High-paying manufacturing jobs in Ames
Manufacturing produces goods through labor and machinery. Workers operate equipment, monitor production, and ensure quality. Technical skills and attention to detail are vital.
The 25 manufacturing jobs listed below pay well, with salaries between $18.04 and $27.78 per hour. Machine Operator, Quality Assurance Inspector and Assembler are among the most popular high-paying roles in Ames, IA.
Job title
Updated Nov 10, 2026
Job title
Ames, IA
Iowa
Job openings (Ames)
Assembler
Ames
$27.78
per hour
Iowa
$19.38
per hour
Quality Assurance Inspector
Ames
$26.55
per hour
Iowa
$21.77
per hour
Production Technician
Ames
$24.04
per hour
Iowa
$21.80
per hour
Machine Operator
Ames
$20.51
per hour
Iowa
$20.91
per hour
Production Operator
Ames
$18.04
per hour
Iowa
$21.74
per hour
Job descriptions below are for educational purposes. Please refer to the employer's job description for complete details.
-
Assembler
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Please refer to the employers job description for complete details.
Assemblers construct product components, follow technical drawings, and ensure quality standards. Proficiency in assembly processes, attention to detail, and tool handling skills are essential.
Assembler jobs take 48 days on average from job posting to starting date. Currently, 2% of job openings are part-time roles.
See jobsAverage pay
Ames
$27.78 per hourIowa
$19.38 per hourSkills
- Assembly
- Manufacturing
- Mechanical knowledge
- Forklift
- Hand tools
-
Quality Assurance Inspector
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Please refer to the employers job description for complete details.
Quality assurance inspectors assess products for defects and ensure compliance with standards. Essential skills for this role include attention to detail, analytical thinking and experience with quality control processes.
Quality Assurance Inspector jobs take 57 days on average from job posting to starting date. Currently, 2% of job openings are part-time roles.
See jobsAverage pay
Ames
$26.55 per hourIowa
$21.77 per hourSkills
- Quality management
- Quality assurance
- Quality systems
- ISO 9001
- Quality control
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Production Technician
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Please refer to the employers job description for complete details.
Production technicians operate machinery, ensure quality control and assist with production flows. Essential skills for this role include mechanical aptitude, problem-solving abilities and adherence to safety standards.
Production Technician jobs take 61 days on average from job posting to starting date. Currently, 4% of job openings are part-time roles.
See jobsAverage pay
Ames
$24.04 per hourIowa
$21.80 per hour -
Machine Operator
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Please refer to the employers job description for complete details.
Machine Operators set up, operate, and maintain machinery in manufacturing processes. Technical expertise, mechanical aptitude, and adherence to safety standards are crucial.
Machine Operator jobs take 70 days on average from job posting to starting date. Currently, 2% of job openings are part-time roles.
See jobsAverage pay
Ames
$20.51 per hourIowa
$20.91 per hourSkills
- Manufacturing
- CNC
- Blueprint reading
- CNC programming
- Mechanical knowledge
-
Production Operator
Review job description
Please refer to the employers job description for complete details.
Production operators set up and operate equipment, monitoring processes for quality and efficiency. Key skills for this role include mechanical knowledge, attention to detail and teamwork.
Production Operator jobs take 49 days on average from job posting to starting date. Currently, 2% of job openings are part-time roles.
See jobsAverage pay
Ames
$18.04 per hourIowa
$21.74 per hourSkills
- Manufacturing
- Quality control
- CNC
- Production planning
- Oil & gas