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1St Shift Machine Operator Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Ichor Systems

Machine Operator - 1st Shift

Sauk Rapids, MN · On-site

$17.12 - $29.09/hr

Ichor Systems has an immediate opening for a Machine Operator, located in Sauk Rapids, MN. Reporting to the Manufacturing Supervisor, the Machine Operator will start and observe machine operations to ...

MiTek, Inc.

Machine Operator - 1st shift

Montgomery, MN · On-site

$20 - $24/hr

Report all machine malfunctions to mechanics or supervisors * Assist mechanics whenever required to ... Correctly feed slit ribbon material into the stamping dies and perform first piece inspection

Lakeshirts

Production Machine Operator

Little Falls, MN · On-site

$17 - $30/hr

Day-shift Machine Operators can grow from $17.00/hour to $25.00+/hour, while Night-shift Machine ... first year, profit sharing, a 401(k) plan, relaxed dress code, onsite cafeteria, and more. A ...

Lakeshirts

Production Machine Operator

Little Falls, MN · On-site

$17 - $30/hr

Day Shift: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM-4:00 PM, starting at $17.00 per hour . Night Shift: Monday ... first year, profit sharing, a 401(k) plan, relaxed dress code, onsite cafeteria, and more. A ...

CAB Construction

Machine Operator - 1st Shift

Mankato, MN · On-site

$24 - $27/hr

Must clean and organize work area throughout shift and at the end of shift. * Must be able to ... This is a safety sensitive position due to handling heavy material and operating forklifts. This ...

Lakeshirts

Production Machine Operator

Little Falls, MN · On-site

$22 - $30/hr

Day Shift: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM-4:00 PM, starting at $17.00 per hour . Night Shift: Monday ... first year, profit sharing, a 401(k) plan, relaxed dress code, onsite cafeteria, and more. A ...

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All Jobs1St Shift Machine Operator Jobs1St Shift Machine Operator Jobs in Minnesota

1St Shift Machine Operator information

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How much do 1st shift machine operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for 1st shift machine operator in Minnesota is $18.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.01 and $19.33 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a 1st shift machine operator?

A 1st Shift Machine Operator is responsible for operating and maintaining machinery during the first shift of the workday, typically starting in the early morning and ending in the afternoon. Their duties include setting up machines, monitoring production processes, conducting quality checks, and performing basic maintenance or troubleshooting tasks. This role is common in manufacturing, production, and warehouse environments, and requires attention to detail, mechanical aptitude, and adherence to safety protocols.

What does a 1st shift machine operator do?

As a 1st Shift Machine Operator, your day typically starts early in the morning and involves setting up, operating, and monitoring machinery to ensure efficient production runs. You'll be responsible for maintaining quality standards, troubleshooting minor equipment issues, and completing production reports. Collaboration is common—you'll frequently communicate with supervisors, maintenance teams, and quality assurance staff to address issues and meet production goals. This teamwork is essential for keeping the workflow smooth and meeting deadlines in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a 1st shift machine operator?

To thrive as a 1st Shift Machine Operator, you need mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with manufacturing machinery, basic computer skills, and safety certifications such as OSHA are commonly required. Reliability, teamwork, and effective communication help operators excel and maintain a safe, efficient work environment. These skills and qualities are crucial for minimizing downtime, ensuring product quality, and supporting overall plant productivity.

What is the difference between 1St Shift Machine Operator vs 2Nd Shift Machine Operator?

Aspect1St Shift Machine Operator2Nd Shift Machine Operator
Work HoursTypically 8:00 AM - 4:00 PMUsually 4:00 PM - 12:00 AM
CertificationsRequires basic machine operation certificationsSame certifications as 1st shift
Work EnvironmentDaytime production floorEvening/night shift on the same production floor
Employer UsageCommonly advertised for day shifts in manufacturingOften sought for night shift roles in factories

The main difference between a 1St Shift Machine Operator and a 2Nd Shift Machine Operator lies in their working hours. Both roles typically require similar certifications and work in the same environment, but they operate during different shifts. Employers often seek these roles based on shift timing preferences, with 1st shift covering daytime hours and 2nd shift handling evening or night hours.

What are normal 1st shift hours for a 1st shift machine operator?

A 1st shift machine operator typically works during regular daytime hours, commonly from 7:00 or 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 or 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. These hours may vary slightly depending on the company but generally align with standard daytime shifts in manufacturing environments.

What are the most commonly searched types of Machine Operator jobs in Minnesota?

The most popular types of Machine Operator jobs in Minnesota are:

What are popular job titles related to 1St Shift Machine Operator jobs in Minnesota?

For 1St Shift Machine Operator jobs in Minnesota, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching 1St Shift Machine Operator jobs in Minnesota look for?

The top searched job categories for 1St Shift Machine Operator jobs in Minnesota are:

What cities in Minnesota are hiring for 1St Shift Machine Operator jobs?

Cities in Minnesota with the most 1St Shift Machine Operator job openings:

1St Shift Machine Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various 1St Shift Machine Operator job openings in Minnesota as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 7% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,435 per year, or $18 per hour.

Machine Operator - 1st Shift

The Watkins Company

Winona, MN • On-site

$23.26/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 20 days ago

Job description

Machine Operator – Full Time

Monday – Thursday: 6:00am - 4:30pm

Rate of Pay: $23.26 per hour
** Sign On Bonus Available - $1,350 **
The Watkins Company has been a pioneer in natural flavoring products since 1868. From our world famous Vanilla Extract, to our unique Cinnamon and Black Pepper, The Watkins Company continues to be innovative in categories including but not limited to Extracts, Spices, Dry Seasoning Mixes, Bitters, and Baking Decorations. Today, we are seeking a new member to join the fastest growing flavoring company in North America.
The Watkins Company has an opening for a Full Time, Machine Operator, located in our Winona, MN location. The duties and responsibilities include, but not limited to the following:
  • Operate production lines at pre-determined speeds in accordance with established standards.
  • Perform line change oversight on production lines.
  • Address minor maintenance situations on equipment before, during, and after production runs.
  • Inspect and evaluate equipment for operating defects and keeps Maintenance advised regarding status of equipment repair or replacement.
  • Provide work direction to line workers (Utilities) and assist in training new employees.
  • Perform general housekeeping and cleanup on and around lines during down time and at the end of production runs.
  • Monitor and evaluate finished product for safe quality control standards.
Our ideal candidate will have at minimum:
  • A minimum of a High School Diploma or GED and demonstrate applicable reading and math skills.
  • Base line knowledge of general mechanical functions to assist in repairs.
  • Demonstrate the ability to lead by example on our production lines.
  • The ability to adapt to changing working environments.
  • Strong problem solving skills and utilize deductive reasoning to evaluate solutions.
  • Successfully completed and passed a strength assessment examination and be able to lift up to 50 pounds.
In addition to working in a strategic, dynamic and collaborative work environment, with a tight knit team, The Watkins Company offers a top notch benefits package including Medical, Dental, Life and AD amp;D Insurance as well as a generous PTO package available upon hire, 10 paid holidays and dollar for dollar 401k match!
The Watkins Company is an equal opportunity employer.

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