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Food Packaging Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

America's largest metal food packaging producer. * A company that strives toward sustainability by reducing our carbon footprint, selecting like-minded suppliers, and providing recyclable products.

IA · On-site

$33.35/hr

Machinist - Tool & Die | Fort Dodge, IA | Starting Pay $33.35 per hour Join Silgan Containers, America's largest metal food packaging producer, as a Machinist in Fort Dodge, IA. We're looking for ...

Machinist - Tool & Die | Fort Dodge, IA | Starting Pay $33.35per hour Join Silgan Containers, America's largest metal food packaging producer, as a Machinist in Fort Dodge, IA.We'relooking for ...

Machinist - Tool & Die | Fort Dodge, IA | Starting Pay $33.35 per hour Join Silgan Containers, America's largest metal food packaging producer, as a Machinist in Fort Dodge, IA. We're looking for ...

IA · On-site

... the food packaging industry. This program offers comprehensive technical training to prepare you for key roles in production management, ensuring you have a strong knowledge of manufacturing ...

IA · On-site

... the food packaging industry. This program offers comprehensive technical training to prepare you for key roles in production management, ensuring you have a strong knowledge of manufacturing ...

IA · On-site

$32.46/hr

... metal food packaging manufacturer. We're looking for an experienced Industrial Mechanic to join our maintenance team and help keep our high-speed manufacturing equipment running safely and ...

... metal food packaging manufacturer. We're looking for an experienced Industrial Mechanic to join our maintenance team and help keep our high-speed manufacturing equipment running safely and ...

Mechanic

Fort Dodge, IA · On-site

$32.46/hr

... metal food packaging manufacturer. We're looking for an experienced Industrial Mechanic to join our maintenance team and help keep our high-speed manufacturing equipment running safely and ...

IA · On-site

... the food packaging industry. This program offers comprehensive technical training to prepare you for key roles in production management, ensuring you have a strong knowledge of manufacturing ...

IA · On-site

... the food packaging industry. This program offers comprehensive technical training to prepare you for key roles in production management, ensuring you have a strong knowledge of manufacturing ...

... food, packaging, chemical, metals, or heavy industrial environments preferred - Dependable, safety-minded, organized, and comfortable in fast-moving plant operations - Reliable transportation to the ...

... food, packaging, chemical, metals, or heavy industrial environments preferred - Dependable, safety-minded, organized, and comfortable in fast-moving plant operations - Reliable transportation to the ...

... food, packaging, chemical, metals, or heavy industrial environments preferred - Dependable, safety-minded, organized, and comfortable in fast-moving plant operations - Reliable transportation to the ...

Packaging Operator

Allerton, IA

$16 - $19.25/hr

Machine operating experience required; food manufacturing or infant formula manufacturing preferred * Familiarity with cGMPs, SOPs, HACCP, or similar quality programs preferred * Must be self ...

Packaging Operator

Allerton, IA · On-site

$16 - $19.25/hr

Machine operating experience required; food manufacturing or infant formula manufacturing preferred * Familiarity with cGMPs, SOPs, HACCP, or similar quality programs preferred * Must be self ...

Packaging Operator

Allerton, IA

$16 - $19.25/hr

Machine operating experience required; food manufacturing or infant formula manufacturing preferred * Familiarity with cGMPs, SOPs, HACCP, or similar quality programs preferred * Must be self ...

$16.75 - $20/hr

... food industry, guided by our commitment to progress and excellence. Today, Barilla is an ... Packaging Operators during their shift are primarily responsible for loading packaging materials on ...

Packaging Operator (Nights) - Ames, IA

Ames, IA · On-site

$16.75 - $20/hr

... food industry, guided by our commitment to progress and excellence. Today, Barilla is an ... Packaging Operators during their shift are primarily responsible for loading packaging materials on ...

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Food Packaging information

See Iowa salary details

$9

$14

$18

How much do food packaging jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for food packaging in Iowa is $14.27, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.64 and $15.82 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is food packaging?

Food packaging refers to the process and materials used to enclose and protect food products for distribution, storage, sale, and use. It helps maintain food safety and quality by preventing contamination, spoilage, and damage during transportation. Food packaging can also provide important information such as nutritional facts, ingredients, and expiration dates, and it often plays a role in marketing by making products attractive to consumers.

What are some common challenges faced in a food packaging role, and how can I prepare for them?

Food packaging roles often involve working in fast-paced environments where attention to detail and adherence to safety and hygiene standards are crucial. Common challenges include maintaining quality control under time pressure, handling repetitive tasks while avoiding errors, and ensuring compliance with food safety regulations. To prepare, familiarize yourself with basic food safety protocols, practice good organizational skills, and be ready to work collaboratively with team members to meet production targets. Demonstrating adaptability and a commitment to quality can help you succeed and advance in this field.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in food packaging?

To thrive in Food Packaging, you need attention to detail, manual dexterity, and a basic understanding of food safety and hygiene, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with packaging machinery, conveyor systems, and sometimes food safety certifications like HACCP are typically required. Strong teamwork, reliability, and the ability to work efficiently under pressure are valuable soft skills in this role. These skills ensure products are packaged safely and efficiently, maintaining quality standards and meeting production targets.

What is the difference between Food Packaging vs Food Processing?

AspectFood PackagingFood Processing
CredentialsCertifications in packaging technology, safety standardsFood safety certifications, HACCP, GMP
Work EnvironmentManufacturing plants, packaging linesProcessing facilities, production lines
Industry UsagePackaging companies, food brandsFood manufacturers, processing plants

Food Packaging focuses on designing, producing, and handling packaging materials to protect and promote food products. Food Processing involves transforming raw ingredients into finished food items through various techniques. Both roles are essential in the food industry but differ in their primary functions and work environments.

What does a food packaging worker do?

A food packaging worker is responsible for preparing, packing, and labeling food products for distribution. They operate packaging machinery, ensure products meet safety and quality standards, and maintain a clean work environment, often following safety protocols and using tools like conveyor belts and packaging machines.
What are popular job titles related to Food Packaging jobs in Iowa? For Food Packaging jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Iowa are hiring for Food Packaging jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most Food Packaging job openings:
Infographic showing various Food Packaging job openings in Iowa as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 72% Full Time, 27% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $29,673 per year, or $14.3 per hour.

$19.32/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 7 days ago


Job description

Starting pay is $19.32 per hour - $24.51 per hour

On average 15 scheduled days per month. Every other weekend is a 3-day weekend.

What we offer you:

  • Starting pay is $19.32 per hour - $24.51 per hour plus shift differential

  • Only work84 hours every two weeks but earn76 hours of straight pay and 8 hours of guaranteed overtime every two weeks

  • Quarterly bonus

  • Comprehensive benefits package, including medical and prescription, dental, vision, life and AD&D insurance, short and long-term disability coverage, 10 paid holidays, 401k with a 3 percent match, HSA after 30 days

  • Add-on benefits include pet insurance, MSK programs - Hinge Health and Regenexx, telemedicine, Livongo for diabetes and hypertension, and more

  • Safety glasses reimbursement

  • Steel toed boots not required

  • We invest in you with on-the-job training, classes, and tuition reimbursement as needed

  • Room to grow - we promote within

  • On average 15 scheduled days per month

  • Every other weekend is a 3-day weekend

  • 12 hour continuous schedule

  • We care about your safety, which means we do what's needed to protect our employees and that's reflected in our "Drive to Zero Injuries" initiative results.

What you'll do:

  • Package product to required specifications

  • Place sleeves in cartons or snakewrap on pallet as required

  • Manually load shells into equipment as required

  • Monitor product continuously to ensure visual acceptability

  • Complete forms and reports as required, both manually and electronically

  • Work with management to improve work area, safety, quality, cost, and productivity

We need you to have:

  • The ability to follow instructions and be a team player

  • The ability to pull, push, bend, climb, and lift up to 50 pounds

  • A safety-oriented mindset

  • Previous experience in a manufacturing environment is a plus

Who we are:

  • America's largest metal food packaging producer.

  • A company that strives toward sustainability by reducing our carbon footprint, selecting like-minded suppliers, and providing recyclable products.

  • Silgan Containers has set sustainability targets through 2030 to source more renewable energy, reduce our greenhouse gas emissions, and divert our waste from landfill to foster environmental stewardship.

LIMITATIONS AND DISCLAIMER

The above job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required for the position.

All job requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health and safety of themselves or other employees.

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform other job-related duties requested by their supervisor in compliance with Federal and State Laws.

Requirements are representative of minimum levels of knowledge, skills and/or abilities. To perform this job successfully, the employee must possess the abilities or aptitudes to perform each duty proficiently. Continued employment remains on an "at-will" basis.

Silgan is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, or the presence of a disability, which would not prevent the performance of essential job duties with, or without reasonable accommodation of any other protective status.

Silgan is a drug-free workplace.