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Entry Level Production Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Product Design Engineer

Ottumwa, IA · On-site

$40 - $43/hr

Ottumwa, IA 52501 Duration: 24 Months (Possibility of Extension/Conversion) Shift: 1st Shift (8:00 AM - 5:00 PM) Job Summary Entry-level product engineering role focused on mechanical design support ...

Enhancements Crew Member

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$11.75 - $15.25/hr

Position Overview The Enhancement Crew Member is an entry-level production role. The employee spends most of the time in the field under supervision of a Crew Leader. Benefits * On-the-job training ...

Entry Level Sales Representative: Job Summary: Are you financially happy in your current role? Does ... Ensure a high quality and accurate representation of Leaf Home products by representing the company ...

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Entry Level Production information

See Iowa salary details

$10

$15

$19

How much do entry level production jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level production in Iowa is $15.60, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.99 and $16.73 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Why is Gen Z struggling to get jobs?

Gen Z faces challenges in securing entry-level production jobs due to high competition, limited work experience, and employers' preference for candidates with specific skills or certifications. Additionally, economic factors and changing industry demands can impact job availability for new entrants.

What jobs make $10,000 a month without a degree?

Entry-level production roles typically do not pay $10,000 a month without significant experience or specialized skills. High-paying jobs that can reach this level often require advanced technical skills, certifications, or experience in fields like sales, real estate, or skilled trades such as electrical or plumbing work, which may offer high commissions or hourly rates. Most jobs paying this amount without a degree are rare and usually involve entrepreneurship or commission-based sales.

What is an Entry Level Production job?

An Entry Level Production job typically involves assisting in the manufacturing or assembly process, operating machinery, inspecting products for quality, and following safety protocols. These roles require little to no prior experience and provide on-the-job training. Responsibilities may vary depending on the industry but often include packaging, material handling, and equipment maintenance.

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

Entry Level Production roles require strong attention to detail, manual dexterity, and basic literacy or math skills, usually with a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with production equipment, safety protocols, and inventory tracking systems like ERP software is often beneficial. Reliability, effective communication, and a willingness to learn are important soft skills for this position. These qualities ensure efficient workflow, adherence to quality standards, and contribute to a safe and collaborative production environment.

What jobs pay 2000 a day?

Entry level production jobs typically do not pay $2000 a day; such high daily earnings are usually associated with specialized roles like freelance consultants, high-level contractors, or skilled trades such as electricians or welders working on large projects. These roles often require specific skills, certifications, or experience and may involve overtime or project-based pay structures.

What does a typical day look like for someone in an Entry Level Production role?

A typical day in an Entry Level Production role involves operating machinery, assembling products, inspecting parts for quality, and maintaining a clean workspace. You’ll usually work as part of a team, following instructions from supervisors and collaborating with coworkers to meet production targets. The work is often structured in shifts and may require standing for extended periods or lifting materials. By working effectively within the team and staying focused on your tasks, you play a vital part in ensuring production goals are achieved and products meet company standards.

What is entry-level production?

Entry-level production jobs involve basic manufacturing or assembly tasks typically performed by individuals new to the industry. These roles often require minimal experience, focus on learning specific skills, and may involve operating machinery or working on a production line. They usually offer on-the-job training and can serve as a starting point for a career in manufacturing or industrial work.
What are the most commonly searched types of Production jobs in Iowa? The most popular types of Production jobs in Iowa are:
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Production jobs in Iowa? For Entry Level Production jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Iowa are hiring for Entry Level Production jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most Entry Level Production job openings:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Production job openings in Iowa as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $32,452 per year, or $15.6 per hour.
Entry Level Production Associate

Entry Level Production Associate

International Paper

Cedar Rapids, IA

$26/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted yesterday


International Paper rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 290 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

303rd of 521 rated manufacturers


Job description

Position Title: 

Entry Level Production Associate

Pay Rate

Production Associates start as entry level at an hourly rate of $26/hr.

After an initial onboarding period, the Entry Level new hires immediately begin a state-of-the-art training and certification program to allow potential rapid advancement to higher position and increased wages.

