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Spray Operator Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Industrial Painter

Elkader, IA · On-site

$17.25 - $23.50/hr

Operate and maintain paint booth equipment, spray guns, air systems, and related tools efficiently and through safe operating practices. * Perform viscosity checks on paint coatings using approved ...

Industrial Painter

Elkader, IA · On-site

$17.25 - $23.50/hr

Operate and maintain paint booth equipment, spray guns, air systems, and related tools efficiently and through safe operating practices. * Perform viscosity checks on paint coatings using approved ...

Production Operator III

Arion, IA · On-site

$16 - $19.25/hr

Clean dryer spray nozzles and tips * Monitor gauges, take solids readings and clean outside of all ... Recording Data - Frequent Operating Office Equipment - N/A Operating Computer - N/A Simple Grasping ...

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Spray Operator information

See Iowa salary details

$10

$18

$31

How much do spray operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 10, 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:
Infographic showing various Spray Operator job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 48% Full Time, 49% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,327 per year, or $18.9 per hour.

2nd Shift_ Mechanical Manufacturing Technician I_ Onsite

Raytheon Technologies

West Des Moines, IA

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted yesterday


Job description

Date Posted:

2026-07-16

Country:

United States of America

Location:

US-IA-WEST DES MOINES-811 ~ 811 4th St ~ 4TH

Position Role Type:

Onsite

U.S. Citizen, U.S. Person, or Immigration Status Requirements:

This job requires a U.S. Person. A U.S. Person is a lawful permanent resident as defined in 8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(20) or who is a protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3). U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, U.S. permanent residents, or individuals granted refugee or asylee status in the U.S. are considered U.S. persons. For a complete definition of "U.S. Person" go here: https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-22/chapter-I/subchapter-M/part-120/subpart-C/section-120.62

Security Clearance Type:

None/Not Required

Security Clearance Status:

Not Required

Joining Collins Aerospace isn't just about finding a job; it's about embarking on a journey to redefine the future of aerospace technology.

Mechanical Manufacturing Technician is an entry level position with no certification required. The purpose for an operator at this level is to learn and train on the basic understandings of all calibration specific operations. Mechanical Manufacturing Technician is expected to have the basic level ability to prepare and assemble components to develop final or sub-assemblies with direct supervision by a certified calibrator (level II or above). The operator will set up and operate production equipment to ensure flow, spray angle, and quality of spray meets product specifications and tolerance levels. The operator is expected to follow established standard work under general supervision in efforts to obtain certification. The operator will typically refer problems or deviations to more experienced operators including Lead Technicians, supervisors, or engineers.

**External applicants are eligible for a $1,000 sign on bonus.**

What You Will Do

  • Learn how to set up and operate test stand to check nozzles, spray bars, and valves for spray quality, angle, and flow according to specifications.

  • Learn how to set up and operate laser marker and printer according to procedures and specifications.

  • Learn how to record spray parameters by serial number. Learns how to certify product conformance through test and records performance results by serial number.

  • May learn how to disassemble, repair, and assemble product according to specifications.

  • Accurately complete production documentation and performs necessary labor transitions.

  • Support and follow all rules/guidelines/standards set by EHS, Quality, and CI functions as set by your leader and position.

  • Actively participate in the Continuous Improvement process as well as safety related activities.

  • May be required to work over 40 hours per week as scheduled to meet business needs.

  • All other duties as assigned including working extended shifts/overtime as required by the business.

  • Willingness to work nonstandard hours.

  • Some Holiday hours may be required based on business need.

  • Working extended shifts/overtime as required by the business.

  • The schedule for this position is 2nd Shift Monday through Friday 3:30pm - 12:00am.

What You Will Learn

  • This position is an opportunity to start your career and grow with Collins.

Qualifications You Must Have

  • Typically requires HS Diploma. In the absence of a HS diploma or GED, 2 years of relevant experience is required.

Qualifications We Prefer

  • Manufacturing experience

  • Manual dexterity to perform tasks associated with assembly and calibration.

  • Previous experience reading, understanding and working off blueprints.

  • Communication experience with all levels of employees and management

What We Offer

Some of our competitive benefits package includes:

  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance

  • Three weeks of vacation for newly hired employees

  • Generous 401(k) plan that includes employer matching funds and separate employer retirement contribution, including a Lifetime Income Strategy option

  • Tuition reimbursement program

  • Student Loan Repayment Program

  • Life insurance and disability coverage

  • Optional coverages you can buy: pet insurance, home and auto insurance, additional life and accident insurance,critical illnessinsurance, group legal, ID theft protection

  • Birth, adoption, parental leave benefits

  • Ovia Health, fertility, and family planning

  • Adoption Assistance

  • Autism Benefit

  • Employee Assistance Plan, including up to 10 free counseling sessions

  • Healthy You Incentives, wellness rewards program

  • Doctor on Demand, virtual doctor visits

  • Bright Horizons, child and elder care services

  • Teladoc Medical Experts, second opinion program

  • And more!

Learn More & Apply Now!

We make modern flight possible for millions of travelers and our military every second. Our major product lines are on-board virtually every aircraft flying. Be it keeping passengers safe with our emergency power generation systems or creating a positive in-flight experience through reliable cabin pressure controls and quieter engines, Power & Controls focuses on delivering a best-in-class experience to our customers. We hire the top people in the industry. Their ideas drive our performance, and their integrity keeps our customers happy. Join us as we take flight!

*Please ensure the role type (defined below) is appropriate for your needs before applying to this role.

Onsite: Employees who are working in Onsite roles will work primarily onsite. This includes all production and maintenance employees, as they are essential to the development of our products.

Regardless of your role type, collaboration and innovation are critical to our business and all employees will have access to digital tools so they can work with colleagues around the world - and access to Collins sites when their work requires in-person meetings.

This position is considered safety sensitive in accordancewith FAA Guidelines. Candidate will be subject to drug and alcohol testing per FAA'sregulation 14 CFR part 120, as well as 49 CFR part 40

At Collins, the paths we pave together lead to limitless possibility. And the bonds we form - with our customers and with each other -- propel us all higher, again and again.

Apply now and be part of the team that's redefining aerospace, every day.

#TopOp

As part of our commitment to maintaining a secure hiring process, candidates may be asked to attendselect steps of the interview process in-person at one of our office locations, regardless of whether the role is designated as on-site, hybrid or remote.

Hired applicants may be eligible for benefits, including but not limited to, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, 401(k) match, flexible spending accounts, flexible work schedules, employee assistance program, Employee Scholar Program, parental leave, paid time off, and holidays. Specific benefits are dependent upon the specific business unit as well as whether or not the position is covered by a collective-bargaining agreement.Hired applicants may be eligible for annual short-term and/or long-term incentive compensation programs depending on the level of the position and whether or not it is covered by a collective-bargaining agreement. Payments under these annual programs are not guaranteed and are dependent upon a variety of factors including, but not limited to, individual performance, business unit performance, and/or the company's performance.This role is a U.S.-based role. If the successful candidate resides in a U.S. territory, the appropriate pay structure and benefits will apply.RTX anticipates the application window closing approximately 40 days from the date the notice was posted. However, factors such as candidate flow and business necessity may require RTX to shorten or extend the application window.

RTX is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability or veteran status, or any other applicable state or federal protected class. RTX provides affirmative action in employment for qualified Individuals with a Disability and Protected Veterans in compliance with Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act.

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