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Packaging Machine Operator Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Wells Enterprises, Inc

Machine Operator

Le Mars, IA

$27.42 - $29.65/hr

Under the direction of the production supervisor and operator, the Machine Operator is responsible ... Comprehensive benefits package available first of the month following 60 days of employment.

Wells Enterprise

Machine Operator

Le Mars, IA · On-site

$27.42 - $29.65/hr

Under the direction of the production supervisor and operator, the Machine Operator is responsible ... Comprehensive benefits package available first of the month following 60 days of employment.

Ontech Talent

Be Seen First

Machine Operator

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$16.50/hr

Title: Machine Operator Location: Des Moines, Iowa This position is responsible for the performance of all duties in the Wire Cutting and Terminating departments. The Machine Operator will work ...

Arcosa Lightweight

Machine Operator

Newton, IA · On-site

$15.75 - $18.75/hr

Arcosa Wind Towers is now hiring for a Machine Operator As a Machine Operator , you'll set up and operate machines, and may use blueprints, adjust for materials used, verify dimensional requirements ...

Amcor plc

Machine Operator

Centerville, IA · On-site

$20.31 - $23.01/hr

At Amcor, we unpack possibility through our innovative and responsible packaging to provide ... Unpack Your Potential Join Amcor as a Machine Operator , where you'll be responsible for safely and ...

Amcor

Machine Operator

Centerville, IA

$20.31 - $21.50/hr

Unpack Your Potential Join Amcor as a Machine Operator , where you'll be responsible for safely and ... At Amcor, we unpack possibility through our innovative and responsible packaging to provide ...

Amcor plc

Machine Operator

Centerville, IA · On-site

$20.31 - $21.50/hr

Unpack Your Potential Join Amcor as a Machine Operator , where you'll be responsible for safely and ... At Amcor, we unpack possibility through our innovative and responsible packaging to provide ...

Aerotek

Machine Operator

Iowa City, IA · On-site

$18 - $23/hr

Production / Machine Operator We are seeking dependable, mechanically inclined Production/Machine ... Operate and monitor production or packaging equipment * Use basic computer systems or machine ...

Amcor

Machine Operator

Centerville, IA

$20.31 - $23.01/hr

At Amcor, we unpack possibility through our innovative and responsible packaging to provide ... Unpack Your Potential Join Amcor as a Machine Operator , where you'll be responsible for safely and ...

Shearer's Foods

Machine Operator

Burlington, IA · On-site

$16.25 - $19.50/hr

Responsibilities Machine Technician I - Burlington This position is responsible for operating mechanized equipment used in food production. The Machine Technician 1 will typically work on one the ...

Shearer's Foods

Machine Operator

Burlington, IA

$20.10 - $25.25/hr

Follow standard operating procedures for operating machinery effectively and efficiently. * Troubleshoot operational issues as necessary * Ability of lift up to 50 pounds to shoulder level * Ability ...

Shearer's Foods

Machine Operator

Burlington, IA

$20.10 - $25.25/hr

Follow standard operating procedures for operating machinery effectively and efficiently. * Troubleshoot operational issues as necessary * Ability of lift up to 50 pounds to shoulder level * Ability ...

Aerotek

Machine Operator

Marion, IA · On-site

$18 - $19/hr

Production Operator We're hiring Production Operators to support manufacturing and warehouse ... Package, box, and wrap finished products Perform cleaning and sanitation of equipment and work ...

Aerotek

Machine Operator

Marion, IA · On-site

$18 - $19/hr

Production Operator We're hiring Production Operators to support manufacturing and warehouse ... Package, box, and wrap finished products Perform cleaning and sanitation of equipment and work ...

Aerotek

Machine Operator

Spencer, IA · On-site

$18.50 - $19/hr

***Machine Operator -- Start ASAP -- Weekly Pay*** Shifts Available: * 1st Shift: 6:00 AM - 4:30 PM (Monday thru Thursday) Key Responsibilities: * Operate and monitor machinery used in production.

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Packaging Machine Operator information

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$11

$18

$26

How much do packaging machine operator jobs pay per hour?

As of May 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for packaging machine operator in Iowa is $18.77, 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 Packaging Machine Operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Packaging Machine Operator, you need mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with automated packaging machinery, basic computer systems, and safety certifications like OSHA are typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, teamwork, and effective communication help operators adapt to production changes and prevent downtime. These skills are crucial for maintaining product quality, operational efficiency, and workplace safety.

What are the most common challenges Packaging Machine Operators face during a typical shift?

