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Blade Operator Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Wastequip

Fabricator

Rosemount, 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 ...

Wastequip

Fabricator

Eagan, 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 ...

Wastequip

$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 ...

Wastequip

Fabricator

Apple Valley, MN · On-site

$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 ...

Wastequip

Fabricator

Rosemount, 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 ...

Wastequip

Fabricator

Apple Valley, 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 ...

Wastequip

Fabricator

Saint Paul, 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 ...

Wastequip

Fabricator

Saint Paul, 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 ...

Wastequip

Fabricator

Inver Grove Heights, MN · On-site

$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 ...

Wastequip

Fabricator

Eagan, 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 ...

Wastequip

$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 ...

UFP Industries

Mill Lead

Minneota, MN · On-site

$17/hr

Job Summary Saw Operator III is responsible for the set up and operation of a multi-blade saws and/or saws making complex angle cuts. Functions as the saw lead person. Reads production scheduling ...

UFP Industries

Mill Lead

Minneota, MN · On-site

$17/hr

Job Summary Saw Operator III is responsible for the set up and operation of a multi-blade saws and/or saws making complex angle cuts. Functions as the saw lead person. Reads production scheduling ...

Wastequip

Fabricator

Rosemount, MN · On-site

$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 ...

Morris Packaging LLC

Slitter Operator

Minneapolis, MN · On-site

$24 - $30/hr

As a Slitter Operator, you will be responsible for the preparation and processing of the material ... Essential Functions: • Set up and operate a single or multiple blade slitter, rewind printed ...

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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 6, 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.
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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.

Fabricator

Wastequip

Rosemount, MN

$24.50 - $26.40/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 16 days ago

Wastequip rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 12 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

265th of 487 rated machine equipment manufacturers

Job description

Job Description:

Wastequip has an immediate opportunity for a Fabricator to support our Rosemount, MN manufacturing operation. This is a full-time position with great benefits including but not limited to Health Insurance, 401K Plan, Paid Vacation/Sick time, and so much more. The ideal candidate will have the skills and experience necessary to fabricate steel parts and tools using a variety of machines.

Pay rate: Hourly$24.50 - 26.40 (based on experience)

RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Fabricate steel and other metal parts as indicated by the work order and blueprints
  • 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 manually or by hoist or crane to machine bed or roller table and positions it against side guide and end stops
  • Starts machine, which clamps workpiece and lowers blade to cut metal
  • Lays out cutting lines on metal when shearing single pieces
  • Tilts bed, blade, or installs fixtures to shear, bevel, or trim fabricated items
  • Operates portable shear to cut sheet metal
  • Inspects work to verify dimensions

QUALIFICATIONS

  • Prior experience operating a Press Brake and/or Shear. Set up experience a plus
  • Understanding of basic CNC controls
  • 1+ years prior production experience preferred
  • Ability to read blueprints and measuring tape
  • Basic math and problem-solving skills (add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure)
  • Experienced in a fast-paced production environment
  • Able to pass all EHS required tests and clearances

Company Benefits:

2 Medical Plan Options - Base HSA (High Deductible) and Buy-Up
Medical Plans
Prescription (Rx) Insurance
Health Savings Account (HSA)
2 Dental Plan Options - Base Dental and Buy-Up Dental Plans
Vision Insurance
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA's)
Health Care FSA
Dependent Care FSA
Company Paid Base Life Insurance
Company Paid Accident, Death & Dismemberment Insurance
Company Paid Business Travel Accident Insurance
Company Paid Disability Insurance
Short-Term Disability (STD) and Base Long-Term Disability (LTD)
Insurance
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Voluntary Hospital, Accident & Critical Illness (Cancer) Insurance
401(K) Retirement Plan with 50% Company Match
Voluntary Pet Insurance
Vacation and Personal/Sick Time
Paid Grandparent Leave
Paid Bonding Leave
Adoption Assistance
Education Assistance (Tuition Reimbursement)

About Wastequip

Wastequip got its start in 1989 with containers and compactors. But, today, we have evolved into so much more than just a manufacturer of high-quality steel containers and compactors. We are the waste industry's only All-in-One solutions provider - from carts and containers to collect waste to hoists and trash trucks to move the waste to parts, service and technology to keep your operation running smoothly.

While we're proud to be North America's leading manufacturer of waste handling equipment, we are equally proud to be a driving force for enhanced sustainability across the waste industry. We are consistently striving to improve our own operations while making it easier for our customers to do the right thing - building a brighter future for all.

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