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Highway Maintainer Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Are you interested in roadway construction and maintenance. The Iowa Department of Transportation ... As a Highway Technician, your responsibilities help fulfill our Mission - Making Lives Better ...

Highway Technician - Dubuque

Ames, IA · On-site

$50K - $74K/yr

Are you interested in roadway construction and maintenance. The Iowa Department of Transportation is seeking a Highway Technician to inspect construction projects in the summer and assist maintenance ...

... Highway Technician Senior (HTS). The guidance you provide in this role directly contributes to ... Boone Maintenance Garage - Within five (5) months, employees are required to reside within 45 ...

We are committed to providing quality work while maintaining a strong focus on safety, teamwork, and getting the job done right. Join Highway Signing and be part of a team that keeps our roads moving ...

Dirt Laborer

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$17 - $22/hr

Job SummaryWe are seeking a motivated and dependable Dirt Laborer to join our construction team, focusing on civil infrastructure projects including highway maintenance, utility locating, and site ...

Dirt Laborer

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$17.25 - $22.25/hr

Job Summary We are seeking a motivated and dependable Dirt Laborer to join our construction team, focusing on civil infrastructure projects including highway maintenance, utility locating, and site ...

Dirt Laborer

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$17.25 - $22.25/hr

Job Summary We are seeking a motivated and dependable Dirt Laborer to join our construction team, focusing on civil infrastructure projects including highway maintenance, utility locating, and site ...

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Showing results 1-20

Highway Maintainer information

See Iowa salary details

$32.9K

$74.5K

$125.4K

How much do highway maintainer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for highway maintainer in Iowa is $74,454.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $39,900.00 and $115,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a highway maintainer?

Highway maintainers are professionals responsible for the upkeep, repair, and safety of public roadways and highways. Their duties include tasks such as snow and ice removal, pothole repairs, signage installation, and maintaining roadside vegetation. They often operate heavy machinery and work in various weather conditions to ensure roads remain safe and accessible for drivers. Highway maintainers play a crucial role in keeping transportation infrastructure functional and safe for the public.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a highway maintainer?

To thrive as a Highway Maintainer, you need knowledge of roadway maintenance practices, equipment operation, and typically a high school diploma or equivalent, often with a commercial driver's license (CDL). Familiarity with snowplows, loaders, asphalt and concrete repair tools, and safety systems is crucial. Strong attention to detail, teamwork, and communication skills help ensure safety and efficient workflow. These abilities are essential for maintaining road safety, minimizing hazards, and supporting public infrastructure reliability.

What are some of the typical challenges a highway maintainer faces during different seasons, and how do they adapt to them?

Highway Maintainers often encounter varying challenges depending on the season. In winter, they manage snow and ice removal, which can require long hours and on-call work during storms, while in summer, they focus on road repairs, mowing, and debris removal, often in high temperatures. Adapting to these challenges involves using specialized equipment, following safety protocols, and collaborating closely with team members to ensure road safety and efficiency year-round. Flexibility and readiness to respond to emergencies are essential parts of the role.

What is the difference between Highway Maintainer vs Road Worker?

AspectHighway MaintainerRoad Worker
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; CDL often preferredHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may require certifications
Work EnvironmentOutdoor, on highways and roads, often in various weather conditionsOutdoor, on roads and construction sites, often in outdoor environments
Employer & Industry UsageState and local transportation departments, public worksConstruction companies, public works, transportation agencies

Highway Maintainers and Road Workers both perform outdoor maintenance tasks related to roads and highways. However, Highway Maintainers typically focus on ongoing maintenance and repairs on public roads, often with specific certifications like CDL. Road Workers may be involved in construction, repairs, or installation projects. Both roles require outdoor work in similar environments, but Highway Maintainers are more focused on maintenance tasks within transportation agencies.

How much do highway maintainers make?

In Illinois, highway maintainers typically earn an average annual salary of around $40,000 to $50,000, depending on experience, location, and union agreements. They perform tasks such as road repair, snow removal, and equipment operation, often requiring physical stamina and knowledge of maintenance tools.

What are popular job titles related to Highway Maintainer jobs in Iowa?

For Highway Maintainer jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Highway Maintainer jobs in Iowa look for?

The top searched job categories for Highway Maintainer jobs in Iowa are:

Infographic showing various Highway Maintainer job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, and 5% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $74,454 per year, or $35.8 per hour.

Highway Technician - Spirit Lake

State of Iowa

Ames, IA • On-site

$50K - $74K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

Posted 17 days ago


State Of Iowa rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 86 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

43rd of 50 rated states


Job description

Job Description Are you interested in roadway construction and maintenance. The Iowa Department of Transportation is looking for individuals who will complete inspections of construction projects and help support the maintenance garages with snow removal efforts as a Highway Technician. Despite working between the two different areas, you will get to be a part of one dedicated team.

