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Production Associate Jobs in Waterloo, IA (NOW HIRING)

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Production Associate information

See Waterloo, IA salary details

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How much do production associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for production associate in Waterloo, IA is $15.60, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.37 and $16.92 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Production Associate, you need a solid understanding of manufacturing processes, attention to detail, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with assembly line machinery, inventory management systems, and safety protocols such as OSHA standards is typically required. Strong teamwork, reliability, and effective communication are valuable soft skills that set candidates apart. These skills ensure efficient production workflows, product quality, and a safe work environment.

What is the difference between Production Associate vs Manufacturing Technician?

AspectProduction AssociateManufacturing Technician
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; on-the-job trainingHigh school diploma; technical certifications or vocational training often preferred
Work EnvironmentFactories, assembly lines, production floorsManufacturing plants, quality control labs, equipment maintenance areas
Employer & Industry UsageManufacturing, assembly, packaging industriesManufacturing, industrial production, equipment maintenance sectors
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding entry-level manufacturing rolesTechnical skills and equipment operation in manufacturing

The main difference between a Production Associate and a Manufacturing Technician lies in their responsibilities and skill requirements. Production Associates typically perform basic assembly and packaging tasks with minimal technical training, while Manufacturing Technicians handle equipment maintenance, troubleshooting, and more technical duties. Both roles are essential in manufacturing environments, but Manufacturing Technicians usually require additional technical certifications or vocational training.

What are some typical challenges Production Associates face when adjusting to fast-paced manufacturing environments?

Production Associates often encounter challenges such as adapting to rapidly changing production schedules, maintaining high attention to detail while working efficiently, and learning to operate various machinery safely. Additionally, they must quickly become familiar with strict quality standards and safety protocols. Collaborating effectively with team members and supervisors is essential to ensure smooth workflow and meet production targets.

What is the role of a Production Associate?

A Production Associate is responsible for assisting in the manufacturing process by operating machinery, assembling products, and ensuring quality standards are met. They often work in a team environment, follow safety protocols, and may use tools or equipment specific to the production line.

What jobs pay 70k a year with an associate's degree?

Production associates can earn around $70,000 annually in roles that involve skilled manufacturing, quality control, or supervisory responsibilities, especially in industries like aerospace, automotive, or electronics. Advancing to supervisory or specialized technical positions, often requiring certifications or experience, can also lead to higher pay with an associate's degree.

What are Production Associates?

Production Associates are entry-level workers who assist in the manufacturing process within factories or production facilities. Their responsibilities typically include assembling products, operating machinery, monitoring production lines, and ensuring quality standards are met. They may also be responsible for packaging, labeling, and basic maintenance of equipment. Production Associates play a crucial role in maintaining efficient workflow and supporting higher-level technicians or supervisors. The role often requires attention to detail, manual dexterity, and the ability to follow safety protocols.

What jobs pay 4000 a week without a degree?

Production associates typically do not earn $4,000 a week without advanced skills or supervisory roles. High-paying jobs that can reach this level without a degree often include specialized trades like commercial pilots, certain sales positions, or skilled trades such as electricians or plumbers with experience, but these usually require certifications or apprenticeships. Most roles paying this much without a degree are rare and often involve high risk or significant experience.

What Are the Duties of a Production Associate?

A production associate’s job duties depend on the industry in which they work. If you’re a manufacturing production associate, then your responsibilities include maintaining production equipment and assemblies, ensuring quality control, overseeing manufacturing personnel, ordering materials, monitoring packaging and shipping of the product, and handling clerical tasks like work orders and documentation. As a production associate in the film and TV industry, your duties include hiring and scheduling actors and technical staff, resolving technical challenges such as equipment failure, and maintaining relationships with suppliers and vendors.

Is a Production Associate a good job?

A Production Associate role involves assisting in manufacturing or assembly processes, often requiring physical activity and attention to safety protocols. It can offer steady employment, opportunities for skill development, and entry into manufacturing industries, but may involve shift work and repetitive tasks. Overall, it can be a good job for those seeking hands-on work and career growth in production environments.
More about Production Associate jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Production jobs in Waterloo, IA? The most popular types of Production jobs in Waterloo, IA are:
What job categories do people searching Production Associate jobs in Waterloo, IA look for? The top searched job categories for Production Associate jobs in Waterloo, IA are:
What cities near Waterloo, IA are hiring for Production Associate jobs? Cities near Waterloo, IA with the most Production Associate job openings:
Production Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Production Associate job openings in Waterloo, IA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 27% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $32,458 per year, or $15.6 per hour.

Production Associate - AIC Powder 2nd Shift

Ranews Companies LLC

Allison, IA

$17 - $23/hr

Full-time, Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 1 hour ago

Ranew's Companies rating

6.1

Company rating: 6.1 out of 10

Based on 13 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Now Hiring - Production Associate

Ranew's Companies is seeking a Production Associate to join our team in Allison, IA.
Production associates load, unload, and mask components onto the production line. They pull parts according to a request made by the assembly lines. This position also removes parts and deliver parts and kits to specified departments... as well as arranges parts in racks and places racks on assembly line conveyor.

Location: Allison, IA
Salary: $17 - $23 / hour (starting pay is based on experience and shift)
Job Type: Full-Time | 2nd Shift
Benefits: Performance Bonus, Paid Holidays, Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, 401K

Production Associate Responsibilities & Qualifications:

  • Follow work instructions.
  • Provide support during process.
  • Clean metal surfaces for contamination such as grease and dust to ensure masking is secure.
  • Utilize different materials.
  • Wear designated PPE.
  • Maintain a clean work area.
  • Maintain assigned tools.
  • Good communication skills (verbal and written).
  • Bending, standing, sitting, reaching, and lifting required.
  • Utilize and perform proper lifting techniques.
  • Good understanding of quality control principles.
  • Start and stop the line when necessary.
  • Must be able to lift parts up to 50lbs.
  • Must be able to stand and bend for extended periods of time.

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