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Material Handling Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Chicago Tube and Iron

Material Handler

Ankeny, IA · On-site

$21 - $24/hr

These tasks require the use of material handling equipment, such as powered industrial trucks, overhead cranes, and side loaders. Material Handler Video - Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Point Quest Group

Material Handler II

Fairfax, IA · On-site

$25 - $29/hr

Operates bulk material handling equipment, such as conveyors, boom lifts, wheel loader and sky track . * Secures trailers to all docks and provides trailer information to the office. * Operates ...

Travero

Material Handler II

Fairfax, IA

$25 - $29/hr

Operates bulk material handling equipment, such as conveyors, boom lifts, wheel loader and sky track . * Secures trailers to all docks and provides trailer information to the office. * Operates ...

Travero

Material Handler II

Fairfax, IA · On-site

$25 - $29/hr

Operates bulk material handling equipment, such as conveyors, boom lifts, wheel loader and sky track . * Secures trailers to all docks and provides trailer information to the office. * Operates ...

Highline Warren

Material Handler-Nights

Council Bluffs, IA · On-site

$15.75 - $19/hr

Conduct daily safety check off sheets on material handling equipment: recharge batteries and fill fuel tank. * Maintain good housekeeping and regularly clean work area, machines, and equipment.

Highline Warren

Material Handler-Nights

Council Bluffs, IA · On-site

$15.50 - $19/hr

Conduct daily safety check off sheets on material handling equipment: recharge batteries and fill fuel tank. * Maintain good housekeeping and regularly clean work area, machines, and equipment.

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All JobsMaterial Handling JobsMaterial Handling Jobs in Iowa

Material Handling information

See Iowa salary details

$11

$17

$22

How much do material handling jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for material handling in Iowa is $17.11, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.14 and $18.27 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is material handling?

Material handling refers to the movement, protection, storage, and control of materials and products throughout manufacturing, warehousing, distribution, consumption, and disposal. It involves a variety of equipment and systems, such as conveyors, forklifts, storage racks, and automated systems, to ensure materials are efficiently transported and stored. Effective material handling is crucial for improving workflow, reducing costs, and maintaining workplace safety.

Are jobs in material handling in demand?

While the positions are becoming more automated, the operators of material handling systems are becoming more vital to the efficient management of inventory and order fulfillment. The two main types of jobs are manual handling, which is becoming less common, and automated handling, which includes the use of various machines to protect workers and make supply systems flow more smoothly. Increased automation results in a lowering of demand for labor, meaning that material handling should not be considered a long-term career.

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

To thrive as a Material Handler, you need basic math skills, physical stamina, attention to detail, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with warehouse management systems, forklifts, pallet jacks, and safety certifications like OSHA are typically required. Strong teamwork, reliability, and effective communication are important soft skills that set top performers apart. These abilities ensure efficient inventory movement, workplace safety, and smooth operations in fast-paced environments.

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

Material Handling professionals often face challenges such as managing heavy loads efficiently, working in fast-paced environments, and adhering to strict safety protocols. To prepare, it's important to develop physical stamina, learn proper lifting techniques, and become familiar with the operation of equipment like forklifts or pallet jacks. Additionally, practicing good communication skills is essential, as you'll frequently coordinate with warehouse staff and supervisors to ensure smooth workflow and prevent errors or accidents.

What is the difference between Material Handling vs Warehouse Associate?

AspectMaterial HandlingWarehouse Associate
Primary RoleMoving, storing, and managing materials and products within a facilityReceiving, stocking, and preparing items for shipment or storage
Required CertificationsForklift certification often requiredBasic OSHA training, sometimes forklift certification
Work EnvironmentFactories, warehouses, distribution centersWarehouses, distribution centers, retail storage areas
Common TasksOperating forklifts, loading/unloading, inventory managementPicking, packing, stocking, inventory checks

Material Handling and Warehouse Associate roles often overlap in warehouse environments, but Material Handling focuses more on moving and managing materials, often involving equipment operation, while Warehouse Associates handle stocking, packing, and order fulfillment. Both roles require safety training and are essential in supply chain operations.

Is material handling a good career?

Material handling involves managing the movement, storage, and control of materials within warehouses, factories, or distribution centers. It offers opportunities for employment with roles that often require physical stamina, operating equipment like forklifts, and sometimes certifications. The field can provide stable employment and career advancement in logistics and supply chain industries.

What are the duties of a material handling?

A material handling worker is responsible for moving, storing, and managing materials within warehouses, factories, or distribution centers. Their duties include operating equipment like forklifts, organizing inventory, and ensuring safe handling practices. They often use tools such as pallet jacks and may need certifications for equipment operation.
More about Material Handling jobs

What are popular job titles related to Material Handling jobs in Iowa?

For Material Handling jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Material Handling jobs in Iowa look for?

The top searched job categories for Material Handling jobs in Iowa are:

What cities in Iowa are hiring for Material Handling jobs?

Cities in Iowa with the most Material Handling job openings:

Material Handling jobs near you
Infographic showing various Material Handling job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,585 per year, or $17.1 per hour.

Material Handler

Chicago Tube And Iron Company

Ankeny, IA • On-site

$21 - $24/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 19 days ago

Job description

Chicago Tube and Iron Company is a leader in the metals distribution and fabrication industry. We are an established company with an impressive record of profitability and growth.

JOB DETAILS

Location

Des Moines, IA (Ankeny)

Pay Rate

$21.00/hr - $24.00/hr (DOE)

1st Shift

​

Benefits

www.CTIBenefits.com

2nd Shift

Mon-Fri | 2:30pm-11:00pm

Openings

1

Job Summary:

The Material Handler is responsible for loading and unloading material within a warehouse operation, which includes pulling orders together and assembling them for shipment to customers. These tasks require the use of material handling equipment, such as powered industrial trucks, overhead cranes, and side loaders.

Material Handler Video - https://vimeo.com/640081500?share=copy

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Pull material to fill customer orders with the use of powered industrial truck, side loader, or overhead crane.
  • Pack, band, tag, and/or stage material pulled to fill orders for shipment.
  • Complete all necessary paperwork for filling orders, which includes entering order information into the computer.
  • May load orders onto trucks for customer delivery.
  • May unload inbound material from trucks.
  • May tag and complete required receiving paperwork.
  • May receive stock into inventory; relocate stock to new locations when required.
  • Inspect stock for tolerance when required.
  • Perform any required inspections of material handling equipment.
  • Perform necessary safety checks; practice good housekeeping in work area.
  • May be required to operate saw for cut-to-length orders.

Position Requirements:

  • A minimum of 1 year of experience in warehouse operations is required, preferably with experience in the operation of heavy equipment.
  • Experience in the metal distribution or related metal industry is highly preferred.
  • Must have knowledge of computers and good math skills.
  • Position requires environmental demands of working in a warehouse that is not temperature-controlled, with exposure to noise, vibration, oils and other chemicals, and moving machinery, while wearing the required PPE.
  • Must be able to occasionally lift, push, pull and raise objects up to 50 pounds.
  • This position requires walking and standing for 8 hours of the day.
  • This position also requires bending, reaching, squatting, and twisting.
  • Must be able to hear equipment warning sounds, spoken work instructions.
  • Must be able to read shipping documents, computer screen, tags, micrometers and tape measures.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

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