Whether you're working in construction or maintenance, inside an office or outside in the elements, you'll keep the roads safe by: Conducting routine sampling, inspection, and testing of materials used in highway construction Maintaining construction records Informing contractors and project inspectors of construction quality issues and/or non-complying work Operating snow equipment to remove snow, ice and frost from roadways Performing routine maintenance and servicing DOT equipment and vehicles Repairing and maintaining guardrails, signs, fences, and lighting To excel in this position, you will need the ability to learn new software, access and utilize multiple applications, and efficiently execute a high volume of typing while using a variety of technical devices and software applications. As a Highway Technician, your responsibilities help fulfill our Mission - Making Lives Better Through Transportation through your dedication to our Core Values: Safety First, People Matter, Customer Focused, Servant Leadership, and Integrity Without Exception alongside your teammates. Residency:Spirit Lake Maintenance Garage - Within five (5) months, employees are required to reside within 45 minutes driving time, during normal conditions, from assigned work location.Shift: 7:00 AM to 3:30 PM, Monday through Friday

Hours may vary and the position is subject to be on call 24 hours a day during emergency and/or weather conditions. Some overnight travel may be required. As a State of Iowa employee, you will be eligible for the following benefits: Competitive pay and benefits package including health, dental, flexible spending, and life insurance Insurance benefits start the first month following 30 days of employment, and costs can be reviewed here.

Opportunities for professional growth and development. Paid time off effective immediately - biweekly vacation, separate sick leave, accruals rollover on a yearly basis, and 9 paid holidays per year. Iowa Public Employee Retirement System (IPERS) Retirement Package with employer match Optional 401A plan with employer contributions.

Employee Discount Programs from a variety of vendors (vision, cellular, fitness, recreation, season passes, travel, counseling; legal, financial). We encourage you to learn more about the State of Iowa Employee Benefits and costs at the State of Iowa Employee Benefits Website. Requirements: A CDL permit upon hire.

Class A and endorsements/restrictions on your CDL within 5 months following your hire date. Entry-level driver Training is available upon hire through the Iowa DOT. The multifaceted training will help meet all state and federal regulations.

A successful U.S. DOT Clearinghouse query. A pre-employment physical verifying the physical ability to perform the duties described

Click the video link for a demonstration: OPC Webinar Chapter 4 PCP Demo Test (youtube.com). A pre-employment drug screen and will be required to participate in ongoing random drug and alcohol testing programs. May be required to obtain pesticide/herbicide certifications or other certifications as needed

Help make Iowa roadways safe for you, your family, and your friends. You have the freedom to flourish in Iowa - Apply now. Iowa DOT complies with federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities.

If a 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 the EEO & ADA Officer at 515-689-1009 or via email at amy.weerheim@iowadot.us. The State of Iowa participates in E-Verify, a federal program that helps employers confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. Within the required timeframe, new hires will be verified through the E-Verify system to ensure authorization to work in the United States

The State of Iowa also complies with the federal Right to Work laws, which protect employees' rights to work without being required to join a labor organization. For more information, please visit www.e-verify.gov. Minimum Qualification Requirements Applicants must meet at least one of the following minimum requirements to qualify for positions in this job classification: Graduation from high school, GED, or equivalency, and experience equal to two years of full-time work in highway maintenance, equipment operation, construction inspection, field work in engineering survey, or materials inspection and testing

A total of two years of education and/or full-time experience (as described in number one), where thirty semester hours of post-high-school education in highway maintenance, equipment operation, construction inspection, field work in engineering survey, or materials inspection and testing equals one year of full-time experience. Current, continuous experience in the state executive branch that includes eighteen months of full-time work as a Highway Technician Associate or Construction Technician Assistant. For additional information, please click on this link to view the job description.

Additional Qualification Requirements Positions in this class require possession of a valid Commercial Learner's Permit upon hire. Within a timeframe determined by the appointing authority, a valid Commercial Driver's License with the required endorsements and applicable restrictions must be obtained and subsequently maintained to continue employment. In conjunction with Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations (parts 40 and 382), this job requires a pre-employment drug screen and will require ongoing participation in the employer's random drug and alcohol testing program and will be subject to the regulations regarding the Federal drug and alcohol testing program.

Prior to starting employment, all persons are required to have a post offer, pre-employment physical verifying the physical ability to perform the duties described. Within a period of time after hire, as determined by the appointing authority, employees in this class may be required to obtain and maintain Herbicide Applicator certification from the Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship. Positions require certification for testing materials and operating specialized equipment as required by the Iowa Department of Transportation's Technical Training and Certification Program for Highway Materials and Construction; and/or other certifications as required.

Travel, including overnight travel, may be required for positions in this class. Employees must arrange transportation to and from assigned work areas. Within a timeframe determined by the appointing authority, employees in designated positions are required to reside within a defined driving time, during normal conditions, from the assigned work location.

Employees must respond to emergency situations as required. Employees must be able to work up to 16 consecutive hours.


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About State of Iowa

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The State of Iowa is not a company but the governmental structure of the U.S. state of Iowa, stationed in the capital city, Des Moines. The official website, iowa.gov, is a platform dedicated to providing information and services related to the state's governance. As a governmental establishment, the State of Iowa's 'industry' primarily involves social governance, policy-making, and public administration, overseeing sectors like education, health, transportation, agriculture, and other public services.

Industry

Public administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Des Moines, IA, US

Year founded

1939