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Farm Worker Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

ForceSource

Farm Hand with CDL

Nevada, IA

$14 - $18.75/hr

The ideal candidate enjoys working outdoors, has experience operating heavy equipment, and is ... Maintain farm buildings, fences, and equipment. * Keep the farm clean, organized, and operating ...

ForceSource

Farm Hand with CDL

Nevada, IA · On-site

$14 - $18.75/hr

The ideal candidate enjoys working outdoors, has experience operating heavy equipment, and is ... Maintain farm buildings, fences, and equipment. * Keep the farm clean, organized, and operating ...

WFR

Assistant Farm Manager

Decorah, IA

Supports Farm Manager with overseeing and being actively involved in all sections of the sow farm including all areas of breeding and farrowing, management of employees, understanding of barn ...

Thompson Agro

Grain Hauling-Farm Assistant

Leland, IA

$20 - $25/hr

Grain Hauling - Farm Assistant. Primary job duty is hauling grain (semi) but will also include operating farm equipment and other general farm tasks. Family farm setting near Leland, IA. Full-Time. ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsFarm Worker JobsFarm Worker Jobs in Iowa

Farm Worker information

See Iowa salary details

$10

$16

$24

How much do farm worker jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for farm worker in Iowa is $16.39, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.99 and $18.08 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Farm Worker, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Farm Worker, you need physical stamina, basic agricultural knowledge, and the ability to operate or learn to operate farm machinery, often requiring a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with tools like tractors, irrigation systems, and safety equipment is typically expected, and some employers may prefer certifications in pesticide use or equipment operation. Dependability, attention to detail, and the ability to work well in a team are important soft skills for this role. These skills and qualities ensure efficient, safe, and productive farm operations, which are essential for successful crop or livestock management.

What Do Farm Workers Do?

A farm worker is a general title for someone that completes tasks in the agricultural industry. As a farm worker, your responsibilities may involve tending to livestock or crops. If you primarily work with crops, your job duties include irrigating soil, spraying fertilizer and pesticide solutions on fields, and harvesting crops with machinery or by hand. However, if you mainly work with livestock, your job duties include feeding the animals, cleaning their pens and cages, checking for sick or injured animals, administering vaccines and medications, branding livestock for identification, and herding livestock to specific areas.

What are common farm jobs?

Common farm jobs for farm workers include planting, watering, and harvesting crops, caring for livestock, operating machinery, and maintaining farm equipment. These roles often require physical stamina, knowledge of safety procedures, and sometimes the use of tools like tractors or hand tools.

What is the minimum salary for a farm worker?

The minimum salary for a farm worker in the United States is typically at least the federal minimum wage, which is $7.25 per hour, though many states set higher minimum wages. Farm workers often earn hourly wages that can vary based on experience, location, and the type of work performed, with seasonal and migrant workers sometimes paid piece rates or daily wages.

What are farm workers?

Farm workers are individuals who perform a variety of tasks related to planting, cultivating, and harvesting crops, as well as caring for livestock on farms. Their duties can include operating machinery, irrigating fields, feeding animals, and maintaining farm facilities. Farm workers play a vital role in the agricultural industry by ensuring the production and supply of food and other agricultural products. The work can be physically demanding and often takes place outdoors in various weather conditions.

How do I start a career in farming?

To start a career as a farm worker, gaining experience through entry-level positions or internships on farms is common. Developing skills in operating farming equipment, understanding crop and livestock management, and obtaining relevant certifications can improve job prospects. Physical stamina and a willingness to work outdoors are also important.

What are some common challenges farm workers face during peak harvesting seasons?

During peak harvesting seasons, farm workers often experience long hours, physically demanding tasks, and tight deadlines to ensure crops are collected at their freshest. Weather conditions can add unpredictability, requiring flexibility and adaptability from workers. Teamwork and clear communication become especially important, as tasks are often coordinated among several workers to meet production goals efficiently. Despite these challenges, peak seasons also offer opportunities to earn overtime and develop valuable skills in agricultural operations.

What is the difference between Farm Worker vs Farmhand?

