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Packaging Designer Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Ascend Staffing

Packaging

Estherville, IA

$20.21/hr

Weekly Pay Packaging Tasks & Duties * Pack and label completed items for shipment or storage in a refrigerated environment * Follow all company guidelines regarding packaging * Properly use packaging ...

Bayer

Packaging Tech

Muscatine, IA · On-site

$30.42/hr

Benefits designed to fit your lifestyle: Initial starting salary of $30.42/hour + Shift ... Packaging Technicians are responsible for the safe operation of chemical processing & packaging ...

Bayer

Packaging Tech

Muscatine, IA · On-site

$30.42/hr

Benefits designed to fit your lifestyle: * Initial starting salary of $30.42/hour + Shift ... Packaging Technicians are responsible for the safe operation of chemical processing & packaging ...

Bayer Inc.

Packaging Tech

Muscatine, IA · On-site

$30.42/hr

Benefits designed to fit your lifestyle: * Initial starting salary of $30.42/hour + Shift ... Packaging Technicians are responsible for the safe operation of chemical processing & packaging ...

Aerotek

Packaging Associate

Ames, IA

$19/hr

Packaging Operator The Packaging Operator works on an automated packaging line to ensure that pasta products are packaged accurately, safely, and to high quality standards. This role focuses on ...

New

ByHeart

Packaging Operator

Allerton, IA

$16 - $19.25/hr

Our facilities were designed from day one to the highest quality standards because we believe that's the only credible foundation for functional nutrition manufacturing. * We value experience working ...

ByHeart

Packaging Operator

Allerton, IA · On-site

$16 - $19.25/hr

Our facilities were designed from day one to the highest quality standards because we believe that's the only credible foundation for functional nutrition manufacturing. * We value experience working ...

ByHeart

Packaging Operator

Allerton, IA · On-site

$16 - $19.25/hr

Our facilities were designed from day one to the highest quality standards because we believe that's the only credible foundation for functional nutrition manufacturing. * We value experience working ...

Three Point Solutions

Graphic Designer

Rock Valley, IA · On-site

$22 - $24/hr

Graphic Designer Client: Heavy Machine Manufacturing Company Location: Rock Valley, IA 51247 ... Design marketing materials (flyers, packaging, signage) * Perform product photography and post ...

W3Global Inc.

Mold Designer

Cedar Rapids, IA · On-site

$30 - $40/hr

About the Role We are seeking a detail-oriented Manufacturing Design Engineer / CAD Designer to ... Benefits We value our employees and offer a competitive benefits package, including: * Medical ...

ISG

Substation Physical Designer

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$75K - $100K/yr

Substation Physical Designer Department: Power Employment Type: Full Time Location: Des Moines, IA ... Support the development of bid, construction, and as-built drawing packages while maintaining ...

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All JobsPackaging Designer JobsPackaging Designer Jobs in Iowa

Packaging Designer information

See Iowa salary details

$34.3K

$64.6K

$88.8K

How much do packaging designer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for packaging designer in Iowa is $64,563.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $52,600.00 and $76,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a packaging designer?

Packaging Designers are creative professionals who conceptualize and develop the visual and structural design of product packaging. They work to ensure that packaging not only protects the product but also attracts consumers and communicates brand identity. Their responsibilities often include selecting materials, creating graphics and layouts, and collaborating with marketing and manufacturing teams to ensure functionality and appeal. Packaging Designers must balance aesthetics, cost, sustainability, and practicality in their work.

What does a packaging designer do?

A packaging designer creates physical packaging and graphic designs for various industries such as beauty products, food and beverage items, and toys. Their duties include making renderings in 2D and 3D in collaboration with product development professionals and graphic artists. They often work on the entire project, including the design specs, harmonizing the packaging with brand identity, and final production. Other responsibilities of a packaging designer are to choose the type of materials for the packaging and make modifications to samples before large-scale production. Qualifications for this position vary but typically include a bachelor’s degree in graphic design or a relevant field.

