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Laser Operator Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

SHIPPING CRANE OPERATOR

Sioux City, IA ยท On-site

$19 - $21/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Stage and organize inbound and outbound materials to maintain an efficient, orderly shipping and receiving area * Assist the Laser Operator with stacking and loading correct materials to support ...

Laser Technician

Des Moines, IA

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Present in operating room during procedures; level of involvement in procedure is subject to ... Laser Technician I Company: Agiliti Location City: Urbandale Location State: Iowa

Laser Technician

Des Moines, IA ยท On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Present in operating room during procedures; level of involvement in procedure is subject to ... Laser Technician I Company: Agiliti Location City: Urbandale Location State: Iowa

Laser Technician

Des Moines, IA

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Present in operating room during procedures; level of involvement in procedure is subject to ... Laser Technician I Company: Agiliti Location City: Urbandale Location State: Iowa

Laser Technician I

Des Moines, IA

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Present in operating room during procedures; level of involvement in procedure is subject to ... Laser Technician I Company: Agiliti Location City: Urbandale Location State: Iowa

Laser Technician I

Des Moines, IA ยท On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Present in operating room during procedures; level of involvement in procedure is subject to ... Laser Technician I Company: Agiliti Location City: Urbandale Location State: Iowa

Laser Technician I

Des Moines, IA

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Present in operating room during procedures; level of involvement in procedure is subject to ... Laser Technician I Company: Agiliti Location City: Urbandale Location State: Iowa

Press Brake Operator

Indianola, IA ยท On-site

$17.25 - $22.25/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Ability to read blueprints and tape measures. * 1 to 2 years' laser operating experience required. * Must be a self-starter that is detail oriented and can work with minimal supervision. * Ability to ...

CNC Operator

Sioux Rapids, IA ยท On-site

$18 - $25/hr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

The CNC Laser & Press Brake Operator is responsible for operating, setting up, and maintaining CNC laser cutting and Press Brake equipment to cut, bend, and form metal components to specification.

CNC Operator

Sioux Rapids, IA ยท On-site

$18 - $25/hr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

The CNC Laser & Press Brake Operator is responsible for operating, setting up, and maintaining CNC laser cutting and Press Brake equipment to cut, bend, and form metal components to specification.

More information is available on our website The Robot Operator will set up, operate, or tend ... Includes workers who operate laser cutters or laser-beam machines. Key Responsibilities: * Perform ...

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Showing results 21-40

Laser Operator information

See Iowa salary details

$12

$18

$25

How much do laser operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for laser operator in Iowa is $18.69, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.01 and $20.34 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a laser operator?

Laser Operators are skilled professionals who operate laser cutting or engraving machines, typically in manufacturing or fabrication environments. They are responsible for setting up and calibrating laser equipment, loading materials, monitoring the cutting or engraving process, and ensuring the finished products meet quality standards. Laser Operators also perform routine maintenance on the machines and follow safety protocols to prevent accidents. Their work is essential in industries such as metalworking, automotive, signage, and electronics.

What is the difference between Laser Operator vs CNC Operator?

AspectLaser OperatorCNC Operator
CredentialsHigh school diploma, on-the-job training, or certifications in laser cuttingHigh school diploma, technical training, or certifications in CNC machining
Work EnvironmentManufacturing or fabrication shops using laser cutting machinesManufacturing plants operating CNC machinery
Industry UsageCommon in metal, plastic, and fabric cutting industriesUsed across automotive, aerospace, and general manufacturing

Laser Operators and CNC Operators both work in manufacturing environments, often with similar certifications and skills. While Laser Operators focus on operating laser cutting machines, CNC Operators handle a broader range of computer-controlled machinery. Both roles are essential in precision manufacturing, but Laser Operators specialize in laser technology, whereas CNC Operators work with various CNC equipment.

Is being a laser operator hard?

Laser operators typically work in manufacturing environments, operating and maintaining laser cutting or engraving machines. The job requires attention to detail, technical skills, and safety awareness, but it is generally considered manageable with proper training and experience.

What are some common challenges laser operators face when working with high-precision machinery?

Laser Operators often encounter challenges such as maintaining tight tolerances, troubleshooting minor machine malfunctions, and ensuring material alignment for optimal cuts. Staying up-to-date with software updates and understanding different material properties are also crucial to avoid costly errors. Effective communication with team members in quality control and production planning is essential to meet project deadlines and maintain safety standards.

