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Blade Operator Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Bituminous Roadways, Inc.

Blade Operator

Saint Paul, MN · On-site

$48.71/hr

The Blade Operator is responsible for safely and precisely operating a motor grader to establish subgrade and base for asphalt paving projects. This includes cutting, shaping, and finishing roadbeds ...

UFP Industries

Saw Operator- SPIDA

Minneota, MN · On-site

$14.50/hr

Job Summary Saw Operator I is responsible for the setup and operation of a single-blade saw. Reads production scheduling sheets and identifies required material for the operation. Principle Duties ...

UFP Industries

Saw Operator- SPIDA

Minneota, MN · On-site

$14.50/hr

Job Summary Saw Operator I is responsible for the setup and operation of a single-blade saw. Reads production scheduling sheets and identifies required material for the operation. Principle Duties ...

Mortenson

Solar Operator II - Saddle

Minneapolis, MN · On-site

$18.25 - $24/hr

Operate equipment such as blade, dozer, loader, scraper, forklift/telehandler, crane, bobcat/skid ... operating and maintenance instructions, procedure manuals, and load charts * Ability to operate ...

Apidel Technologies

Finishing Operator

Mankato, MN

$16.75 - $20.25/hr

Summary The Finishing Line Operator is a versatile team member responsible for safe, efficient, and ... Conduct basic maintenance such as blade inspection, replacement, and minor adjustments. Record ...

Mortenson

Solar Operator I - County Line

Arcadia, FL

$14.75 - $18/hr

Operate equipment such as blade, dozer, loader, scraper, forklift/telehandler, crane, bobcat/skid ... operating and maintenance instructions, procedure manuals, and load charts * Ability to operate ...

Domaille Engineering

Saw Operator

Rochester, MN · On-site

$22 - $28/hr

Perform basic equipment maintenance such as cleaning, blade changes, and routine inspections ... Experience operating saw equipment or similar cutting tools preferred. * Previous experience in ...

Domaille Engineering LLC

Saw Operator

Rochester, MN · On-site

$22 - $28/hr

The Saw Operator also supports material handling and organization activities to ensure efficient ... Perform basic equipment maintenance such as cleaning, blade changes, and routine inspections.

Domaille Engineering

Be Seen First

Saw Operator

Rochester, MN · On-site

$22 - $28/hr

Perform basic equipment maintenance such as cleaning, blade changes, and routine inspections ... Experience operating saw equipment or similar cutting tools preferred. * Previous experience in ...

Domaille Engineering

Saw Operator

Rochester, MN

$22 - $28/hr

The Saw Operator also supports material handling and organization activities to ensure efficient ... Perform basic equipment maintenance such as cleaning, blade changes, and routine inspections.

Wastequip

Fabricator

Inver Grove Heights, MN

$24.50 - $26.40/hr

Operating a Press Brake and/or Shear * Turns handwheels to adjust rake (angle) and pressure of blade * Positions and clamps stop and side guides to set length and angle of cut * Lifts workpiece ...

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All JobsBlade Operator JobsBlade Operator Jobs in Minnesota

Blade Operator information

See Minnesota salary details

$17

$24

$35

How much do blade operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for blade operator in Minnesota is $24.96, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.24 and $31.78 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges a blade operator faces during a typical workday?

Blade Operators often encounter challenges such as working in varying weather conditions, maintaining precise control over grading equipment, and coordinating with other crew members to ensure a smooth workflow. Equipment maintenance and troubleshooting can also be demanding, as ensuring machines are in optimal condition is critical for both safety and productivity. Additionally, adapting to different job site requirements and interpreting grading plans accurately are essential skills that help Blade Operators meet project specifications and deadlines.

What does a blade operator do?

A blade operator is a type of construction worker that operates specific construction equipment, such as a finish blade or motor graders. Your responsibilities in this career are to operate your equipment to complete tasks on a construction project. Your specific duties depend on the specifics project. You may need to excavate an area or finish the grade of the surface of a road. You must also regularly inspect your equipment and perform any minor repairs that are needed. You can outsource more extensive repairs to specialty mechanics. However, you should maintain your equipment to avoid costly repairs. Another significant aspect of your work as a blade operator is safety management. You must follow all safety practices to minimize risk on the job site.

What is the difference between Blade Operator vs Excavator Operator?

AspectBlade OperatorExcavator Operator
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent, OSHA safety trainingHigh school diploma or equivalent, OSHA safety training
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, roadwork, landscapingConstruction sites, excavation, demolition
Industry UsageHeavy civil construction, landscapingHeavy civil construction, mining, demolition

Both Blade Operators and Excavator Operators require similar certifications and often work in construction environments. The main difference lies in the equipment used: Blade Operators primarily operate bulldozers with blades for grading and moving earth, while Excavator Operators handle excavators for digging and lifting tasks. Understanding these distinctions helps employers and workers choose the right role based on project needs.

What is a blade operator?

