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Unskilled Labor Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Unskilled Labor information

See Iowa salary details

$10

$16

$22

How much do unskilled labor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for unskilled labor in Iowa is $16.46, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.47 and $18.08 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an unskilled laborer?

An unskilled labor job is a position that requires little to no specialized training, education, or experience. These jobs typically involve tasks that can be learned quickly and may include roles in construction, manufacturing, warehouse work, retail, and food service. While they may not require formal qualifications, physical stamina, reliability, and a willingness to learn are often important traits for success.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the unskilled labor position?

To thrive as an Unskilled Laborer, you need physical stamina, reliability, and the ability to follow instructions, with no formal education or specialized training typically required. Minimal use of technical tools such as basic hand tools or safety equipment is common, and on-the-job training is usually provided. Good communication, teamwork, and adaptability are valuable soft skills that help individuals excel in this position. These qualities ensure tasks are completed efficiently, safely, and in cooperation with colleagues and supervisors.

What kind of work environment can I expect as an unskilled laborer?

Unskilled Laborers often work in physically demanding environments such as construction sites, warehouses, factories, or outdoor settings. The role typically involves standing for long periods, lifting or moving materials, and performing repetitive tasks, sometimes under various weather conditions. You may work independently or as part of a team, with frequent supervision to ensure safety and productivity. Collaboration with skilled workers and supervisors is common, and many companies offer opportunities for advancement or skill development over time.

What are examples of unskilled labor?

Unskilled labor refers to jobs that typically do not require specialized training or advanced education, such as cleaning, basic construction, warehouse work, food service, and manual labor tasks. These roles often involve repetitive tasks and may require physical strength or endurance but usually do not need formal certifications or technical skills.

What are popular job titles related to Unskilled Labor jobs in Iowa?

For Unskilled Labor jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in Iowa are hiring for Unskilled Labor jobs?

Cities in Iowa with the most Unskilled Labor job openings:

Infographic showing various Unskilled Labor job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $34,229 per year, or $16.5 per hour.

PT Warehouse Generalist - (Build your own schedule - Sunday required must include Friday or Satur...

Hyvee

Ankeny, IA • On-site

$15.25 - $18.25/hr

Part-time

Posted 28 days ago


Hy-Vee rating

6.3

Company rating: 6.3 out of 10

Based on 1,664 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

46th of 123 rated grocery stores


Job description

Additional Considerations (if any):

Must be 18+

-

Our mission statement is "To fulfill the highest expectations of our customers through the hands of our dedicated employees."

Perishable Distributors of Iowa

Job Title: Warehouse Selector - Level I

Department: Warehouse

FLSA: Non-Exempt

General Function

Efficiently and accurately selects, verifies, and palletizes customer orders and readies for transport.

Core Competencies

  • Partnerships

  • Growth mindset

  • Results oriented

  • Customer focused

  • Professionalism

Reporting Relations:

Accountable and Reports to: Warehouse Supervisors, Warehouse Assistant Supervisors

Positions that Report to you: None

Primary Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Reports to work when scheduled and on time. Observes work breaks and adheres to department attendance guidelines and all company policies.

  • Observes sanitation in the handling of product and reports spillage or distressed product to a supervisor. Performs general housekeeping duties as required.

  • Operates powered industrial equipment, demonstrating caution and complies with safety rules and regulations in all aspects of the daily job requirements.

  • Must maintain expected levels of performance in productivity and quality according to Standards Program.

  • Selects product for shipment by safely operating stand-up rider pallet jack and utilizes a voice activated unit (VAU) directing the employee to the correct pick slot. Validates selection by speaking check digit into headset of the VAU matching description and quantity.

  • Builds pallets accurately and efficiently by stacking products to ensure product integrity and transport stability. Stretch wraps product on pallet, places batch label on front of stretch wrap and stages product on loading dock.

Secondary Responsibilities and Frequency:

  • Other duties as assigned by management.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Worker Characteristics:

  • Ability to read and speak English.

  • After initial training period must be able to meet 90% of the engineered standard for productivity and 100% quality.

  • Must be 18 years of age to operate warehouse industrial equipment.

Education and Experience:

  • High school or equivalent preferred.

Physical Requirements:

  • Must be able to perform the physical requirements exerting 50 to 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or 25 to 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or 10 to 20 pounds of force constantly.

  • This position is considered an unskilled position. This is considered heavy work according to the Department of Labor Weight Classifications. Frequent to constant standing, lifting, handling, stooping, walking, carrying, kneeling, seeing, pulling, climbing, hearing, speaking, pushing, bending, and reaching. Frequent to constant matching accurately and quickly, motor coordination and manual dexterity.

Working Conditions:

  • Refrigerated, freezer and dry warehouse environmental working conditions. Temperatures range from 35 to -8. Must adhere to work schedule working weeknights and weekends. Busy, noisy warehouse environment. Ambient outside temperatures in the dry warehouse.

Equipment Used to Perform Job:

  • Dry marker, clipboard, powered industrial equipment, RF unit, gloves, pencil, proper fitting, above the ankle, full-grain leather boot with a slip-resistant sole, Vocollect headset and unit.


What Hy-Vee employees say

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Hy-Vee logo

About Hy-Vee

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Hy-Vee, based in West Des Moines, IA, US, operates within the supermarket industry. Founded in 1930 by Charles Hyde and David Vredenburg, the company began as a small general store in Beaconsfield, Iowa. Over the years, Hy-Vee has evolved into a network of more than 245 supermarkets across 8 states in the Midwest. They offer a wide range of products and services, including grocery, bakery items, delicatessen, floral, and other specialty departments. With a company motto of “A helpful smile in every aisle”, Hy-Vee's mission is to make each customer's life easier, healthier, and happier. They have received several awards for their commitment to healthy living, customer service and community outreach.

Industry

Retail

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

West Des Moines, IA, US

Year founded

1930