructions before beginning the assigned job
  • Obtains and records accurate counts of finished products, goods, and materials to be shipped and for those received
  • Packs materials in a manner that will ensure delivery without damage, following job jacket and/or customer packing specifications
  • Identifies contents and number of pieces of shipments on all boxes, cartons, or skids, using proper labeling methods
  • Checks accuracy of all shipping and receiving documents
  • Utilizing the shipping system to process shipments, including packages and skids
  • Scheduling delivery trucks for on-time shipments
  • Prepare the stacking area (skids, cardboard and boxes).
  • All other duties as assigned

Requirements
Required Skills and Abilities
  • High School Diploma or General Education Degree (GED)
  • 1 - 3 years of previous material management experience preferred
  • Safely operate a forklift, pallet jack, and any other lift equipment required for the job (following appropriate training)
  • Full comprehension in reading work instructions and business memos
  • Effective communications skills with all levels within the organization
  • Ability to use basic math skills, such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, measurements and critical thinking, to solve practical problems
  • Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form
  • Must have the ability to work effectively in stressful situations and meet stringent deadlines
  • Be organized and able to plan, prioritize and follow through on projects assigned with minimal supervision
  • Has basic computer skills

Physical Requirements
  • Requires use of proper body mechanics with pushing, pulling, reaching, lifting, squatting, kneeling and bending
  • Pushing/pulling and lifting up to 50 lbs
  • Requires fine motor hand and arm movement, manual dexterity and coordination
  • Requires near visual acuity
  • Requires working around and operating departmental equipment
  • Must be able to access and navigate each department in the facility
  • Requires the ability to function in a professional manner under stressful circumstances

Work Environmental FactorsWhile performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to fumes or airborne particles. The employee is occasionally exposed to hazardous materials. A production employee regularly works near moving mechanical parts.
Mittera is a leading-edge company that provides commercial and digital printing, finishing, graphic design, data analytics, direct mail processing, and fulfillment services. Mittera's full-service approach connects data-driven revelations, bar-raising creative, and expertly printed materials to give our customers' brand recognition it deserves. Competitive compensation and robust benefits plans are offered. Benefits include:
  • Medical
  • Dental
  • Vision
  • Life and AD&D Policies
  • Short and Long-Term Disability
  • 401K with Company Match
  • Paid Time Off
  • Paid Volunteer Time OfF

Mittera is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity, or Veteran status. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. All applicants must be 18 years of age or older.
Visit us today at mittera.com or stop by and fill out an application at Mittera location near you!

What Mittera employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom