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Manual Labor Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Dirt Laborer

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$18 - $24/hr

... manual labor including lifting, shoveling, and moving materials to facilitate project progressPerform utility locating to identify underground utilities before excavation beginsFollow safety ...

General Laborer

Webster City, IA · On-site

$20 - $23/hr

Perform other manual labor tasks as needed. * Customer assistance as needed. Requirements include: * Ability to lift and move heavy objects (up to 50 pounds). * Strong work ethic and willingness to ...

Dirt Laborer

Des Moines, IA

$17.25 - $22.25/hr

Conduct manual labor including lifting, shoveling, and moving materials to facilitate project progress * Perform utility locating to identify underground utilities before excavation begins * Follow ...

Dirt Laborer

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$17.25 - $22.25/hr

Conduct manual labor including lifting, shoveling, and moving materials to facilitate project progress * Perform utility locating to identify underground utilities before excavation begins * Follow ...

Previous experience pulling cable or anything similar - 0-2 years of experience in any manual labor position (including but not limited to: construction, landscaping, painting, installation ...

General Laborer

Urbana, IA · On-site

$15.50 - $19.50/hr

Ability to perform manual labor and lift up to 50 pounds repeatedly throughout the day * Willingness to work in all weather conditions * Willingness to work overtime * Ability to work well with ...

General Laborer

Urbana, IA · On-site

$15.50 - $19.50/hr

Ability to perform manual labor and lift up to 50 pounds repeatedly throughout the day * Willingness to work in all weather conditions * Willingness to work overtime * Ability to work well with ...

Manual Labor Proficiency - Ability to excavate and backfill trenches, clean and inspect sewers, load/unload heavy materials, shovel and spread asphalt, rock, sand, or gravel, and repair or replace ...

Flatwork Laborer

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$17.50 - $24/hr

This role performs manual labor tasks associated with site preparation, forming, pouring, finishing support, and cleanup while working under the direction of a Foreman or Crew Lead. Essential Duties ...

Driver Class A - TS

Davenport, IA · On-site

$28 - $30/hr

Previous manual labor experience Clean Harbors is an equal opportunity employer. Clean Harbors is committed to providing access, equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation for individuals with ...

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Manual Labor information

See Iowa salary details

$5

$13

$22

How much do manual labor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average hourly pay for manual labor in Iowa is $13.70, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $10.94 and $15.97 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is manual labor?

A manual labor job involves physical work that requires strength, skill, or endurance. These jobs often include tasks such as lifting, assembling, digging, operating machinery, or performing repetitive movements. Common industries for manual labor roles include construction, manufacturing, warehousing, and agriculture. Workers in these positions may not always need formal education but often require on-the-job training. Manual labor jobs can be physically demanding and may require safety gear and adherence to workplace regulations.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of someone working in manual labor?

Manual labor roles often involve tasks such as lifting and moving materials, operating basic machinery or tools, cleaning and preparing job sites, and assisting skilled workers as needed. Depending on the industry, responsibilities may also include loading and unloading shipments, assembling parts or products, and maintaining equipment. You’ll likely work as part of a team, and clear communication with supervisors or coworkers is usually essential to ensure tasks are performed safely and to specification. The work can be physically demanding, but it offers a clear sense of accomplishment and the opportunity to learn valuable, transferable skills.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in manual labor?

To thrive in manual labor, you need good physical stamina, basic mechanical skills, and a strong work ethic, often with a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with hand and power tools, safety equipment, and sometimes OSHA certification is beneficial. Dependability, teamwork, and effective communication are important soft skills that help you excel in this role. These abilities ensure tasks are completed safely, efficiently, and contribute to a productive work environment.

What are manual labor jobs?

Manual labor jobs involve physical work that often requires strength, endurance, and the use of tools or machinery. Common examples include construction, landscaping, warehouse work, and manufacturing, often requiring safety training and physical fitness. These roles typically involve working outdoors or in industrial environments and may require adherence to safety protocols.

What are the most commonly searched types of Manual Labor jobs in Iowa?

The most popular types of Manual Labor jobs in Iowa are:

What are popular job titles related to Manual Labor jobs in Iowa?

For Manual Labor jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Manual Labor jobs in Iowa look for?

The top searched job categories for Manual Labor jobs in Iowa are:

What cities in Iowa are hiring for Manual Labor jobs?

Cities in Iowa with the most Manual Labor job openings:

Infographic showing various Manual Labor job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 4% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $28,498 per year, or $13.7 per hour.

General Laborer for Construction

R Rogers LLC

Des Moines, IA • On-site

$18 - $20/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 16 days ago


Job description

Benefits:
  • 401(k) matching
  • Company parties
  • Competitive salary
  • Dental insurance
  • Free uniforms
  • Health insurance
  • Opportunity for advancement
  • Paid time off
  • Training & development
  • Vision insurance

Benefits/Perks
  • Paid PTO, Paid Holidays, Paid Insurances, 
  • Great Work Environment
  • Competitive Pay
  • Career Advancement
Job Summary
We are seeking a General Laborer to join our team. In this role, you will support worksite operations through manual labor tasks. This may include operating a skid loader, operating a backhoe, keeping the worksite safe, trash, operating power tools, driving, connecting trailers to vehicles, or other necessary tasks. The ideal candidate is a hard worker with the ability to meet the physical demands of the job.  
Responsibilities 
  • Maintain a safe work environment at all time
  • Provide assistance to onsite tradespeople 
  • Transport materials and equipment from one location to another
  • Operate power tools and/or backhoes and skid loaders
  • Set up cones and warning signs to increase visibility 
  • Construct, transfer, and tear down temporary structures such as temporary fencing
  • Other manual labor tasks as required by the foreman or supervisor
  • Report any unsafe conditions or equipment in need of repair
Qualifications
  • Ability to meet the physical demands of the job, including lifting heavy objects, digging, and standing for long periods
  • Strong attention to detail
  • Excellent hand-eye coordination
  • Ability to adhere to all safety rules and regulations
  • Knowledge of power tools and industrial machinery is preferred
  • Strong teamwork and interpersonal skills
  • Additional certifications or apprenticeship experience is preferred but not necessary