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Mill Operator Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Novelis

Cold Mill Operator 1

Davenport, IA

$19.50 - $25.50/hr

The Novelis North America Building and Construction Business is looking for a Cold Mill Operator for our Davenport, IA facility. Responsibilities Include: * Guides metal as it is fed mechanically ...

General Mills

Flour Mill Operator

Carlisle, IA

$28.02/hr

Flour Mill Operator - Avon Mill As a part of our manufacturing group, you will be responsible for milling and processing operations, sanitation and participation in startup, changeover, and shutdown ...

General Mills

Flour Mill Operator

Carlisle, IA · On-site

$28.02/hr

Flour Mill Operator - Avon Mill As a part of our manufacturing group, you will be responsible for milling and processing operations, sanitation and participation in startup, changeover, and shutdown ...

Heartland Co-op

Feed Mill Operator

Newton, IA · On-site

Summary: Tends feed mill that grind materials such as corn, SBM, ingredients for feed and drugs, by performing the essential job duties. Essential Duties and Responsibilities: * Adds prescribed ...

Heartland Co-op

Feed Mill Operator

Stanhope, IA · On-site

Summary: Tends feed mill that grind materials such as corn, SBM, ingredients for feed and drugs, by performing the essential job duties. Essential Duties and Responsibilities: * Adds prescribed ...

Land O'Lakes

Pellet Mill Operator

Sioux City, IA · On-site

$29/hr

Pellet Mill Operator SHIFT: 3rd Shift 10PM - 6:30 AM M-F PAY: $29.00/hr + $1.00 Shift Differential JOB SUMMARY: This role is part of our Purina Animal Nutrition business helping our network of local ...

Heartland Co-op

Feed Mill Operator

Prairie City, IA

Summary: Tends feed mill that grind materials such as corn, SBM, ingredients for feed and drugs, by performing the essential job duties. Essential Duties and Responsibilities: * Adds prescribed ...

Heartland Co-op

Feed Mill Operator

Prairie City, IA · On-site

Summary: Tends feed mill that grind materials such as corn, SBM, ingredients for feed and drugs, by performing the essential job duties. Essential Duties and Responsibilities: * Adds prescribed ...

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All JobsMill Operator JobsMill Operator Jobs in Iowa

Mill Operator information

See Iowa salary details

$13

$19

$26

How much do mill operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for mill operator in Iowa is $19.11, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.82 and $20.77 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Mill Operator, you need a solid understanding of machinery operation, mechanical aptitude, and basic math skills, often backed by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with industrial control systems, safety protocols, and maintenance tools is essential, and some positions may require forklift certification. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and strong communication skills help operators manage equipment efficiently and address issues promptly. These skills are crucial for maintaining production quality, ensuring safety, and minimizing downtime in manufacturing environments.

What are some typical challenges Mill Operators face, and how can they be addressed on the job?

Mill Operators often encounter challenges such as equipment malfunctions, material inconsistencies, and maintaining safety standards in a fast-paced environment. Proactively conducting routine inspections, following strict safety protocols, and communicating effectively with maintenance and quality control teams can help address these issues. Additionally, staying updated with operational procedures and participating in ongoing training can improve efficiency and reduce downtime. Collaboration and attention to detail are key to overcoming common obstacles in this role.

What is the difference between Mill Operator vs Machine Operator?

AspectMill OperatorMachine Operator
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; technical training often preferredHigh school diploma or equivalent; technical training may be required
Work EnvironmentFactories, manufacturing plants, processing facilitiesFactories, manufacturing plants, production lines
Industry UsageHeavy industry, mineral processing, cement, paper millsManufacturing, packaging, assembly lines
Job FocusOperating and controlling mills to process raw materialsOperating machinery to produce goods or components

Both Mill Operators and Machine Operators work in manufacturing environments, often requiring similar skills and certifications. However, Mill Operators typically focus on operating mills for processing raw materials, while Machine Operators handle various machinery for producing finished goods. Understanding these differences helps job seekers find the right role in the manufacturing industry.

What jobs pay 4000 a week without a degree?

Mill operators typically do not earn $4,000 per week without specialized experience or certifications. High-paying roles that can reach this level often involve skilled trades, sales, or management positions, but most require relevant skills, training, or experience rather than a formal degree. Some specialized trades or entrepreneurial ventures may offer such earnings, but they are less common and often depend on industry, location, and individual performance.

What Does a Mill Operator Do?

The job duties of a mill operator include working to operate and maintain a milling machine. Depending on the industry, your job duties in this career could consist of running a saw, bore, or another piece of milling equipment. In nearly all mill operator positions, you must read blueprints or CAD designs to set your milling machine correctly before you load the materials. You also have cleaning responsibilities, and you must remove and recycle salvageable materials left over after the milling process.

What do mill operators do?

