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Entry Level Labor Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

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Entry Level Labor information

See Iowa salary details

$10

$16

$22

How much do entry level labor jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level Laborer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Laborer, you generally need physical stamina, reliability, and a willingness to learn, with a high school diploma or equivalent often preferred. Familiarity with basic hand tools, safety equipment, and sometimes entry-level certifications like OSHA 10 are typically required. Strong teamwork, punctuality, and a positive work ethic help individuals stand out in this role. These skills ensure tasks are completed safely, efficiently, and contribute to a productive work environment.

What are Entry Level Labor jobs?

Entry Level Labor jobs are positions that require little to no prior work experience and typically involve manual or physical work. These roles can include tasks such as loading and unloading materials, cleaning job sites, assisting skilled workers, or operating basic machinery. Entry level laborers often work in industries like construction, manufacturing, or warehousing and receive on-the-job training to develop their skills. These jobs are a good way to gain work experience, learn new skills, and advance to more specialized positions over time.

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

AspectEntry Level LaborConstruction Labor
Required CredentialsNo formal certifications typically requiredNo formal certifications typically required
Work EnvironmentVarious industries, including retail, warehouse, and manufacturingConstruction sites, outdoor and indoor
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in multiple sectors for basic tasksSpecific to construction projects and companies
Search & Comparison IntentPeople seeking entry-level, general labor rolesIndividuals comparing general labor roles within construction

Entry Level Labor and Construction Labor roles often overlap, especially for those starting in manual or physical work. While Entry Level Labor can span various industries, Construction Labor is specific to the construction sector. Both typically do not require formal certifications but differ mainly in work environment and industry focus.

What are some common challenges faced in an entry level labor position, and how can they be managed?

Entry level labor roles often involve physically demanding tasks such as lifting, standing for long periods, and repetitive motions, which can be challenging for those new to the field. Adapting to early morning or variable shifts and following strict safety protocols are also common hurdles. To manage these challenges, it's important to maintain good physical conditioning, ask for guidance from experienced coworkers, and consistently use proper protective equipment. Open communication with supervisors about workload and safety concerns can help ensure a supportive and productive work environment.

Why is Gen Z struggling to get jobs?

Entry level labor positions often require relevant skills, work experience, or certifications, which can be challenging for Gen Z job seekers with limited work history. Additionally, competition from more experienced candidates and economic factors such as low unemployment rates or hiring freezes can make it harder for younger applicants to secure entry-level roles.
What are the most commonly searched types of Labor jobs in Iowa? The most popular types of Labor jobs in Iowa are:
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Labor jobs in Iowa? For Entry Level Labor jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Labor jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Labor jobs in Iowa are:
What cities in Iowa are hiring for Entry Level Labor jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most Entry Level Labor job openings:
Entry Level Labor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Labor job openings in Iowa as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, and 25% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $34,229 per year, or $16.5 per hour.
Entry Level Manufacturing Engineer

Entry Level Manufacturing Engineer

RFA Engineering

Waterloo, IA • On-site

$65K - $75K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 26 days ago

Job description

RFA Engineering (www.rfamec.com) is an engineering service provider dedicated to delivering our clients with timely engineering support and expertise. We are seeking an entry-level to experienced candidate to become an integral part of our engineering team. The selected candidate will work with an experienced engineering staff using state-of-the-art engineering tools & processes. This position will operate onsite at our customer's world-class engineering and manufacturing facility.
This is a full-time position with a full benefit package listed below that includes opportunities for professional growth, direct hire by our customers, and additional opportunities within our own organization.
Entry Level Manufacturing Engineer
As a Manufacturing Engineer you will apply Lean Manufacturing methodologies to help improve efficiency, reduce costs and improve quality throughout the manufacturing process. The selected individual will work on a cross-functional team supporting the manufacturing and assembly operations for off-highway equipment.
Job Description
  • Establish routings, methods, processes, and layouts for assembly line.
  • Provide costs, methods documentation, quality plans and labor standards for current/new products.
  • Provide support and troubleshooting for current production.
  • Investigate, gather and analyze data and implement solutions.
  • Continuous improvements in cost, quality, safety and ergonomics
  • Develop and implement plans to support lean manufacturing.
  • Improve material flow and material presentation.
  • Prepare charts, graphs, and diagrams to illustrate workflow, routing, floor layouts, material handling, and machine utilization.
  • Lead time studies for capacity, energy, productivity and efficiency

Requirements
  • Bachelor's of Science in Engineering or Industrial Technology.
  • Demonstrates a strong mechanical aptitude through work experience or hobbies.
  • Problem solving skills and attention to detail.
  • Familiar with Six Sigma and Lean Manufacturing tools and methodologies.
  • Must be a self-starter, good communication skills, able to thrive in a collaborative environment.
  • Must have a valid Driver's License.

Desired Experience
  • Experience in a production environment working with cross functional teams.
  • Experience with manufacturing, fabrication, or assembly operations.
  • Knowledge of Root Cause Analysis.
  • Database Management

Salary Range: $65,000-$75,000 Commensurate with experience
Visa sponsorship is NOT available for this position.
About RFA Engineering
RFA Engineering has provided product development and engineering services to industry leading customers since 1943. Our primary focus is the development of off highway equipment including agricultural, construction, mining, recreational, industrial, and special machines. Our work includes concept development, product design, documentation, problem-solving, simulation, optimization, and testing of components, systems and complete machines. Our engineering staff is located at our Engineering Center in Minneapolis, branch office in Dubuque, IA, and at numerous customer sites throughout the U.S.
Competitive Benefits
  • Health and Dental Insurance
  • TelaDoc Healthiest You
  • Supplemental Vision Insurance
  • Company Paid Life Insurance
  • Company Paid Long-Term Disability
  • Short-term Disability
  • Retirement Savings Account (Traditional 401k & Roth 401k)
  • Flexible Spending Plan Dependent Care
  • HSA for Medical Expenses
  • Bonus Plan (Exempt Employees Only)
  • Paid Time Off (PTO)
  • Paid Holidays
  • Bereavement Leave
  • Employee Assistance Programs (EAP)
  • Education Assistance

Equal Opportunity and Veteran Friendly
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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