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1St Shift Machine Operator Jobs in Mankato, MN (NOW HIRING)

Position Summary We are seeking a skilled Machine Operator to support the production of electrical ... This position will remain open until filled Work Schedule * 1st Shift | 5:00 AM - 3:30 PM Benefits

... Your Shift: * 1st Shift; Monday to Friday, 6:00am - 2:00pm You Must Have: * Mechanical and ... Constantly operates machinery and handles products including print materials * Frequently required ...

Machine Operator

Mankato, MN · On-site

$18.50/hr

Machine Operator / Inspector This role focuses on assembling and inspecting electronic components ... shift, depending on the task. Work involves handling electronic components, circuit boards, and ...

Shift: 6:00 AM-6:00 PM Hourly Rate: $24.90 an hour Reporting to the Production Supervisor, you will work safely to operate machinery on the production floor while ensuring all finished product meets ...

Shift: 6:00 AM-6:00 PM Hourly Rate: $24.90 an hour Reporting to the Production Supervisor, you will work safely to operate machinery on the production floor while ensuring all finished product meets ...

Shift: 6:00 AM-6:00 PM Hourly Rate: $24.90 an hour Reporting to the Production Supervisor, you will work safely to operate machinery on the production floor while ensuring all finished product meets ...

Shift: 6:00 AM-6:00 PM Hourly Rate: $24.90 an hour Reporting to the Production Supervisor, you will work safely to operate machinery on the production floor while ensuring all finished product meets ...

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1St Shift Machine Operator information

See Mankato, MN salary details

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$18

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

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for 1st shift machine operator in Mankato, MN is $18.22, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.20 and $19.52 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 job categories do people searching 1St Shift Machine Operator jobs in Mankato, MN look for? The top searched job categories for 1St Shift Machine Operator jobs in Mankato, MN are:
What cities near Mankato, MN are hiring for 1St Shift Machine Operator jobs? Cities near Mankato, MN with the most 1St Shift Machine Operator job openings:
Infographic showing various 1St Shift Machine Operator job openings in Mankato, MN as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, 22% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $37,889 per year, or $18.2 per hour.

Machine Operator 1st Shift

NCW

Faribault, MN

$25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 6 days ago


Job description

Position Summary
We are seeking a skilled Machine Operator to support the production of electrical components in a fastpaced manufacturing environment. This role is responsible for operating specialized equipment to punch, cut, and bend busbars according to engineering drawings and quality standards.
Key Responsibilities
  • Set up and operate busbar punching and bending machines.
  • Load, secure, and handle materials safely and accurately.
  • Perform punching, cutting, and bending tasks per engineering drawings.
  • Inspect finished parts using calipers, gauges, and measuring tools.
  • Troubleshoot minor machine issues and perform basic maintenance.
  • Record part counts, production data, and scrap information.
  • Collaborate with supervisors and quality teams to ensure efficient workflow.
  • Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment while following OSHA regulations, PPE requirements, and company policies.
Qualifications & Skills
  • 2+ years of manufacturing experience; busbar or metalworking experience preferred.
  • High school diploma or equivalent; technical/vocational training is a plus.
  • Ability to read engineering drawings, SOPs, and safety documents in English.
  • Basic math skills for measurements and production documentation.
  • Mechanical aptitude and strong attention to detail.
  • Ability to use precision measuring tools.
  • Ability to lift weights up to 50 lbs. and perform physical tasks such as standing, bending, and reaching
Employment Type & Compensation
  • Full-Time | Temp-to-Hire
  • Compensation: $25.00 per hour
  • Application Period: This position will remain open until filled
Work Schedule
  • 1st Shift | 5:00 AM – 3:30 PM
Benefits
  • Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
  • 401(k) Retirement Plan
  • Paid Holidays
  • Bereavement Leave
  • Personal Advancement
Employer Information
This position is being recruited by NCW on behalf of a client company. All hiring decisions will be made by the employer. NCW partners with organizations nationwide to connect top talent with opportunities across construction, manufacturing, warehousing & distribution, and engineering industries.
Equal Opportunity Employer
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to protected status in accordance with applicable laws.

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About NCW

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Founded in 2000 with a mission to do things differently, NCW is a team of staffing and professional recruitment specialists that deliver innovative solutions to hiring challenges. Here, our focus is on the people behind every role. We form long-standing partnerships with our clients and with the top talent in the market. We go beyond job requirements and resumes to learn the “whys” and the motivations of the companies and talent we serve. Committed to service excellence, our professional recruiters and temporary staffing specialists deliver an unmatched experience and unsurpassed results with every search. Matching the right person to the role requires an exceptional understanding of the market. The recruiters of NCW bring decades of staffing and recruiting expertise to the table. We understand the challenges employers face, and we know what talented people want from their next opportunities.

Industry

Recruiting and staffing services

Company size

51 - 200 Employees

Headquarters location

Indianapolis, IN, US

Year founded

2000

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