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Tube Bender Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

New Leader Manufacturing

Machine Operator I

Cedar Rapids, IA · On-site

$16.75 - $20/hr

... tube bender, or structural. Maintains equipment in a safe and clean condition and performs other duties in support of successful plant operations and customer satisfaction. Key Responsibilities ...

New Leader Manufacturing

Machine Operator I

Cedar Rapids, IA · On-site

$16.75 - $20/hr

... tube bender, or structural. Maintains equipment in a safe and clean condition and performs other duties in support of successful plant operations and customer satisfaction. Key Responsibilities ...

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Tube Bender information

See Iowa salary details

$8

$17

$27

How much do tube bender jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for tube bender in Iowa is $17.42, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.47 and $19.86 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a tube bender?

Tube benders are skilled workers who use specialized tools and machines to bend metal tubes and pipes into specific shapes and angles according to blueprints or specifications. They are essential in industries such as automotive, aerospace, construction, and manufacturing, where precise tube bending is required for fluid, fuel, or structural systems. Tube benders must understand different metals, bending techniques, and safety procedures to ensure accuracy and quality in their work.

What does a tube bender do?

As a tube bender, you work with metal tubes, rods, and bars, shaping them into the desired configurations. Using a tube bending machine and working from written instructions and plans, you fabricate parts by flaring, deburring, trimming, and forming material of various dimensions. Your duties also include repairing damaged tubing and using a threading machine to thread pipes. You inspect finished products to ensure they meet specifications, and you follow appropriate procedures to promote safety and ensure the quality of your work. You also maintain production records and assist in the development of remediation plans to prevent defects from persisting.

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

To thrive as a Tube Bender, you need a solid understanding of mechanical principles, blueprint reading, and experience with metal fabrication, typically gained through vocational training or apprenticeship. Proficiency in using tube bending machines, measurement tools like calipers and micrometers, and sometimes CNC equipment is essential. Attention to detail, manual dexterity, and strong problem-solving skills help professionals excel in this role. These skills ensure the precise shaping of tubes to meet exact specifications, which is critical for safety and quality in manufacturing and construction projects.

What are some common challenges a tube bender faces on the job, and how are they addressed?

Tube Benders often encounter challenges such as ensuring precise measurements and angles to meet tight tolerances, working with various materials that may require different bending techniques, and maintaining safety while handling heavy machinery. These challenges are typically addressed through comprehensive training, the use of digital or CNC tube bending machines, and close collaboration with quality control teams to verify specifications. Regular maintenance of equipment and adherence to safety protocols also help minimize errors and workplace incidents.

What is the difference between Tube Bender vs Pipe Fitter?

AspectTube BenderPipe Fitter
CredentialsTypically requires technical training or certification in tube bendingRequires plumbing or pipefitting certifications and licenses
Work EnvironmentManufacturing, fabrication shops, automotive, HVACConstruction sites, industrial plants, plumbing installations
Industry UsageUsed mainly for precise bending of metal or plastic tubesInvolved in installing and maintaining piping systems

While both Tube Benders and Pipe Fitters work with piping materials, Tube Benders focus on shaping tubes with precision, often in manufacturing settings. Pipe Fitters install and repair piping systems in construction and industrial environments. Their skills overlap in handling piping materials, but their primary roles and work environments differ.

More about Tube Bender jobs

What are popular job titles related to Tube Bender jobs in IA?

For Tube Bender jobs in IA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Tube Bender jobs near you
Infographic showing various Tube Bender job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 6% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $36,237 per year, or $17.4 per hour.

Machine Operator I

New Leader Manufacturing

Cedar Rapids, IA • On-site

$16.75 - $20/hr

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

The Machine Operator I proficiently performs a wide variety of machine operations required for the fabrication of steel parts and assemblies using a variety of steel fabrication equipment for one (1) of the following work areas including the 4k laser, 12k laser, small press brake, large press brake, Wasino, saws, tube bender, or structural. Maintains equipment in a safe and clean condition and performs other duties in support of successful plant operations and customer satisfaction.

Key Responsibilities

RESULTS | 50%

Critical 

  • Measures, marks, and scribes dimensions and reference points on material or work piece as guides, and or places material/work piece against stops for subsequent processing.
  • Starts and observes machine operation, to detect malfunctions or out-of-tolerance operation and adjusts machine controls or controls media as required. Calculates and sets controls to regulate factors such as speed, feed, coolant flow, and depth and angle of cut; or enters commands to retrieve, input, or edit computerized machine control media.
  • Verifies conformance/quality of finished work piece to specifications.
  • Effectively communicates with co-workers and internal customers. Display attributes of a team player and positive role model.

Productivity / Job Knowledge 

  • Selects, aligns and loads tooling, bits, blades, cutting tools and consumables on or in machines such as mills, lathes, drills, saws, brakes and lasers, and lathes.
  • Confers with engineers, production personnel, programmers, or others to resolve machining or assembly problems.
  • Trains others as directed.
  • Keeps work area clean and orderly, performs required PM’s and calibrates on machines and equipment and reports all non-conformities to Line Lead, Supervisor or Maintenance until the problem has been rectified.
  • Works with little to no supervision.

Dependability 

  • Demonstrates a good attendance record; is aware of the impact that missing work will have on the customer as well as co-workers.
  • Completes goals/projects on time or ahead of schedule.
  • Responds to work assignments and requests by being cooperative and available.
  • Follows through and meets commitments.
  • Available as a resource to subordinates and/or peers.

Safety 

  • Follows safety procedures, protocols, policies, and adheres to all SAFESTART concepts, and acts when others are not holding themselves accountable.


CORE VALUES | 50%

Act Like an Owner. 

  • Leads by example and takes ownership in everything you do and or say.
  • If you see something, say something and follow through until it's right.
  • Treats others with respect and kindness.

Be Interested. Stay Interested. 

  • Isn’t complacent. Seizes opportunities to learn by participating in activities to increase understanding.

Create Change. Start With Yourself. 

  • Asks "why", is open-minded, and challenges the status quo.
  • Leads and supports changes for the sake of improvement.

Seek New Perspectives. 

  • Seeks new perspectives from all available sources to challenge your own, and brings them into your decision making process.
  • Involves all stakeholders in making decisions. Is open to input from all sources.

Fail Fast. Learn Fast. 

  • Considers long and short-term outcomes when making decisions.
  • Is fearless.
  • Readily admits mistakes.


Requirements

Qualifications and Essential Skills:

  • 0-2 years of experience; previous manufacturing experience preferred.
  • Prior experience and/or training operating a drill press, saw, shear, press brake and/or CNC equipment preferred.
  • Basic computer skills are required; must be able to use computer systems to look-up information, clock-in/clock-out, and report work activities.  Experience with Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook is preferred.
  • Ability to read blueprints.
  • Good math skills are required; abili

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