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Entry Level Manual Labor Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Maintenance Technician 1

Cedar Falls, IA · On-site

$28.75 - $31.75/hr

These include labor markets and in some instancesmay include education, work experience and ... This is an entry-level position in the technician role with promotion potential to Maintenance ...

Showing results 21-40

Entry Level Manual Labor information

See Iowa salary details

$10

$21

$35

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

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level manual labor in Iowa is $21.48, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.34 and $27.98 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is entry level manual labor?

Entry level manual labor jobs are positions that involve physical work and typically do not require prior experience or specialized training. These roles can include tasks such as lifting, moving materials, cleaning, assembling products, or assisting skilled workers on construction sites, warehouses, or factories. They are a common starting point for individuals entering the workforce or seeking to gain experience in industries like construction, manufacturing, or logistics. Entry level manual labor jobs often provide on-the-job training and opportunities for advancement as workers gain skills and experience.

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

To thrive as an Entry Level Manual Laborer, you need physical stamina, basic math skills, and the ability to follow instructions, with a high school diploma often preferred. Familiarity with hand tools, safety equipment, and sometimes forklifts or pallet jacks is typical in this role. Dependability, teamwork, and a strong work ethic are standout soft skills that help maintain productivity and safety. These abilities are crucial for efficiently completing physical tasks, adhering to safety standards, and contributing positively to team operations.

What are some common challenges faced by those starting out in entry level manual labor?

New employees in entry level manual labor roles often encounter challenges related to physical stamina and adapting to repetitive tasks. It can take time to build the strength and endurance required for consistent manual work, especially in environments that may involve heavy lifting or working outdoors in varying weather conditions. Additionally, learning proper safety protocols and developing efficient work habits are crucial for preventing injuries and maintaining productivity. Most teams are supportive and provide on-the-job training, which helps new hires acclimate and grow more comfortable with their duties.

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

AspectEntry Level Manual LaborEntry Level Construction Worker
Required CredentialsNo formal certifications typically requiredOften requires OSHA safety training or certifications
Work EnvironmentVaries; includes warehouses, factories, outdoor sitesPrimarily construction sites, outdoor and indoor
Employer & Industry UsageUsed across manufacturing, logistics, general laborSpecific to construction industry
Common Search & Comparison IntentYesYes

Entry Level Manual Labor and Entry Level Construction Worker roles share similarities in work environment and minimal credential requirements. However, construction workers often need safety certifications and work specifically on construction sites, while manual labor roles are broader across various industries. Both are entry-level positions suitable for individuals seeking physical work opportunities.

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

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

What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Manual Labor jobs in Iowa?

For Entry Level Manual Labor jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Entry Level Manual Labor jobs in Iowa look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Manual Labor jobs in Iowa are:

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

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

Infographic showing various Entry Level Manual Labor job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,685 per year, or $21.5 per hour.

Maintenance Technician 1

Target

Cedar Falls, IA • On-site

$28.75 - $31.75/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 7 days ago


Target rating

6.6

Company rating: 6.6 out of 10

Based on 7,001 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

14th of 39 rated national retailers


Job description

The pay range per hour is $28.75 - $31.75. You may also earn additional compensation in the form of a shift differential, ranging from $2.00 to $3.50 per hour, based on eligibility.

Pay is based on several factors which vary based on position.These include labor markets and in some instancesmay include education, work experience and certifications. In addition to your pay, Target cares about and invests in you as a team member, so that you can take care of yourself and your family. Target offers eligible team members and their dependents comprehensive health benefits and programs, which may include medical, vision, dental, life insurance and more, to help you and your family take care of your whole selves.Other benefits for eligible team members include 401(k), employee discount, short term disability, long term disability, paid sick leave, paid national holidays, and paid vacation.Find competitive benefits from financial and education to well-being and beyond at https://corporate.target.com/careers/benefits.

About us:

Working at Target means helping all families discover the joy of everyday life. We bring that vision to life through our values and culture. Learn more about Target here.


A role in a Supply Chain Facility means being on the very front lines of getting product to the guest as fast as possible-a critical differentiator and one of the most essential Logistics functions. You'll reach beyond the bounds of your team to partner across the enterprise and find solutions to support the business. Whether it's through focusing on our regional or upstream distribution centers, import warehouses, or fulfillment and flow centers, you'll have a chance to positively impact thousands of fellow team members and Target guests worldwide, further differentiating Target from all the rest.

As an Engineering & Facilities Maintenance Technician 1 (MT1), you will maintain and repair automated material handling and facility equipment, and ensure high equipment availability rates. You will use preventive and predictive maintenance processes, and rapidly troubleshoot equipment breakdowns and quickly restore equipment to service to support the successful operation of the supply chain facility. You will work with other Target mechanics to solve problems, validate quality of work for outside specialty contractors, and meet aggressive time lines. You will collaborate with Senior Systems Engineers to perform Root Cause Analysis for equipment failures. You will operate Target owned vehicles to complete maintenance activities on the exterior of the facility and within the trailer yard, as well as travel to nearby facilities and local stores to procure parts and supplies as needed. This is an entry-level position in the technician role with promotion potential to Maintenance Technician 2, by completing and demonstrating proficiency in all related Maintenance Technician 2 job requirements, measured by both hands-on validation and by a written assessment.