AspectFarm WorkerFarmhand
CredentialsTypically no formal certifications requiredUsually no formal certifications required
Work EnvironmentOutdoor farms, fields, orchardsOutdoor farms, fields, orchards
Employer & Industry UsageCommonly used in agriculture, farmingOften used interchangeably with Farm Worker
Job DutiesPlanting, harvesting, basic farm tasksPlanting, harvesting, basic farm tasks

Farm Worker and Farmhand are often used interchangeably, both referring to individuals performing manual labor on farms. While 'Farm Worker' is the more formal term, 'Farmhand' is a common colloquial alternative. Both roles involve similar duties such as planting, harvesting, and general farm maintenance in outdoor agricultural environments, with minimal formal credentials required.

What farm job pays the most?

Farm workers involved in specialized roles such as farm managers, crop consultants, or those with advanced skills in machinery operation and agricultural technology tend to earn the highest wages. Positions requiring experience, certifications, or management responsibilities generally offer higher pay compared to entry-level farm labor roles.
More about Farm Worker jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Farm Worker jobs in Iowa? The most popular types of Farm Worker jobs in Iowa are:
What are popular job titles related to Farm Worker jobs in Iowa? For Farm Worker jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Farm Worker jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Farm Worker jobs in Iowa are:
What cities in Iowa are hiring for Farm Worker jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most Farm Worker job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Farm Worker jobs in IA? For Farm Worker jobs in IA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Farm Worker jobs near you
Infographic showing various Farm Worker job openings in Iowa as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 70% Full Time, and 30% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $34,101 per year, or $16.4 per hour.

Farm Hand with CDL

ForceSource

Nevada, IA

$14 - $18.75/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

Job description

Job Summary

We are seeking a dependable and hardworking Farm Hand / CDL Driver to join our agricultural operation. This position is responsible for assisting with day-to-day farm activities while safely operating commercial vehicles and agricultural equipment. The ideal candidate enjoys working outdoors, has experience operating heavy equipment, and is willing to work flexible hours during planting and harvest seasons.

Essential ResponsibilitiesFarm Operations
  • Assist with planting, cultivating, and harvesting crops.
  • Operate tractors, combines, sprayers, grain carts, skid loaders, and other farm equipment.
  • Perform daily equipment inspections and basic maintenance.
  • Load and unload seed, fertilizer, grain, and other agricultural products.
  • Assist with grain handling, drying, and storage operations.
  • Maintain farm buildings, fences, and equipment.
  • Keep the farm clean, organized, and operating efficiently.
CDL Driving Duties
  • Safely operate semi-trucks and trailers to transport grain, seed, fertilizer, equipment, and supplies.
  • Deliver grain to elevators, ethanol plants, feed mills, and processing facilities.
  • Transport agricultural equipment between farm locations as needed.
  • Complete pre-trip and post-trip vehicle inspections.
  • Maintain accurate logbooks and required DOT documentation.
  • Ensure all loads are properly secured and transported safely.
  • Comply with all DOT regulations and company safety policies.
Qualifications
  • Valid Class A CDL (required)
  • Clean driving record
  • Ability to obtain or maintain a DOT Medical Certificate
  • Experience operating agricultural equipment preferred
  • Mechanical aptitude with the ability to perform basic equipment maintenance
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team
  • Strong work ethic and positive attitude
  • Willingness to work extended hours, weekends, and holidays during planting and harvest
Preferred Qualifications
  • 2+ years of farm or agricultural experience
  • Experience hauling grain with hopper-bottom trailers
  • Experience operating GPS-guided farming equipment
  • Commercial pesticide applicator license (preferred but not required)
  • Welding or fabrication experience is a plus
  • Knowledge of precision agriculture technology
Physical Requirements
  • Frequently lift up to 75 pounds
  • Climb ladders and grain bins
  • Work outdoors in varying weather conditions
  • Sit for extended periods while operating equipment
  • Walk on uneven terrain
  • Bend, kneel, squat, and climb regularly
Work Environment
  • Outdoor agricultural environment
  • Exposure to dust, grain, chemicals, and changing weather conditions
  • Seasonal overtime during planting and harvest
  • Flexible schedule based on weather and crop conditions
Benefits
  • Competitive hourly wage or salary
  • Overtime opportunities during peak seasons
  • Health, dental, and vision insurance (if applicable)
  • Retirement plan with company match
  • Paid time off
  • Paid holidays
  • Uniform allowance (if applicable)
  • Opportunities for advancement
Ideal Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate is a reliable, self-motivated individual who enjoys agriculture and takes pride in operating equipment safely and efficiently. This person is comfortable transitioning between fieldwork, truck driving, equipment maintenance, and general farm responsibilities while supporting the overall success of the farming operation.

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