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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Line Operator in Iowa is $43,778 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $21.
However, a Line Operator's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Line Operator Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $48,424 | $4,035 | $931 | $23 |
| Average | $43,778 | $3,648 | $842 | $21 |
| 25th Percentile | $39,537 | $3,295 | $760 | $19 |
Simply Said - Rock Rapids, IA
Rosenboom Machine & Tool Inc - Spirit Lake, IA
Pactiv Evergreen - Cedar Rapids, IA
Aventure Staffing - Algona, IA
A Line Operator's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Line Operator's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here’s how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Machine O... Level Line Operator | $39,085 |
| Line Oper... Level Line Operator | $43,437 |
| Machine O... Level Line Operator | $49,285 |
| Machine O... Level Line Operator | $52,960 |
| Machine O... Level Line Operator | $76,945 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Line Operators. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:
For Line Operator roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 60% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Media and Insurance sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 30% above the average. In contrast, Line Operator positions in MFG Durable or Internet typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Line Operator as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Media | $56,912 | $27.0 | 30% |
| Insurance | $54,723 | $26.0 | 25% |
| Construction | $52,534 | $25.0 | 20% |
| Financial Services | $50,345 | $24.0 | 15% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $48,156 | $23.0 | 10% |
Understanding how a Line Operator's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $48,424 | $4,035 | $931 | $23 |
| Average | $43,778 | $3,648 | $842 | $21 |
| 25th Percentile | $39,537 | $3,295 | $760 | $19 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Line Operator job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Remedy Staffing
West Branch, IA
Remedy Staffing | West Branch, IA
DescriptionImmediate openings in West Branch for packaging associates. Successful candidates will make $16.50/hour or more in a team-oriented environment w... more
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Grain Millers St. Ansgar
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Grain Millers St. Ansgar | Saint Ansgar, IA
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Greif
Centerville, IA
Greif | Centerville, IA
GreifGreif is a global leader in performance packaging located in 40 countries. The company delivers trusted, innovative, and tailored solutions that suppo... more
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Access Dubuque
Dubuque, IA
Access Dubuque | Dubuque, IA
Paint Line OperatorSedona Staffing Services0 PositionsID:55064097Posted On 03/12/2026Job OverviewJob Title:Paint Line OperatorLocation:Dyersville IAShift:1... more
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Novolex
Cedar Rapids, IA
Novolex | Cedar Rapids, IA
Novolex - - Responsibilities: Set up and test large commercial consumer packaging equipment. Troubleshoot mechanical, pneumatic and electrical functions. R... more
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Nestlé USA
Waverly, IA
Nestlé USA | Waverly, IA
Foods you love.Brands you trust.And a career that empowers you to grow.At Nestl USA, we're all working towards the same goal - to delight and deliver for o... more
3 Days Ago
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