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Entry Level Machine Operator Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Archer Daniels Midland

$21.56/hr

Perks at work (discount program with several companies) Summary This is an entry-level position ... Ability to operate equipment or machinery that may be located at different heights; scaffolding or ...

Boxmore Packaging

Forklift Operator

Iowa City, IA

$16.50 - $19.25/hr

Experience with Fork Lift/Clamp Truck machinery preferred * Safety awareness and quality consciousness Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be ...

ALPLA Group

Forklift Operator

Iowa City, IA · On-site

$14.75 - $17.50/hr

... Truck machinery preferred • Safety awareness and quality consciousness Physical Demands The ... entrylevel #iowa2 ALPLA is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Prohibits Discrimination and ...

ALPLA

Packaging Operator

Iowa City, IA · On-site

$14.75 - $17.75/hr

High cleanliness standards for the machines and work area Physical Demands: The physical demands ... Standards (OSHA). #entrylevel #IOW1 ALPLA is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Prohibits ...

Vital Hires

Custom Applicator

Charles City, IA

... operator to get into a great company, but an entry-level candidate with farming, equipment ... Operate GPS/Autosteer technology that goes along with the machines * Apply fertilizer and chemicals ...

Vital Hires

Custom Applicator

Marble Rock, IA

... operator to get into a great company, but an entry-level candidate with farming, equipment ... Operate GPS/Autosteer technology that goes along with the machines * Apply fertilizer and chemicals ...

RFA Engineering

Software Engineer - Displays

Dubuque, IA · On-site

$65K - $95K/yr

We are seeking an Entry-Level to Experienced candidate to become an integral part of our ... machines that run Linux based operating systems. The developer will be creating robust operating ...

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How much do entry level machine operator jobs pay per hour?

As of May 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level machine operator in Iowa is $16.40, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.66 and $17.84 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an Entry Level Machine Operator job?

An Entry Level Machine Operator is responsible for running and monitoring machinery in a manufacturing or production setting. They ensure machines operate efficiently, perform basic maintenance, and inspect products for quality. Training is typically provided on-site, and the role requires attention to detail and the ability to follow safety guidelines. This position is ideal for individuals looking to gain hands-on experience in a technical or industrial field.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Entry Level Machine Operator position, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Machine Operator, you need basic mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with manufacturing machinery, safety protocols, and sometimes basic computer or measurement tools, such as calipers, is often required. Strong work ethic, reliability, and a willingness to learn are important soft skills that help you adapt and excel in fast-paced environments. These skills ensure the operator can safely and efficiently produce quality products while minimizing downtime or errors.

What does a typical workday look like for an entry level machine operator?

A typical day for an entry level machine operator involves setting up and monitoring machines, inspecting products for quality, and troubleshooting minor issues that may arise during production. You’ll likely work alongside a team of operators and supervisors, following established schedules and safety procedures to ensure smooth operations on the manufacturing floor. Collaboration is often necessary for resolving problems or improving workflow, and you may be cross-trained on different equipment over time. This hands-on experience provides a strong foundation for future advancement into specialized or supervisory roles.
More about Entry Level Machine Operator jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Machine Operator jobs in Iowa? The most popular types of Machine Operator jobs in Iowa are:
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Machine Operator jobs in Iowa? For Entry Level Machine Operator jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Machine Operator jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Machine Operator jobs in Iowa are:
What cities in Iowa are hiring for Entry Level Machine Operator jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most Entry Level Machine Operator job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Machine Operator jobs in IA? For Entry Level Machine Operator jobs in IA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Entry Level Machine Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Machine Operator job openings in Iowa as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, and 5% Part Time. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $34,120 per year, or $16.4 per hour.
Production Operator - Des Moines, IA

