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Entry Level General Labor Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Aerotek

General Production Worker

Davenport, IA

$18/hr

This entry-level General Production Worker role supports multiple functions within a meat-processing production facility. You will perform a variety of general labor tasks, help maintain clean and ...

OSI Group

General Production--1st Shift

Oakland, IA · On-site

$14.25 - $17.25/hr

This role is responsible for entry level general labor while maintaining a safe work environment and adhering to policies and procedures. Under immediate direction performs a variety of manual labor ...

OSI Group

General Production--1st Shift

Oakland, IA · On-site

$14.25 - $17.25/hr

This role is responsible for entry level general labor while maintaining a safe work environment and adhering to policies and procedures. Under immediate direction performs a variety of manual labor ...

Aerotek

Production Associate

Davenport, IA · On-site

$19/hr

... entry-level general production role supports multiple functions within a meat-processing facility. The position focuses on general labor tasks, maintaining clean and sanitary production areas, and ...

Amsted Rail Company

Laborer

Keokuk, IA · On-site

$14.25 - $17.50/hr

PRINCIPLE ACCOUNTABILITIES The laborer position is an entry level position that should progress to the other basic foundry jobs based on bidding, training and qualification. Will be responsible for ...

Amsted Rail Company Inc

Laborer

Keokuk, IA

$14.25 - $17.50/hr

PRINCIPLE ACCOUNTABILITIES  The laborer position is an entry level position that should progress to the other basic foundry jobs based on bidding, training and qualification. Will be responsible ...

Amsted Rail Company Inc

Laborer

Keokuk, IA

$14.25 - $17.50/hr

PRINCIPLE ACCOUNTABILITIES  The laborer position is an entry level position that should progress to the other basic foundry jobs based on bidding, training and qualification. Will be responsible ...

Amsted Rail Company

Laborer

Keokuk, IA · On-site

$14.25 - $17.50/hr

PRINCIPLE ACCOUNTABILITIES The laborer position is an entry level position that should progress to the other basic foundry jobs based on bidding, training and qualification. Will be responsible for ...

Coop FE

Custom Applicator/General Laborer

Hartley, IA · On-site

$14.75 - $18.50/hr

Requirements Custom Applicator/General Laborer * Operate row crop sprayer, dry and liquid ... Class A CDL license or must be able to successfully complete the Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT ...

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All JobsGeneral Labor JobsEntry Level General Labor JobsEntry Level General Labor Jobs in Iowa

Entry Level General Labor information

See Iowa salary details

$10

$16

$22

How much do entry level general labor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level general labor in Iowa is $16.46, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.47 and $18.08 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an entry level general labor job?

Entry level general labor jobs are positions that typically require little to no previous experience and involve a variety of manual tasks to support operations in industries such as construction, manufacturing, or warehousing. Responsibilities may include cleaning work areas, loading and unloading materials, assembling products, or assisting skilled workers. These roles are ideal for individuals looking to gain work experience, build basic skills, and potentially advance to more specialized positions over time.

What are some common challenges faced by entry level general laborers, and how can they be addressed?

Entry level general laborers often encounter challenges such as physically demanding tasks, adapting to fast-paced work environments, and mastering safe equipment handling. To overcome these, it's important to prioritize physical fitness, communicate openly with supervisors about any safety concerns, and take advantage of on-the-job training offered by employers. Building positive relationships with coworkers can also help with adapting to team-based work and learning best practices quickly.

What is the difference between Entry Level General Labor vs Entry Level Construction Labor?

AspectEntry Level General LaborEntry Level Construction Labor
Required CredentialsNo formal certifications typically requiredNo formal certifications typically required
Work EnvironmentVarious industries, including warehouses, manufacturing, and maintenanceConstruction sites, building projects, and infrastructure work
Employer & Industry UsageUsed across multiple sectors for general tasksPrimarily in construction companies and contractors
Common Search & Comparison IntentYesYes

Entry Level General Labor and Entry Level Construction Labor share similarities in requiring no formal certifications and working in physically demanding environments. However, general labor roles are more diverse across industries, while construction labor is specific to building and infrastructure projects. Both serve as foundational roles for entry-level workers seeking hands-on experience.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level general laborer?

To thrive as an Entry Level General Laborer, you need physical stamina, basic math skills, and the ability to follow instructions, often requiring a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with hand tools, power tools, and safety equipment is frequently necessary, and OSHA safety certification is sometimes preferred. Reliability, teamwork, and a strong work ethic are standout soft skills in this field. These qualities ensure tasks are completed efficiently, safely, and to the required standards in physically demanding environments.

What are the most commonly searched types of General Labor jobs in Iowa?

The most popular types of General Labor jobs in Iowa are:

What cities in Iowa are hiring for Entry Level General Labor jobs?

Cities in Iowa with the most Entry Level General Labor job openings:

Entry Level General Labor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level General Labor job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $34,229 per year, or $16.5 per hour.

General Production--1st Shift

OSI INDUSTRIES, LLC

Oakland, IA

$14.25 - $17.25/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 9 days ago

Job description

This role is responsible for entry level general labor while maintaining a safe work environment and adhering to policies and procedures. Under immediate direction performs a variety of manual labor tasks including loading, unloading, lifting, and moving materials.

Job Responsibilities

• Job is an individual contributor.

• Job is an individual contributor and has no direct reports.

• Assist with operation setup lines and area according to established procedures and specifications.

• Verify correct setup and running of equipment to obtain desired results.

• Inspect product periodically through the shift to verify specifications are being met.

• Assist the operator in troubleshooting equipment when necessary.

• Be able to perform operator job functions when not present.

• Contact management support if there are any problems that may arise.

• Keep area clean.

• Follow Safety lockout/tag-out procedures.

• Communicate any issues to management.

• Follow instructions well and assist others as needed.

• Understand and follow/instruct others on GMP’s.

• Work in a safe manner and report any unsafe conditions to the management.

• This role has the responsibility to understand and places in practice appropriate safety procedures. This responsibility is achieved through education, training, use of protective equipment (as applicable) and by following safety policies, regulations, standards, and laws.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

Experience & Skills

• 0-1 years of experience in related field is preferred.

• Ability to lift up to 50lbs and work at machine speed.

• Ability to understand written English preferred.

• Excellent proficiency in all Microsoft Office Suite Products.

Education

• High School Diploma and/or equivalent work experience is required.

Work Environment

• Work can be performed within a manufacturing plant environment with noise, extreme temperatures, and significant movement of powered equipment, people and conveyor (may depend on the role).

• Work conditions are typical of a food manufacturing facility.

• This role does not require any domestic travel

• Position may require the physical agility of lifting up to 50 pounds

• Position may require frequent and/or infrequent of bending, squatting, pushing, pulling, stretching/reaching, use hands or fingers, talk, hear, feel objects, tools, controls and standing/walking on concrete flooring.

• Position may require the physical ability to stand/walk for Greater than 8 hours.

Compensation

This role is eligible for overtime pay for hours worked beyond 40 hours in a week and may also be eligible for additional hourly premiums for perfect attendance and/or working evening or night shifts. As part of a complete total rewards package, OSI also offers comprehensive paid time off (sick, vacation, holidays and other programs), 401k with matching company contributions, a full suite of benefit offerings (medical, dental, vision, life, disability and other voluntary coverages) for you and your family and educational assistance with opportunities for professional development.

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