Mill operators operate and monitor machinery used to process raw materials into finished products, such as in manufacturing or mining. They set up equipment, ensure proper operation, perform quality checks, and troubleshoot issues to maintain safety and efficiency in the production process.

What jobs make $3,000 a day?

Jobs that can pay $3,000 a day typically include specialized roles such as senior corporate executives, high-level consultants, certain medical specialists, and skilled trades like offshore drilling or large-scale construction managers. These positions often require extensive experience, advanced certifications, or working in high-demand industries with significant responsibilities and long hours.

What does a Mill Operator do?

A Mill Operator is responsible for operating and maintaining milling machines that process raw materials such as metals, minerals, or grains. They monitor equipment, adjust machine settings, and ensure products meet specific quality standards. Mill Operators also troubleshoot issues, perform routine maintenance, and follow safety protocols to prevent accidents. Their work is essential in industries like mining, manufacturing, and food production.

What jobs pay 500,000 a year in the US?

Jobs that can pay $500,000 or more annually include executive roles such as CEOs, CFOs, and other C-suite positions, as well as specialized medical professionals like surgeons and anesthesiologists, and successful entrepreneurs. These roles typically require extensive experience, advanced skills, and often involve high levels of responsibility and leadership.
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What are popular job titles related to Mill Operator jobs in Iowa? For Mill Operator jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Mill Operator jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Mill Operator jobs in Iowa are:
What are popular job titles related to Mill Operator jobs in IA? For Mill Operator jobs in IA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Mill Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Mill Operator job openings in Iowa as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 3% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,756 per year, or $19.1 per hour.
Feed Mill Operator

Feed Mill Operator

FARMERS CO-OPERATIVE SOCIETY

Sioux Center, IA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 10 days ago

Job description

Overall Job Function:

A feed mill operator plays a vital role at the heart of modern agriculture—transforming raw ingredients into high-quality nutrition that fuels livestock and keeps the food supply moving. This is a hands-on, fast-paced position where precision, problem-solving, and mechanical skill come together to keep production running smoothly.

From operating powerful machinery that grinds, mixes, and pellets feed, to fine-tuning formulas for consistency and quality, every day brings a mix of action and responsibility. Feed mill operators are constantly monitoring systems, adjusting controls, and ensuring each batch meets exact standards—because what they produce directly impacts animal health and farm success.

Beyond production, the role involves working with advanced equipment, managing materials, and maintaining a clean, safe environment. It’s a job for someone who enjoys working with machines, staying active, and being part of an essential industry that supports communities everywhere.

In short, it’s not just running equipment—it’s keeping an entire agricultural operation powered and productive.

Essential Job Functions:

Receive and verify quality of ingredients.

Weigh out drugs and by-hand additions.

Batch feed with company feed mill computer software.

Help load complete feed on trucks.

Operate pellet mills where applicable and necessary.

Operate roller mills where applicable and necessary.

Bag feed where applicable and necessary.

Document details of processes.

Assist with maintenance of feed mill equipment.

Assist with housekeeping in feed mill.

Other duties as assigned.

Secondary Responsibilities:

Understand DOT placarding and DOT hazardous rules.

Ability to operate and understand mobile equipment.

Possess mechanical skills to perform minor maintenance tasks on equipment and property.

Ability to handle stressful situations professionally.

Competencies:

High level of customer service focus and supports a professional image of the company.

Observes safety policy and procedures.

Attitude of positivity and reacts calmly under pressure.

Work ethic of the highest integrity.

Commitment to dependability and willingness to work to meet goals and deadlines.

Effectively solve problems of feed department.

Comfort in adding, subtracting, multiplication and division of whole numbers, fractions and decimals.

Qualifications:

High School diploma, GED or equivalent level of education.

Prefer previous manufacturing or mixing experience.

Work Requirements:

This position is based in a fast paced agricultural setting and is regularly exposed to outside weather conditions and vibrations. The employees is occasionally exposed to moving mechanical parts, fumes and airborne particles. The noise level is usually moderate but occasionally may be loud. PPE will be provided and must be utilized according to safety standards. Typical working hours are based on customer and organizational demand; hours may be long, irregular and including weekends and holidays during peak season.

While performing job functions the employee will be required to talk and hear most of the time. The employee will spend frequent intervals moving and sitting, while also needing to reach, bend, twist, crawl, crouch, stoop or kneel. The employee will need to be able to lift up to 50 pounds frequently and able to climb ladders. The physicality of this job is high.

Benefits:

  • 401k Company matches 50% up to 10%
  • PTO Accumulation after 30 days of employment
  • Company bonus incentive
  • Excellent health insurance plans
  • Dental & Vision available
  • Short & Long-Term Disability provided at no cost to you
  • Life Insurance
  • Identity Theft Insurance
  • Accident Insurance
  • Clothing Allowance
  • 10% Discount on purchases at the How-To Building Center
  • Shift Differential for night shift
*FCS job descriptions are a representation of a job requirements knowledge, skills and abilities. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.