Production Operator - Des Moines, IA

Archer Daniels Midland

$21.56/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 7 days ago

Job description

Production Operator - Des Moines, IA
$1500 Sign-On Bonus
Pay Rate: $21.56/hour
Shift(s) Available: The shift schedules include an 8-hour shift on a rotational/swing schedule (i.e., seven-day swing and/or rotational). Ability to work any shift, overtime including weekends, holidays, or different shifts as needed.
ADM is a part of the production of 30% of the food supply globally, on average you touch at least 7 items per day made with ADM ingredients. Everyone who works here is a big part of feeding the world.
Learn more about ADM, click the links below; 
https://www.adm.com/en-us/culture-and-careers/
Why Join? 
  • Weekly Pay
  • Benefits Start First Day  
  • Company provided Uniforms
  • Work Boot Allowance
  • Medical, Dental, Vision, and Prescription Drug Insurance 
  • Health and Wellness Incentives 
  • Paid Vacation and Holidays  
  • 401K/ESOP, pension with ADM (Archer Daniels Midland) matching contributions 
  • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) 
  • Short & Long-Term Disability  
  • Company Paid Life Insurance and Voluntary Life Insurance for Employees,' Spouse and Children 
  • Parental leave (paternity/maternity) 
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP) 
  • Tuition Assistance
  • Advancement Opportunities  
  • Perks at work (discount program with several companies)
Summary
This is an entry-level position which will be in a union workforce. You will gain knowledge of the facility, general department knowledge, and handle tasks through completion of tasks and look for ways to improve the process and personal performance. Production is expected to perform a variety of jobs, tasks or duties as assigned.
Essential Job Functions:
  • Maintain, monitor and adjust equipment
  • Utilize computer systems to input and record data as required in regards to safety, sanitation, maintenance and processing equipment operation
  • Work in a fast-paced environment to complete various processes including weighing, bagging, packing, unpacking, labeling, and storing products and sanitizing around facility (sweeping, compressed air cleaning)
  • Interact regularly with peers and management to pursue continuous improvement of facility operations and promote a teamwork focused environment
  • Communicate with team/shift employees concerning proper operation of equipment, changes in flow rates or processing capabilities safety concerns, product quality issues and maintenance issues
  • Rotate through all positions within a specified department to train associates and fill in as necessary
  • Operate forklifts
  • Understand and adhere to ADM's Safety, Environmental Compliance and Food Quality and goal of achieving a zero-injury culture.
  • Maintaining a safe and clean work environment
  • Exhibit regular and prompt attendance and maintain attendance record in accordance with company policy
  • Operating equipment associated with the loadout and unloading process for bulk materials including trucks and/or rail cars, utilizing scales, pumps, conveyor, etc.
  • Other duties as assigned
On-the-Job Training Requirements: 
  • Complete ADM safety, food safety, quality, and environmental training  
  • Participate in company planned operations training 
  • Equipment training may include but not limited to JLG, forklift, non-DOT truck, reach lift, etc. 
Minimum Requirements
  • Must be 18 years or older 
  • Must be eligible to work in the United States without visa sponsorship 
  • Ability to understand and effectively communicate in English (verbal/written)  
  • Experience in Manufacturing and/or similar military environment (preferred) 
  • Detailed oriented and self-motivated
  • Strong safety aptitude
  • Strong fundamental skills (math, reading, writing and verbal communication)
  • Motivated with a passion to learn
Physical Requirements 
  • Ability to move about on a work site by ascending/descending stairs, extensive walking, climbing steps or ladders, prolonged periods of standing and sitting, stooping, bending, kneeling, or squatting frequently 
  • Ability to operate equipment or machinery that may be located at different heights; scaffolding or elevated heights or in confined spaces 
    • Requires ability to wear appropriate fall protection equipment
    • Requires ability and willingness to wear respirators 
      • Employees in roles that require respirators will need to be clean shaven. 
  • Ability to lift and transport materials and equipment weighing 40 pounds on a frequent basis, up to 55 pounds on an occasional basis and up to 50 pounds overhead 
  • Ability to traverse up to two (2) miles during the course of a workday 
Working Conditions 
  • Ambient conditions - Work area is, typically, a non-air-conditioned production environment. Working in in extreme heat and cold in all seasonal elements, both indoors and outside on a regular basis.
  • Atmosphere: May come in contact with Dust (Peanut - known allergen), corn, cotton, canola seed, and odor 
  • Must be able to work around noise levels that may reach or exceed 85 decibels and require use of hearing protection for most of the work shift 
  • Company provided protective clothing required: Uniforms, hardhats, earplugs, safety glasses, hair restraints, steel-toed shoes, gloves, and safety harness may be required based on task performed; employees are required to wear all required PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) (i.e., hard-hats, safety glasses, earplugs, uniforms, and steel-toed boots) in addition to job specific PPE requirements.
ADM requires the successful completion of a background check. 
REF:108385BR

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