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Leather Worker Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Iowa Aviation Services Corp

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Aircraft Detailer

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$18 - $25/hr

Do you take pride in doing quality work, enjoy working with your hands, and thrive as part of a ... leather cleaning/conditioning o Carpet and upholstery extraction, stain removal o Lavatory and ...

Iowa Aviation Services Corp

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Aircraft Detailer

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$18 - $25/hr

Do you take pride in doing quality work, enjoy working with your hands, and thrive as part of a ... leather cleaning/conditioning o Carpet and upholstery extraction, stain removal o Lavatory and ...

Iowa Aviation Services Corp

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Lead Aircraft Detailer

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$22 - $28/hr

The ideal candidate is hard-working, detail-oriented, responsible, and committed to following ... leather care, carpet/upholstery extraction - Stain removal and sanitation of galley and lavatory ...

Iowa Aviation Services Corp

Be Seen First

Lead Aircraft Detailer

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$22 - $28/hr

The ideal candidate is hard-working, detail-oriented, responsible, and committed to following ... leather care, carpet/upholstery extraction - Stain removal and sanitation of galley and lavatory ...

All JobsLeather Worker JobsLeather Worker Jobs in Iowa

Leather Worker information

See Iowa salary details

$4

$18

$19

How much do leather worker jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for leather worker in Iowa is $18.97, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.51 and $19.42 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a leather worker?

Leather workers are skilled artisans who craft, repair, and design items made from leather, such as belts, bags, saddles, shoes, and upholstery. They use a variety of hand tools and machines to cut, shape, stitch, and finish leather goods. Leather workers may work in small workshops, factories, or as independent craftspeople. Their expertise includes selecting the right type of leather, treating and dyeing it, and applying decorative techniques. This profession combines creativity, precision, and traditional craftsmanship.

What does a leather worker do?

A leather worker produces consumer goods like handbags, wallets, luggage, shoes, belts, and saddles. As a leather worker, your responsibilities are to make, repair, and sell items made from the leather of various animals, such as cows, sheep, and crocodiles. Your duties include obtaining raw leather, creating patterns and designs for leather products, manufacturing each item, and selling them through a shop, craft fair, trade show, or online marketplace. If you aren’t interested in making original items, you can find leather worker jobs at repair shops, furniture stores, and upholstery shops. You can also work at a factory that produces leather goods.

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

To thrive as a Leather Worker, you need proficiency in handcraft techniques, pattern making, leather cutting, stitching, and finishing, often supported by vocational training or apprenticeships. Familiarity with specialized tools like sewing machines, cutting knives, burnishers, and sometimes CAD software is typically required. Attention to detail, creativity, and patience are essential soft skills that distinguish exceptional artisans in this field. These abilities ensure the production of high-quality, durable, and aesthetically pleasing leather goods that meet client specifications and industry standards.

What are some common challenges a leather worker faces when handling different types of leather materials?

Leather Workers often encounter challenges when working with diverse leather types, as each has unique properties such as thickness, flexibility, and finish. For example, vegetable-tanned leather can be stiff and requires careful conditioning, while softer leathers like lambskin are more prone to stretching or tearing. Adjusting tools and techniques for cutting, stitching, and dyeing is essential to maintain quality and prevent material waste. Developing experience with various hides helps Leather Workers anticipate issues and deliver consistent, high-quality results.

What is the difference between Leather Worker vs Leather Craftsman?

AspectLeather WorkerLeather Craftsman
CredentialsTypically no formal certification, on-the-job training commonOften has specialized training or certification in leather crafting
Work EnvironmentFactories, workshops, or small studiosArt studios, custom shops, or craft fairs
Industry UsageManufacturing and repair of leather goodsDesign, artistic creation, and custom leather projects
Job FocusAssembling, repairing, and basic leather workDesigning, decorating, and detailed craftsmanship

While both Leather Workers and Leather Craftsmen work with leather, Leather Workers focus on manufacturing and repair tasks, often in industrial settings. Leather Craftsmen emphasize artistic design and custom projects, typically in creative environments. The roles overlap in skills but differ in scope and specialization.

Do leather workers make good money?

Leather workers' earnings vary based on experience, skill level, and location, but they typically earn an hourly wage or salary that is close to or slightly below the national average for craft and trade workers. Skilled leather workers who run their own businesses or specialize in high-end products can increase their income through custom work and sales. Overall, the profession offers moderate income potential with opportunities for growth through skill development and reputation building.

