---
title: Jobs in Ottumwa, IA — Salary & Top Employers
description: Browse jobs in Ottumwa, IA — southeast Iowa's main hub with meat processing, healthcare,
  and manufacturing hiring. See John Morrell, MercyOne, and top employers.
type: location_city
url: https://www.foundrole.com/locations/iowa/ottumwa
date: 2026-09-28T19:12:33Z
og_description: Ottumwa is southeast Iowa's employment hub, anchored by John Morrell (Smithfield)
  and MercyOne. Find jobs in meat processing, healthcare, and manufacturing.
og_image: https://www.foundrole.com/og/jlkvul.png
breadcrumbs:
  - label: Home
    url: https://www.foundrole.com/
  - label: United States
    url: https://www.foundrole.com/locations
  - label: Iowa
    url: https://www.foundrole.com/locations/iowa
---

# Jobs in Ottumwa, IA — Salary & Top Employers

**State:** [Iowa Jobs Hiring Now | Salary, Industries, Companies](https://www.foundrole.com/locations/iowa?utm_source=ai_markdown)
**Country:** [Top Job Trends By Locations](https://www.foundrole.com/locations?utm_source=ai_markdown)
**Open jobs:** 208
## Summary

- Postings on employer career sites published Jun 1 – Sep 28, 2026: 307
- Median salary: $43K
- Salary range (P25–P75): $35K – $61K
- Remote share: 0.7%

## Top industries in Ottumwa, IA

| Industry | Total jobs | Median salary |
|---|---|---|
| Hospitals & Health Care | 135 | — |

## Top roles hiring in Ottumwa, IA

| Role | Total jobs | Median salary |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nurse | 37 | — |

## Top hiring companies in Ottumwa, IA

| Company | Total jobs |
|---|---|
| [Lifepoint Health Jobs & Careers — Community Hospital Network](https://www.foundrole.com/companies/lifepoint-health?utm_source=ai_markdown) | 95 |

**H1B sponsorship (FY2025 Q4 – FY2026 Q3):** 3 employers filed 4 petitions.

## Top visa sponsors in Ottumwa, IA

| Company | Workers | Median filed wage |
|---|---|---|
| The University of Iowa | 2 | — |
| Christner Contracting, Inc. | 1 | — |
| Burlington Neurology & Sleep | 1 | — |

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What industries are hiring most in Ottumwa, IA?

Meat processing, healthcare, manufacturing, and retail are Ottumwa's primary sectors. John Morrell Food Group (Smithfield Foods) and MercyOne Ottumwa Medical Center are the largest employers, alongside light manufacturing and local government operations.
### What is the typical salary in Ottumwa, Iowa?

Ottumwa salaries reflect southeast Iowa's cost of living. Meat processing and manufacturing wages vary by role and seniority, while healthcare professionals and skilled tradespeople typically earn above the local median. Current data is on this page.
### Who are the top employers in Ottumwa, IA?

John Morrell Food Group (Smithfield Foods), MercyOne Ottumwa Medical Center, and Wapello County government are among the city's largest employers. Manufacturing firms and regional retail operations also provide significant employment.
### Are remote jobs available in Ottumwa, Iowa?

Remote opportunities in Ottumwa are limited compared to larger Iowa metros due to the city's industrial employment base. Some professional services and technology roles offer hybrid options. Use the remote filter on this page to check current listings.
### How can I find jobs near Ottumwa in southeast Iowa?

Ottumwa is the main employment center for southeast Iowa. The <a href="/locations/iowa">Iowa state jobs page</a> links to all Iowa city pages. Des Moines is roughly 90 miles northwest and offers a significantly larger pool of opportunities for those open to commuting.
## Related

- [Browse all locations](https://www.foundrole.com/locations?utm_source=ai_markdown)
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