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Entry Level Manufacturing Jobs in Ames, IA (NOW HIRING)

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Entry Level Manufacturing information

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$14

$30

$49

How much do entry level manufacturing jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level manufacturing in Ames, IA is $30.63, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $26.83 and $33.85 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an entry level manufacturing?

An Entry Level Manufacturing job involves performing basic tasks in a production or assembly environment, often under the guidance of experienced workers. Responsibilities may include operating machinery, assembling products, inspecting materials, and maintaining a clean work area. No prior experience is usually required, as on-the-job training is provided. These positions are ideal for individuals looking to gain hands-on experience in manufacturing and develop technical skills.

What does a typical day look like for someone in an entry level manufacturing position?

A typical day for an entry level manufacturing employee involves operating and monitoring machines, assembling products or components, conducting quality checks, and ensuring a clean and safe work area. You’ll often work as part of a team, communicating with supervisors and co-workers to maintain production goals. Depending on the facility, shifts may vary, and you may rotate between different tasks to keep up with workflow demands. This variety keeps the workday active and helps employees develop a broad set of skills relevant to advancing in the manufacturing industry.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in entry level manufacturing, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Manufacturing worker, you need a high school diploma or equivalent, strong attention to detail, and basic mechanical aptitude. Familiarity with operating machinery, using hand tools, and following safety protocols—sometimes demonstrated through OSHA certifications—is important. Reliability, teamwork, and effective communication help set candidates apart in fast-paced manufacturing environments. These abilities are crucial for maintaining production quality, efficiency, and safety on the job.

How to start a career in entry level manufacturing?

To start a career in entry level manufacturing, gain basic technical skills through high school education or vocational training, and consider obtaining certifications such as OSHA safety or equipment operation licenses. Entry-level positions often require physical stamina, attention to detail, and the ability to work in a team environment, with on-the-job training provided for specific machinery and processes.

What are the most commonly searched types of Manufacturing jobs in Ames, IA?

The most popular types of Manufacturing jobs in Ames, IA are:

What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Manufacturing jobs in Ames, IA?

For Entry Level Manufacturing jobs in Ames, IA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Entry Level Manufacturing jobs in Ames, IA look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Manufacturing jobs in Ames, IA are:

What cities near Ames, IA are hiring for Entry Level Manufacturing jobs?

Cities near Ames, IA with the most Entry Level Manufacturing job openings:

Infographic showing various Entry Level Manufacturing job openings in Ames, IA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 3% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $63,709 per year, or $30.6 per hour.

Entry Level Manufacturing Opportunities

American Packaging Corporation

Story City, IA • On-site

$23/hr

Full-time, Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 7 days ago


American Packaging Corporation rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 25 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

31st of 121 rated packaging manufacturers


Job description

Description:

American Packaging Corporation is hiring for Entry Level Manufacturing Professionals to join our team!

APPLY TODAY AND SPEAK WITH A RECRUITER TO RESERVE AN INTERVIEW SLOT WITH A HIRING MANAGER!

NEW WAGE SCALES FOR ALL POSITIONS:

• $23+ PER HOUR FOR MACHINE OPERATORS

• $23 PER HOUR FOR UTILITY OPERATORS

• $2.00 PER HOUR 2ND SHIFT DIFFERENTIAL

• $3.00 PER HOUR 3RD SHIFT DIFFERENTIAL

• Story City, IA 50248: Reliably commute (Required)

• Manufacturing: 1+ year Preferred

Work with state-of-the-art equipment in a climate controlled environment that has been named "Best of the Best" in the Best Workplaces in the America's for 12 years in a row!

American Packaging Corporation offers an industry leading benefits package:

• Medical/Health Insurance

• Dental – Employer Paid

• Vision – Employer Paid

• Short Term Disability – Employer Paid

• Long Term Disability – Employer Paid

• FSA – Health and/or Childcare

• Paid Holidays – 11

• PTO

• 401 (k) – lucrative employer matching

• Bonuses including yearly holiday, 401k and quarterly production

At American Packaging Corporation (APC), you’ll find the packaging career you’ve been looking for. With competitive salaries, excellent benefits, 401(k) plans and tuition reimbursement programs, we nurture our employees while advancing and promoting diversity and inclusion. As the leading flexible packaging converter in North America for over a century, APC’s longstanding success is fueled from the inside out. We’re constantly seeking to improve our internal operations and were named a “Best of the Best” in the Best workplaces in the America’s awards for 12 years in a row. It’s how and why we engage the best and brightest talent to continue propelling our shared success into the future.

Requirements:

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.


EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE: High school diploma or general education degree (GED) required. Previous manufacturing experience preferred.


LANGUAGE SKILLS

Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence, and memos. Ability to write simple correspondence. Ability to effectively present information in one-on-one and small group situations to customers, clients, and other employees of the organization. Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.


MATHEMATICAL SKILLS

Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent and to draw and interpret bar graphs.


REASONING ABILITY

Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out detailed but uninvolved written or oral instructions. Ability to deal with problems involving a few concrete variables in standardized situations.


PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to walk and reach with hands and arms. This position may require manual lifting not to exceed 50 lbs – reference your department-specific JHA (job hazard analysis) for departmental lifting restrictions. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, and ability to adjust focus.


WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to moving mechanical parts. The employee is occasionally exposed to airborne particles and vibration. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.


American Packaging Corporation is committed to equal opportunity for all, without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic. American Packaging Corporation will make reasonable accommodations for known physical or mental limitations of otherwise qualified employees and applicants with disabilities unless the accommodation would impose an undue hardship on the operation of our business. EOE/AA Disability/Veteran.

If you are interested in applying for an employment opportunity and need special assistance or an accommodation to apply for a posted position, please contact our Human Resources department at:

talentacquisition@americanpackaging.com.


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