A successful candidate in this role will:

  • Maintain and perform basic troubleshooting of electrical and mechanical aspects of Material Handling Equipment (MHE) on site, including conveyor systems, sortation, scales and printer applicators
    • Demonstrate mechanical proficiency for hydraulic and pneumatic systems, and AC/DC electrical motors and drives
    • Adjust, reset, repair, or replace adjustable components (belts, chains, cables) and wearing components (guides, bearings, wheels, rollers, pulleys)
    • Maintain and troubleshoot motors, photo eyes, relays, proximity sensors, solenoids, motor starters, tachometers, encoders, etc.
    • Clean, lubricate, and calibrate equipment
    • Use appropriate job plans, procedures, and manuals
  • Perform preventative maintenance on facility equipment (i.e. Powered Industrial Trucks, HVAC, air compressors and dryers, and balers)
  • Perform basic electrical maintenance and simple repair/replace of various electrical circuits and related electronic equipment, using tools such as multi-meters and infrared thermometers
  • Read and understand basic electrical and electronic schematics
  • [F&B Only:] Execute sanitation and maintenance standards that support the health of industrial ammonia refrigeration
  • Utilize handheld devices and asset management system mobile apps to create and close Work Orders with appropriate data (labor hours, downtime, problem/cause/remedy, and parts used)
  • Develop and maintain positive working relationships across all levels of the organization
  • Follow appropriate safety procedures and use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) while maintaining equipment (Lock Out/Tag Out, Arc Flash, etc.), and ensure a safe work environment by eliminating potential equipment safety hazards

Core responsibilities of this job are described within this job description. Job duties may change at any time due to business needs.

About you:

Physical Demands (must be able to perform with or without reasonable accommodation):

  • Regular bending, lifting, stretching and reaching both below the waist and above the head
  • Lift and move totes or cartons up to 49 pounds each
  • Walking within and around the site with great frequency
  • Ability to climb ladders and gangways safely and without limitation, and work off platforms and equipment at significant heights
  • Full manual dexterity in both hands and wrists, eye/hand coordination, feet (foot pedals), manual (picking, pinching, holding, grasping), and wrist motion (repetitive flexion/rotation)
  • Working conditions may include small spaces, dust, fumes/odors, hot/cold temperatures, inside/outside noise, vibration, standing on concrete for long hours and wet or uneven surfaces
  • Ability to stand/walk for up to 10-12 hours

Qualifications:

  • High school diploma or equivalent required
  • Possesses and maintains a valid driver's license for state employed
  • Basic PC competency and ability to use mobile apps on handheld devices
  • Familiar with simple wiring diagrams, symbols and electrical measuring
  • [F&B Only:] Comfortable working in a temperature-controlled environment
  • Experience in the following areas:
    • Work order management
    • Preventive/predictive maintenance procedures
    • Commonly used industrial tools
    • Basic Carpentry and Plumbing
    • Basic blueprint and schematic reading
    • Basic AC/DC electrical and electronic principles
    • Basic metal fabrication and welding
    • Basic Industrial Controls
  • Desired:
    • Degree from a vocational school or college with a focus in the Mechanical or Electrical field
    • 2+ years apprenticeship or equivalent experience in the Mechanical or Electrical field
    • Experience with automated conveyor systems and controls
    • Experience with Material Handling Equipment (MHE) safety standards
    • Experience with Programmable Logic Control (PLC) programs and Human Machine Interfaces (HMIs)
    • Ability to troubleshoot basic Input/Output functions
    • Experience with robotic operation/ maintenance

Benefits Eligibility

Please paste this url into your preferred browser to learn about benefits eligibility for this role: https://tgt.biz/BenefitsForYou_C | Pegue esta URL en su navegador preferido para obtener informacion sobre la elegibilidad de este puesto para recibir beneficios: https://tgt.biz/BenefitsForYou_C

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

In compliance with state and federal laws, Target will make reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities. If a reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, please reach out to candidate.accommodations@HRHelp.Target.com. Non-accommodation-related requests, such as application follow-ups or technical issues, will not be addressed through this channel.


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About Target

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

We're here to help all families discover the joy of everyday life. Target is a general merchandise retailer with stores in all 50 U.S. states and the District of Columbia. 75% of the U.S. population lives within 10 miles of a Target store. We employ 400,000+ Our tagline is "Expect More. Pay Less." We've been using it since 1994! The Target Corporation also owns Shipt and Roundel. More to love! Target is headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota, its hometown since the first Target store opened in 1962 under The Dayton Company.

Industry

Retail and scientific research and development services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Minneapolis, MN, US