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

To thrive as a Laser Operator, you need a solid understanding of manufacturing processes, blueprint reading, and machine operation, often with a high school diploma or technical certification. Familiarity with CNC laser cutting machines, CAD/CAM software, and material handling systems is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and effective communication help you excel in this role. These competencies ensure precise production, machine safety, and efficient workflow in manufacturing environments.

What are popular job titles related to Laser Operator jobs in Iowa?

For Laser Operator jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Laser Operator jobs in Iowa look for?

The top searched job categories for Laser Operator jobs in Iowa are:

What cities in Iowa are hiring for Laser Operator jobs?

Cities in Iowa with the most Laser Operator job openings:

Infographic showing various Laser Operator job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 3% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 6% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $38,880 per year, or $18.7 per hour.

SHIPPING CRANE OPERATOR

Owen Industries

Sioux City, IA โ€ข On-site

$19 - $21/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 23 days ago


Job description



Overhead Crane Operator – Shipping & Material Handling | $19–$21/hr | 4-Day Work Week

MVS Metals (Owen Industries) – Sioux City, IA | Mon–Thu, 5:00 AM – 3:30 PM

Run the Crane. Load the Trucks. Own the Floor.

At MVS Metals, our Overhead Crane Operators are essential to keeping production moving and shipments going out the door accurately and on time. We're hiring a Crane Operator / Material Handler focused on shipping operations — loading trucks, moving steel, and keeping our facility running safely and efficiently on a 4-day work week.

If you know how to operate an overhead crane with confidence and take pride in doing it right — we want to hear from you.

The Details

  • Starting pay: $19.00–$21.00/hr depending on experience
  • Hours: Mon–Thu, 5:00 AM – 3:30 PM
  • Schedule: 4-day work week — OT on Fridays as available/needed
  • Home by early afternoon every day

What You'll Do

  • Operate overhead cranes and remote controls safely to move, position, and load steel materials throughout the facility
  • Load outbound trucks accurately and efficiently, ensuring materials are staged and secured per shipping requirements
  • Verify shipping documentation and ensure materials match order details and job paperwork
  • Stage and organize inbound and outbound materials to maintain an efficient, orderly shipping and receiving area
  • Assist the Laser Operator with stacking and loading correct materials to support production flow
  • Work closely with the production and shipping teams to meet daily output and delivery goals
  • Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area at all times
  • Follow all OSHA, ISO, and company safety procedures — every lift, every time
  • Participate in Continuous Improvement Programs and other company initiatives

What We're Looking For

  • Proven overhead crane experience — remote control operation strongly preferred
  • Experience loading trucks and staging materials in a manufacturing or shipping environment
  • Ability to read and follow shipping documents, work orders, and load requirements accurately
  • Strong attention to detail — the right material, in the right place, on the right truck
  • Safety-focused and committed to following procedures on every lift
  • Reliable, organized, and proactive — you don't wait to be told what needs to be done
  • Strong communication and teamwork skills
  • Able to work independently and support the crew when needed
  • Comfortable with physically demanding work in an active manufacturing environment

What's In It For You

$19–$21/hr depending on experience ✅ 4-day work week — Mon through Thu, every week ✅ Home by early afternoon every day ✅ Health, Dental & Vision insuranceLife/AD&D and Disability coverage401(k) with company matchPTO and paid holidays — accrual begins immediately ✅ Wellness program with premium incentives ✅ On-the-job training and skill development ✅ Opportunities for growth and advancement within Owen Industries

Benefits begin the 1st of the month after 30 days of employment.

Why MVS Metals?

MVS Metals is part of Owen Industries, a decades-long leader in the steel industry. We run a fast-paced, precision-focused operation in Sioux City where safety is non-negotiable and every team member plays a critical role. You'll work alongside experienced operators and shipping staff in a team-first environment where your reliability and skill are genuinely valued.

???????? Veterans — You Belong Here

The discipline, safety awareness, and mission-first mindset you developed in service translate directly to this role. MVS Metals and Owen Industries are proud to be Veteran-friendly employers committed to supporting those who have served.

Apply Now

Consistent schedule, solid pay, and a role where your crane skills keep the whole operation moving. Apply today and join the MVS Metals team in Sioux City.

Owen is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and business needs — without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.


5AM - 3:30PM, M-TH