Packaging Machine Operators frequently encounter challenges such as troubleshooting equipment malfunctions, maintaining consistent product quality, and meeting production deadlines. Operators must stay alert to quickly identify and resolve minor mechanical issues, ensuring minimal downtime. Additionally, they need to follow strict safety and hygiene protocols, often while working in fast-paced environments with repetitive tasks. Strong attention to detail and good communication skills are essential for collaborating with maintenance teams and supervisors when more complex problems arise.

What are Packaging Machine Operators?

Packaging Machine Operators are skilled workers responsible for running, monitoring, and maintaining machinery that packages products in factories or warehouses. They set up the equipment, ensure it runs efficiently, load materials, and inspect finished packages for quality. Their role also includes troubleshooting minor issues, performing regular maintenance, and following safety standards to prevent accidents. Packaging Machine Operators are essential for ensuring that goods are properly packed and ready for shipment or sale.

What is the difference between Packaging Machine Operator vs Material Handler?

AspectPackaging Machine OperatorMaterial Handler
Primary RoleOperates packaging machinery to package products efficientlyMoves, loads, and unloads materials and products within a facility
Skills & CertificationsMechanical skills, attention to detail, safety trainingForklift certification, physical stamina, safety awareness
Work EnvironmentManufacturing or production linesWarehouses, distribution centers
Industry UsageFood, pharmaceuticals, consumer goodsLogistics, manufacturing, distribution

While both roles are essential in manufacturing and logistics, Packaging Machine Operators focus on operating and maintaining packaging equipment, ensuring products are properly sealed and labeled. Material Handlers primarily manage the movement and storage of materials within facilities. Understanding these differences helps job seekers identify the right career path based on skills and interests.

What are popular job titles related to Packaging Machine Operator jobs in Iowa? For Packaging Machine Operator jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Packaging Machine Operator jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Packaging Machine Operator jobs in Iowa are:
What are popular job titles related to Packaging Machine Operator jobs in IA? For Packaging Machine Operator jobs in IA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Packaging Machine Operator jobs near you
Machine Operator (Key-level/Senior Manufacturing Role)

Machine Operator (Key-level/Senior Manufacturing Role)

Country Maid Inc

West Bend, IA

$15.50 - $18.25/hr

Other

Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 13 days ago

Job description

Description

As a Machine Operator, you'll have responsibility for running one or more complex machines in the plant, focusing on our laminated dough production line.  


You'll initially be trained on a single machine. But as you become an expert there, your pay will increase as you train on additional machines and increase your expertise and ability to operate multiple areas throughout the facility.

  • You'll be responsible for managing the start-up or overseeing production machines on one or more lines.
  • You'll be trained to operate machines such a the Liqwifier, Fuji, Brenton, commercial mixers, or packaging machines to ensure they run efficiently and safely.
  • You'll troubleshoot issues and work hand-in-hand with our Maintenance team as necessary.

Requirements

  • While work experience in manufacturing might be helpful, it's definitely not required! There are lots of prior jobs you may have had that would help you find success here.
  • To be highly successful in this role, you'll need to understand how to properly and safely operate production machines and have some mechanical ability. This mechanical ability doesn't have to be in the traditional sense; you don't have to be trained as an actual mechanic. You could show this experience and aptitude in prior machine operator roles, by doing some basic auto or small engine maintenance at home, or even just doing home maintenance like changing out a light switch or fixture, doing remodeling yourself, or troubleshooting issues with small appliances around the house.
  • You'll need to be able to work safely. It doesn't matter how much product we make if everyone in our facility doesn't go home safe and whole at the end of the day.
  • You should have experience troubleshooting (looking at a problem to figure out the core issue and root cause) in your past work experience.  You'll be ready and excited to jump in and solve issues.  
  • You'll be working in a fast-paced manufacturing environment, so will be able to give direction to others in order to ensure we hit our operational goals.  You'll be able to do this by balancing being direct and clear with being professional and encouraging to the people around you to foster an environment of teamwork and success.  
  • You'll have good computer knowledge, having used a tablet or smartphone and worked on a computer in past jobs.  Use of equipment with HMI screens is a plus, but isn't required.  
  • You'll have great attendance with few unscheduled absences so your team knows they can always count on you. (But our benefit package also includes paid holidays, PTO, and other paid leaves of absence, so you can know that you'll be able to have a good balance between your home and professional life, so you'll be rewarded for that reliability).

Our roles are full-time and first shift. We generally work four, 10-hour days, Monday through Thursday, although some voluntary overtime is occasionally available on Fridays.


We have full benefits, including PTO, paid holidays, insurance, retirement through our employee stock ownership plan (ESOP), and lots more!

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