ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Spray Operator Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Silgan

Spray Machine Operator

Burlington, IA · On-site

$23.79/hr

Gain experience through on-the-job training as a Spray Machine Operator! Starting pay is $23.79 per hour Shift: 6PM - 6AM What we offer: * Starting wage is $23.79 per hour plus $1 per hour shift ...

Kinzler Corporation

Installer - Spray Foam

Cedar Rapids, IA · On-site

$17.75 - $23.25/hr

Understand the proper operating procedures of the spray equipment. Learn spraying techniques from other spray foam team leaders. * Ensure that can foaming and caulking are completed as necessary ...

Kinzler Corporation

Installer - Spray Foam

Ankeny, IA · On-site

$17 - $22.50/hr

Understand the proper operating procedures of the spray equipment. Learn spraying techniques from other spray foam team leaders. * Ensure that can foaming and caulking are completed as necessary ...

Hubbell Incorporated

Paint Operator

Des Moines, IA

Pull trigger and direct spray onto the work surface to apply prime or finish coat. * Properly ... Operating all equipment in a safe and efficient manner. Inspect your own work for conformity to ...

Hubbell Incorporated

Paint Operator

Des Moines, IA · On-site

Pull trigger and direct spray onto the work surface to apply prime or finish coat. * Properly ... Operating all equipment in a safe and efficient manner. Inspect your own work for conformity to ...

Nexus Cooperative

Agricultural Equipment Operator

IA · On-site

$18.65/hr

Duties may include driving/operating a tender truck, delivering agronomy products to the certified spray and spreader operators, operating equipment in the farmers field, or delivering agronomy and ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsSpray Operator JobsSpray Operator Jobs in Iowa

Spray Operator information

See Iowa salary details

$10

$18

$31

How much do spray operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for spray operator in Iowa is $18.91, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.99 and $22.12 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Spray Operator vs Chemical Technician?

AspectSpray OperatorChemical Technician
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; often requires pesticide or applicator licensesAssociate's or bachelor's degree in chemistry, biology, or related field; may require specialized certifications
Work EnvironmentOutdoor fields, farms, or industrial sites; involves handling spraying equipmentLaboratories, manufacturing plants, or field testing sites; involves analyzing chemicals and formulations
Industry UsageAgriculture, pest control, landscapingChemical manufacturing, environmental testing, research and development

While both roles involve working with chemicals and require safety precautions, Spray Operators primarily focus on applying pesticides or fertilizers in outdoor or industrial settings. Chemical Technicians, on the other hand, are more involved in analyzing chemical samples, developing formulations, and conducting tests. The roles often overlap in industries like agriculture and pest control, but their daily tasks and required qualifications differ significantly.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a spray operator?

To thrive as a Spray Operator, you need knowledge of agricultural chemicals, pest control methods, and safety procedures, often backed by a high school diploma and any required pesticide applicator certifications. Familiarity with spray equipment, GPS technology, and record-keeping systems is typically necessary. Attention to detail, reliability, and effective communication are important soft skills for ensuring safe and precise applications. These skills and qualities are crucial for protecting crops, ensuring regulatory compliance, and maintaining environmental and personal safety.

What are some common challenges faced by spray operators in maintaining equipment and ensuring safety standards?

Spray Operators often encounter challenges such as keeping equipment in optimal condition, as spray machinery requires regular cleaning and maintenance to prevent clogs and ensure accurate application. Additionally, adhering to strict safety protocols is essential due to exposure to chemicals, so operators must stay updated on proper handling, storage, and use of personal protective equipment. Working in varying weather conditions and managing application timing to minimize drift can also present difficulties, making attention to detail and adaptability important qualities for success in this role.

What does a spray operator do?

A Spray Operator is responsible for applying pesticides, herbicides, fertilizers, or other chemicals to crops, landscapes, or structures to control pests and promote healthy growth. They operate specialized spraying equipment and must follow safety guidelines to prevent harm to themselves, others, and the environment. Spray Operators may work in agriculture, landscaping, or pest control industries and often maintain records of applications and ensure compliance with regulations.

What job categories do people searching Spray Operator jobs in Iowa look for?

The top searched job categories for Spray Operator jobs in Iowa are:

What are popular job titles related to Spray Operator jobs in IA?

For Spray Operator jobs in IA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Spray Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Spray Operator job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 49% Full Time, 49% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,327 per year, or $18.9 per hour.

Spray Machine Operator

Silgan

Burlington, IA • On-site

$23.79/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 days ago

Silgan Holdings rating

5.5

Company rating: 5.5 out of 10

Based on 12 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

110th of 119 rated packaging manufacturers

Job description

Gain experience through on-the-job training as a Spray Machine Operator!
Starting pay is $23.79 per hour
Shift: 6PM - 6AM
What we offer:
  • Starting wage is $23.79 per hour plus $1 per hour shift differential
  • Outstanding benefits include affordable medical, dental, and vision, 2 weeks of vacation and 10 paid holidays
  • Automatic enrollment in a 401k plan with an employer match to help you plan for the future
  • A safe environment - we have one of the lowest accident rates in the industry
  • Quality training to further develop you
  • Room to grow - we promote within with training and job advancement opportunities
  • Performance evaluations and pay increases given every 6 months for the first two years

What you'll do:
  • Continually monitor the performance of the spray system and make all adjustments necessary to assure proper film weights, distribution, and appearance.
  • Perform minor maintenance on spray machine pumps, guns, and related equipment. Handle hazardous materials and wastes properly.
  • Inform Supervisor and/or Quality Assurance Supervisor of recurring equipment malfunctions and poor quality materials or supplies.
  • Perform quality checks as required and make adjustments to machines as needed.
  • Competent in basic SPC, Gainseeker, Protraq and interpretation of SPC charts.
  • Document any out of gate / spec conditions on the SGC-500, and react accordingly. Record material usage as required.

We need you to have:
  • High School Diploma or equivalent
  • Manufacturing experience preferred
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills
  • Familiarity with Lean Manufacturing principles is a plus

Who we are:
  • America's largest metal food packaging producer
  • A company that strives toward sustainability by reducing our carbon footprint, selecting like-minded suppliers, and providing recyclable products

LIMITATIONS AND DISCLAIMER
The above job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required for the position.
All job requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health and safety of themselves or other employees.
This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform other job-related duties requested by their supervisor in compliance with Federal and State Laws.
Requirements are representative of minimum levels of knowledge, skills and/or abilities. To perform this job successfully, the employee must possess the abilities or aptitudes to perform each duty proficiently. Continued employment remains on an "at-will" basis.
Silgan is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, or the presence of a disability, which would not prevent the performance of essential job duties with, or without reasonable accommodation of any other protective status.
Silgan is a drug-free workplace.

What Silgan Holdings employees say

Pay

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply