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Fab Operator Salary in Iowa

How much does a Fab Operator make in Iowa? As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Fab Operator in Iowa is $58,478 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $28.

However, a Fab Operator's salary can vary significantly. Here's a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $70,083
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $52,643 to $64,553
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $47,330
Salary Factors Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Check out Fab Operator Job Openings in Iowa

Key Factors That Influence Fab Operator Salaries

A Fab 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.

How Experience Level Affects Fab Operator Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Fab 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:

  • Entry-Level (less than 1 year): $40,059
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $51,235
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $57,213
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $63,157
  • Expert (over 8 years): $60,709
Job RoleYears of ExperienceAverage Salary
Production Technician I less than 1 year $40,059
Production Technician II 1-2 years $51,235
Fab Operator 2-4 years $57,213
Production Technician IV 5-8 years $63,157
Production Team Leader over 8 years $60,709

How Do Fab Operator Salaries Vary from State to State?

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 Fab Operators. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:

  • District of Columbia: $67,657.
  • California: $67,400.
  • Massachusetts: $66,502.

Top Paying Cities for Fab Operator

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:

  • West Bend: $56,986
  • Melvin: $56,820
  • Milford: $57,062

Fab Operator Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Fab Operator roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 70% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Biotechnology and Aerospace & Defense sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 30% above the average. In contrast, Fab Operator positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit or Hospitality & Leisure typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Fab Operator as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Fab Operator

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Biotechnology $76,022 $37.0 30%
Aerospace & Defense $70,174 $34.0 20%

Fab Operator Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Fab 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.

  • Yearly
  • Monthly
  • Weekly
  • Hourly
  • Table View
Last Updated on September 01, 2026
$52,643
Average $58,478/year
$64,553
$4,387
Average $4,873/month
$5,379
$1,012
Average $1,125/week
$1,241
$25
Average $28/hour
$31
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $64,553 $5,379 $1,241 $31
Average $58,478 $4,873 $1,125 $28
25th Percentile $52,643 $4,387 $1,012 $25

Find Your Next Fab Operator Job

Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Fab Operator job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.

  • Cargill | ALBERT LEA, MN

    Warehouse Operator

    Cargill | ALBERT LEA, MN

    Cargill is seeking a dedicated Warehouse Operator to join our team in the Food & Beverage Operations division. In this role, you will play a critical role ... more

    8 Days Ago

  • Cargill | AUSTIN, MN

    Warehouse Operator

    Cargill | AUSTIN, MN

    Cargill is seeking a dedicated Warehouse Operator to join our team in the Food & Beverage Operations division. In this role, you will play a critical role ... more

    8 Days Ago

  • MCC | PROVO CANYON, UT

    MACHINE OPERATOR

    MCC | PROVO CANYON, UT

    MCC seeks a Machine Operator for our Printing Media Manufacturing & Production team. You will set up, operate, and monitor printing and finishing equipment... more

    9 Days Ago

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    Constellation Energy | DARLINGTON, MD

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  • Constellation Energy | STREET, MD

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    Constellation Energy | STREET, MD

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Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons are derived from both employer job postings and third-party data sources. We also provide multiple percentiles of salary information for your reference, click here to know Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial to Getting Pay Equity Right. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.

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