Blade Operators are skilled professionals who operate motor graders, commonly known as blades, to spread and level materials such as gravel, dirt, or asphalt on roads and construction sites. They are responsible for ensuring surfaces are smooth, even, and meet project specifications. Blade Operators must understand site plans, perform routine equipment maintenance, and follow safety guidelines to prevent accidents. Their work is essential for road construction, maintenance, and other civil engineering projects.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a blade operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Blade Operator, you need proficiency in operating heavy machinery, a solid understanding of construction or roadwork processes, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with equipment such as motor graders, GPS or laser-guided systems, and safety protocols is typically required. Attention to detail, strong communication, and good hand-eye coordination are essential soft skills for this role. These abilities ensure efficient, safe, and precise grading work, which is critical for successful project completion.
More about Blade Operator jobs
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Blade Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Blade Operator job openings in Minnesota as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 90% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 1% Contract, 1% Nights, and 1% Summer. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $51,925 per year, or $25 per hour.

Blade Operator

Bituminous Roadways, Inc.

Saint Paul, MN • On-site

$48.71/hr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 23 days ago

Job description

Department: Field Operations
Work Location: 11-County Metro Area (Twin Cities, MN)
Job type: Full-Time / Seasonal
Pay Type / Range:
Journeyman Union Scale. $48.71 per hour (based on experience and/or size and type of equipment)
(This pay range is a good-faith estimate of compensation for this role.)
Union Benefits & Additional Information:
  • Operating Engineers Local 49 Union (https://health49.org/)
  • Health & Welfare Benefits and Pension would all remain through your union.
  • Mental Health & Wellness Support provided through TEAM EAP.
  • PTO (ESST) Program covering all time away from work.
  • Referral bonuses - earn rewards to help us recruit new talent.
  • Annual boot allowance.

Job Summary: The Blade Operator is responsible for safely and precisely operating a motor grader to establish subgrade and base for asphalt paving projects. This includes cutting, shaping, and finishing roadbeds and surfaces to required elevations, slopes, and tolerances while working closely with the grading and paving crews.
Other Requirements: All candidates are required to pass a thorough Background Check, Physical and Drug Test. References may also be checked. We participate in E-Verify.
Job Duties & Requirements:
Reasonable accommodations can be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
  • Fully understand the controls and functions of the blade.
  • Operate all controls and functions in a safe and non-abusive manner.
  • Communication via 2-way radio.
  • Achieve acceptable rough and finish grade in all types of soils and conditions.
  • Read and understand grades on stakes.
  • Follow grade stakes or utilize GPS and laser systems to ensure accurate slopes and elevations.
  • Familiar with daily equipment inspections and maintenance
  • Inspect and maintain equipment daily; report mechanical issues or needed repairs.
  • Maintain awareness of surroundings to ensure safety of crew and equipment on active job sites.
  • Follow all company safety procedures and OSHA standards; attend daily safety meetings.
  • Assist other crew members with general labor tasks as needed during downtime.
  • Other tasks as assigned.

Preferred Education and Experience:
  • 2+ years of experience operating a motor grader in road construction or asphalt preparation.
  • Strong understanding of grade control systems, slopes, and elevations.
  • Experience working around active paving operations and in coordination with other heavy equipment.
  • Ability to read grade stakes and interpret construction plans.
  • Must be safety-conscious, reliable, and able to work well in a team environment.
  • Valid driver's license required (CDL preferred).
  • Willingness to work extended hours, early mornings, and weekends as needed.
  • High school education or GED equivalent.
  • Strong team player
  • Reliable and on-time.

Live up to our company Core Values:
  • Safety - Safety in the workplace is a mutual responsibility of the employer, management and all employees. We have an expectation that all employees will play an active role in workplace safety and always promote a positive safety culture.
  • Quality - Quality is the best business plan. It is an investment in our future. Quality leads to consistency. Consistency leads to happy employees, satisfied customers and a growing business.
  • Respect - Respect at work is crucial as it promotes healthy relationships between coworkers and managers, as well as outside the organization. A respectful employee is a sign of a respectful organization and therefore creates a positive image of our company and our workplace.
  • Integrity - Real integrity is doing the right thing, whether someone realizes it or not. Displaying Integrity helps build trust and drives a certain level of expectation. Integrity is choosing your thoughts and actions based on values rather than personal gain.
  • Commitment - Commitment is the bond employee's share with their organization and its employees. Committed employees bring exceptional value to the organization through their support, productivity, determination, reliability and quality. Commitment shows and can be contagious.

Company Information:
For more than 75 years, Bituminous Roadways has aspired to be your full-service asphalt pavement solutions provider, and contractor of choice, to both work for and with. We are a union contractor with a diverse workforce dedicated to safety, innovation, continual improvement, environmental stewardship and most importantly, superior customer service.
At Bituminous Roadways, we're energetic and passionate about what we do with an excellent reputation for performance and as a place to work. Because of our continued growth, we seek qualified candidates who share our vision, values, and commitment to superior customer service.
More reasons to join BR:
  • Family owned and operated
  • Paid Training
  • Advancement opportunities - we aim to promote within
  • No out of town jobs / home every night
  • Family Oriented - Annual events

Bituminous Roadways, Inc. is committed to building a diverse workforce. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), marital status, familial status, age, disability, genetic information, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
Equal Opportunity Employer, including disabled and veterans.

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