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

To thrive as a Packaging Designer, you need a strong background in graphic design, an understanding of materials and manufacturing processes, and typically a degree in design or a related field. Proficiency with design software such as Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign) and familiarity with 3D modeling tools are essential. Creativity, attention to detail, and strong communication skills help you develop innovative solutions that meet client needs and brand guidelines. These skills ensure that packaging is both visually appealing and functional, supporting brand identity and product protection.

What are some common challenges packaging designers face when collaborating with cross-functional teams?

Packaging Designers often work closely with marketing, product development, and manufacturing teams, and one common challenge is balancing creative vision with practical constraints such as budget, material limitations, and production timelines. Clear communication and a collaborative mindset are essential to ensure the design aligns with brand guidelines while remaining feasible for mass production. Building strong relationships with team members and being open to feedback can help Packaging Designers navigate these challenges and deliver effective, innovative solutions.

What is the difference between Packaging Designer vs Packaging Engineer?

AspectPackaging DesignerPackaging Engineer
CredentialsTypically a degree in graphic design, industrial design, or related fieldUsually holds a degree in packaging engineering, mechanical engineering, or industrial engineering
Work EnvironmentDesign studios, creative agencies, or in-house design teamsManufacturing facilities, R&D labs, or engineering departments
Primary FocusVisual design, branding, and aesthetic appeal of packagingStructural integrity, material selection, and functionality of packaging
Common TasksCreating packaging concepts, graphics, and prototypesDeveloping packaging structures, testing durability, and ensuring compliance

While both roles involve packaging, Packaging Designers focus on visual appeal and branding, whereas Packaging Engineers concentrate on structural design and functionality. Understanding these differences helps employers and job seekers identify the right fit for their skills and career goals.

How do I get into packaging design?

To become a packaging designer, develop skills in graphic design, 3D modeling, and understanding of materials; a degree in graphic design, industrial design, or a related field is often required. Building a portfolio with packaging projects and gaining experience through internships or entry-level roles can help establish your career. Proficiency in design software like Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop is also important.

How much do packaging designers earn?

Packaging designers typically earn between $45,000 and $75,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and industry. Entry-level designers may start lower, while experienced professionals or those with specialized skills can earn higher salaries, especially in larger companies or creative agencies.

Is packaging design in demand?

Packaging design is in demand as companies seek innovative and sustainable packaging solutions to attract consumers and meet environmental standards. The role often requires proficiency in design software like Adobe Illustrator and knowledge of industry trends, making it a valuable skill set in the packaging industry.
More about Packaging Designer jobs

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Packaging Designer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Packaging Designer job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 78% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $64,563 per year, or $31 per hour.

Packaging Designers

Lifted, an Upwork Company™

Des Moines, IA

Full-time, Part-time

Posted 10 days ago

Job description

Company Description

About Lifted

Lifted partners with enterprise companies to help them scale smarter. We offer a single solution designed to source, contract, manage, and pay contingent talent. For talent in our network, Lifted provides access to enterprise-level projects while handling engagement setup, contracting, compliance, and payments in the background, so you can focus on delivering high-quality work.

Job Description

Why We’re Building a Talent Pool

We’re continuously building our network of experienced talent across Packaging Designers who are interested in being considered for full or part-time employment engagements with assignments to work with our enterprise partners. While this is not tied to one specific project, selected candidates may be matched to future employment opportunities based on experience, availability, and alignment with project needs.

Qualifications

What We Look For

  • Design primary and secondary packaging, dielines, and structural concepts
  • Develop seasonal and innovation packaging for beauty/skincare categories
  • Partner with product, brand, regulatory, and ops teams to ensure feasibility
  • Own color, finishes, typography, hierarchy, and visual packaging identity
  • Deliver production-ready files and vendor-ready specs
  • Prepare accurate mechanical files for print and manufacturing
  • Execute resizing, adaptations, layout adjustments, and technical refinements
  • Ensure color accuracy, trapping, bleeds, and pre-press best practices
  • Manage version control and packaging artwork libraries
  • Partner with designers and printers to ensure flawless production

Additional Qualifications (if relevant)

  • Background in designing primary/secondary packaging; structural concepts.
  • Experienced in building production-ready artwork, mechanicals, technical files.

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