Physical Location

Cedar River Mill

4600 C St SW

Cedar Rapids, IA 52404

Category/Shift

Hourly Full-Time; 12-Hour Rotating Shifts. - Dupont Schedule

4 Night Shifts (6 p.m. - 6 a.m.) --- 3 days off

3 Day Shifts (6 a.m. - 6 p.m.) --- 1 day off

3 Night Shifts (6 p.m. - 6 a.m.) --- 3 days off

4 Day Shifts (6 a.m. - 6 p.m.) --- 7 days off

Job Requirements: 

  • At least 18 years of age

  • Minimum high school graduate, GED, or equivalent work experience 

  • Eligible for employment in the US

  • Must be willing to meet the following requirements:

    • Operate or work in industrial conditions (may be warm/hot, dusty/dirty, around hazardous chemicals, noise, heavy machinery or elevated working surfaces (with proper safety training and safety protection)

    • Undergo a drug screen for illicit use of drugs as a condition of employment

    • Undergo a job-related health assessment as a condition of employment

    • Submit to periodic drug screens as a condition of employment

    • Work any shift and/or a rotating shift schedule

    • Work overtime on a regular basis and with last minute notification

    • Work holidays and/or weekends on a regular basis

    • Wear required safety equipment

The Job you will Perform:

  • You will start in an entry-level position and perform general physical activities. 

  • On the job training may involve physical, technical, and mechanical ability in order to perform the following duties:

    • Climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials

    • Monitoring, adjusting, and controlling operating equipment

    • Conducting tests and inspections of products or processes to evaluate quality or performance

The Skills You Will Bring: 

  • Critical Thinking - Analyze and use logic to address issues

  • Mechanical Aptitude - Capacity to apply mechanical principles to solve problems

  • Team Player - Collaborate and work cooperatively across a multifunctional team

  • Dependability - Being reliable, responsible, and dependable

  • Self-Motivation - Exerting effort towards training to move up to next position and accepting feedback to make improvements or take corrective action

Preferred candidates have the following skills and/or experience(s): 

  • Demonstrated stability through a consistent work history with at least 2-years consecutive employment; or,

  • Demonstrated combination of technical training and school leadership activities; or, 

  • Other technical training or certifications such as Ready to Work programs 

The Benefits You Will Enjoy:
International Paper offers a benefits package that includes health, welfare and retirement plans including Medical, Dental, Life insurance, Flexible Spending Accounts, Short-term and Long-term Disability, 401(k), Company-funded retirement contributions, Paid Time Off, Education & Development (including Tuition Reimbursement), Student Loan Repayment Assistance, and Voluntary Benefits including insurance for home, auto, vision and pets

The Career You Will Build:
Leadership training, promotional opportunities
The Impact You Will Make:
We continue to build a better future for people, the planet, and our company! IP has been a good steward of sustainable practices across communities around the world for more than 125 years. Join our team and you'll see why our team members say they're Proud to be IP.
The Culture You Will Experience:
International Paper promotes employee well-being by providing safe, caring and inclusive workplaces. We have team members all around the world with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. These are our strengths. We are committed to creating a culture where all individuals are respected, valued, engaged and have an opportunity to do their best work every day. We invite you to bring your uniqueness, creativity, talents, experiences, and safety mindset to be a part of our increasingly inclusive and diverse culture.
The Company You Will Join:
International Paper (NYSE: IP; LSE: IPC) creates sustainable packaging solutions that enable our customers, teammates and shareowners to thrive in an ever-changing world. We are a leader in corrugated packaging, partnering with customers across industries to protect what matters most, strengthen supply chains and create lasting value. Learn more at internationalpaper.com.

International Paper is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.  International Paper complies with federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact reasonable.accommodations@ipaper.com or (877) 973-3919.


What International Paper employees say

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About International Paper

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

International Paper is a leading global supplier of renewable fiber-based products. We produce corrugated packaging products that protect and promote goods, and enable worldwide commerce, and pulp for diapers, tissue and other personal care products that promote health and wellness. Headquartered in Memphis, Tenn., we employ approximately 38,000 colleagues globally. We serve customers worldwide, with manufacturing operations in North America, Latin America, North Africa and Europe. Net sales for 2021 were $19.4 billion.

Industry

Paper manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Memphis, TN, US

Year founded

1898