How much do leather workers get paid?

Leather workers typically earn an average hourly wage of around $12 to $20, depending on experience, skill level, and location. Entry-level positions may pay less, while skilled artisans with specialized tools or certifications can earn higher wages. Salaries can also vary based on whether they work in manufacturing, custom shops, or freelance settings.

What do leather workers make?

Leather workers create a variety of products such as belts, wallets, handbags, shoes, saddles, and other leather accessories. They often use tools like cutting machines, sewing machines, and dyes, and may work in workshops or factories. Skilled leather workers focus on craftsmanship, quality, and attention to detail in their products.
More about Leather Worker jobs

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For Leather Worker jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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The top searched job categories for Leather Worker jobs in Iowa are:

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Leather Worker jobs near you
Infographic showing various Leather Worker job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,449 per year, or $19 per hour.

Traveling Construction Apprentice

Robinson Construction

Fort Dodge, IA • On-site

$17.25 - $22/hr

Full-time

Re-posted yesterday

Job description

Construction Apprentice 

No experience necessary - this is the perfect opportunity to learn the construction trades!

Robinson Construction is a Design-Build General Contractor specializing in the completion of process-intense manufacturing facilities throughout the United States. Our clients include heavy industrial, manufacturing; food grade processing plants, chemical and processing; power and renewable energy; healthcare facilities, and mining industries, as well as federal, state, and municipal agencies.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Assists all trades in construction activates by utilizing critical thinking skills to accomplish tasks at hand.
  • Erects and dismantles scaffolding.
  • Demolishes buildings and dismantle forms, along with setting up pumps and hoses.
  • Removes projections from concrete using a variety of mechanized and hand tools and equipment.
  • Signals operators of construction equipment (such as cranes and diggers) to facilitate alignment, movement and adjustment of machinery.
  • Digs trenches using spades and other equipment by ensuring that they conform to length and width specifications.
  • Levels earth to fine grade specifications and ensure that extra soil / earth is stored or piled in designated areas.
  • Mixes, grades, and pours concrete in appropriate quantities into existing frameworks by following provided instructions.
  • Clears work sites by removing debris and hazardous materials to make them ready for construction work.
  • Installs and removes barricades to provide assistance in ensuring worksite safety.
  • Takes personal responsibility for fostering a safe workplace by following safety policies and procedures.

OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • May perform a variety of duties including those of other positions.

EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE:                                                                                       

  • High school diploma or GED preferred.
  • Previous experience in a construction environment preferred.
  • Current OSHA or MSHA certification preferred.
  • TWIC card preferred.

KNOWLEDGE / SKILLS / ABILITIES:

  • Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
  • Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of buildings, or other industrial structures.
  • Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
  • Skill in the standard use of tools.
  • Ability to work successfully as a team and independently with moderate supervision.
  • Ability to understand and follow directions.
  • Ability to communicate effectively in both oral and written form.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

  • Performs strenuous physical labor under adverse field conditions. Must have excellent stamina.
  • Coordinate eye-hand movements with control and precision.
  • Use hands and fingers fully; reach for, manipulate and feel objects; stoop, kneel, crouch, and/or crawl.
  • Climb and maintain body balance on ladders, scaffolding, or high structures; and see and hear well (either naturally or with correction).
  • Lift and carry objects weighing up to 50 pounds.
  • Stoop, lay, bend or squat for long periods of time.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

  • May be exposed to fumes, dust or other airborne particles.
  • May be exposed to loud noises.
  • Position regularly works near moving mechanical parts and vibrating machinery.
  • May be exposed to extreme outside conditions that include inclement weather, heat and humidity or cold and wet conditions.
  • May be exposed to hazardous chemicals or waste.

OTHER:

  • Travel may be required. 
  • Overtime will be required.
  • Shiftwork may be required.
  • Holiday and weekend work may be required.

REQUIRED TOOLS:

Must possess and bring the following hand tools to each job site:

Locking pliers (vice grip) 10", adjustable wrench (crescent wrench) 12", 25' Tape Measure, Lineman Pliers, Retractable Utility Knife, 20 oz. Carpenter Hammer, Screwdrivers (1 Phillips and 1 Flat) medium size, Leather Tool Belt, and Leather Work Gloves.

Robinson Construction is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer.  We will provide equal opportunity to all applicants and prohibit any discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, marital status, genetic information, disability or veteran status. Applicants are treated on the basis of their job-related qualifications, ability and performance.

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