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Entry Level Trade Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

High School Graduate or GED for entry level; trade school (or equivalent work experience) with two to four years related work experience. Experience: Entry level requires the ability to meet job task ...

CNC MACHINIST

Pequot Lakes, MN · On-site

$20 - $32/hr

High School Graduate or GED for entry level; trade school (or equivalent work experience) with two to four years related work experience. Experience: Entry level requires the ability to meet job task ...

High School Graduate or GED for entry level; trade school (or equivalent work experience) with two to four years related work experience. Experience: Entry level requires the ability to meet job task ...

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Entry Level Trade information

See Minnesota salary details

$11

$25

$46

How much do entry level trade jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level trade in Minnesota is $25.73, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.85 and $30.14 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are entry level trade jobs?

Entry level trade jobs are positions in skilled trades that require little to no prior experience or formal education. These jobs often provide on-the-job training or apprenticeships, allowing individuals to learn valuable skills while working. Common entry level trade roles include electrician apprentice, plumbing assistant, HVAC helper, and construction laborer. Such positions are a great way to start a rewarding career in the trades, with opportunities for advancement and increased earnings as you gain experience and certifications.

Is 25 too old to start a trade?

Entry level trades often have no age restrictions, and many people start training in their mid-20s or later. Success in a trade depends on skills, training, and certification, not age, making it a viable career option regardless of when you start.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level Trade worker, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Trade worker, you need basic mechanical aptitude, physical stamina, and a high school diploma or equivalent, with many roles preferring completion of a trade-specific apprenticeship or training program. Familiarity with hand and power tools, safety equipment, and sometimes certifications like OSHA 10 are commonly required. Strong work ethic, reliability, and willingness to learn are standout soft skills in this field. These skills and qualities are crucial for ensuring job safety, quality craftsmanship, and career advancement in skilled trades.

What is the best entry level trade?

Entry level trades such as carpentry, plumbing, electrical work, and HVAC are popular options for those starting in skilled labor. These trades typically require technical training or apprenticeships, and certifications like OSHA safety training are often beneficial for entry into the field.

Can I get into a trade with no experience?

Entry level trades often do not require prior experience, as many employers provide on-the-job training. Basic skills such as reading blueprints, using hand tools, and safety knowledge can be learned through apprenticeships or vocational programs, making it possible to start with little or no experience.

What does a typical day look like for someone in an entry-level trade position?

In an entry-level trade role, your day often starts early and involves a mix of hands-on tasks such as assisting with installations, repairs, or maintenance, depending on the specific trade. You'll work closely under the supervision of more experienced tradespeople, learning industry standards and safety protocols. The work environment is usually fast-paced and can vary between indoor and outdoor settings. Collaboration with team members is essential, as you'll often help with tools, materials, and project setup or cleanup. Over time, you'll gain new skills and take on more responsibility, paving the way for career advancement within the trade.

What jobs pay 4000 a week without a degree?

Entry-level trade jobs such as commercial electricians, plumbers, or HVAC technicians can pay around $4,000 per week with experience, certifications, and working in high-demand environments. These roles often require technical training or apprenticeships but do not necessarily require a college degree.

What Are Entry-Level Trade Jobs?

There are several entry-level trade job opportunities, with each having different requirements for education, certification, and training. The term “trade” refers to various skilled labor fields, such as electrical, plumbing, and construction. There are multiple specialties within each class. In the latter, for example, you can work as a carpenter, painter, or mason. Advancement is possible with additional experience and credentials. While you can find a full-time job with a contracting company, most in this industry work on a freelance basis. As an entry-level trade worker, you may serve as an apprentice to an experienced tradesperson. While your duties and responsibilities are the same, you have nearly constant supervision, and you must spend some time in the classroom.

What are the most commonly searched types of Trade jobs in Minnesota? The most popular types of Trade jobs in Minnesota are:
What cities in Minnesota are hiring for Entry Level Trade jobs? Cities in Minnesota with the most Entry Level Trade job openings:

$18 - $32/hr

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Re-posted 6 days ago


Job description

Description

POSITION SUMMARY

Operates CNC machines including vertical mills, horizontal mills and lathes to perform one or more machine functions on metal or plastic work pieces. Produces precision parts applying knowledge of machining procedures to meet the Customer's expectations and Pequot Tool's Quality procedures and standards.


ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Reasonable Accommodations Statement

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable Accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Essential Functions Statement(s)

  •  Performs work on site; meeting Company's Attendance Policy.
  •  Measure dimensions of finished work pieces to ensure conformance to specifications, using precision measuring instruments, templates, and fixtures.
  •  Remove and replace dull cutting tools.
  •  Mount, install, align, and secure tools, attachments, fixtures, and work pieces on machines, using hand tools and precision measuring instruments.
  •  Listen to machines during operation to detect sounds such as those made by dull cutting tools or excessive vibration and adjust machines to compensate for problems.
  •  Adjust machine feed and speed, change cutting tools, or adjust machine controls when automatic programming is faulty or if machines malfunction.
  •  Stop machines to remove finished work pieces or to change tooling, setup, or work piece placement, according to required machining sequences.
  •  Lift work pieces to machines manually or with hoists or cranes.
  •  Modify cutting programs to account for problems encountered during operation and save modified programs.
  •  Calculate machine speed and feed ratios and the size and position of cuts.
  •  Insert control instructions into machine control units to start operation.
  •  Understand operation sequences & dimensions of finished work piece.
  •  Verifies alignment using measurement instructions.
  •  Perform machine set-ups using knowledge of job requirements and materials used to enter control panel settings for tool travel, axis movement and tool speeds.
  •  Perform programming operations.
  •  Work with minimal supervision and consistently produces repeat parts and new first run parts, accurately within specifications.
  •  Independently handle, lift, move new raw materials, tools, and fixtures in accordance with the physical requirements as stated in this job description. 

Requirements

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS

Competency Statement(s)

  •  Attendance Management - Meets company standards in attendance and punctuality. Attends work consistently and on time.
  •  Communication Skills, Oral & Written - Ability to communicate effectively with others using the spoken word. Ability to communicate clearly and concisely in written form.
  •  Initiative - Ability to make decisions or take actions to solve a problem or reach a goal.
  •  Teamwork - Ability to work effectively in a Team environment; contributing equally to both team and individual success.
  •  Problem Solving - Ability to find a solution for or to deal proactively with work-related problems.
  •  Technical Aptitude - Ability to comprehend complex technical topics and specialized information.
  •  Mathematical Skills - Ability to add, subtract, multiply and divide in all units of measure. Ability to calculate basic geometric and trig mathematic functions.
  •  Accuracy - Ability to perform work accurately and thoroughly.
  •  Quantity & Quality - Meets productivity standards, achieves established goals by completing work in a timely manner while striving to increase productivity. Works quickly while demonstrating accuracy & thoroughness. Displays a commitment to excellence and can monitor own work. Applies feedback to improve performance and looks for ways to improve and promote quality.
  •  Safety Awareness - Ability to identify and correct conditions that affect employee safety.

SKILLS & ABILITIES

Education: High School Graduate or GED for entry level; trade school (or equivalent work experience) with two to four years related work experience.

Experience: Entry level requires the ability to meet job task requirements with the first year along with on-the-job training. More advanced skill levels generally require specific related work experience with precision part production in a job shop environment to be successful.

Computer Skills

Ability to use company's business computer system to accurately record work time and tasks performed on job operations. Requires the ability to navigate computer system to retrieve work instructions and communicate with others.

Certificates & Licenses

Machine Tool Technology certificate or equivalent work experience is preferred.

Other Requirements

Technology used in this occupation includes precision measuring equipment including calipers, gages, inspection fixtures, CMM, VMM; and software such as CAD/CAM software, CNC machine tool programming software.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Physical Demands Lift/Carry

Stand C (Constantly)

Walk F (Frequently)

Sit O (Occasionally)

Handling / Fingering C (Constantly)

Reach Outward C (Constantly)

Reach Above Shoulder C (Constantly)

Climb N (Not Applicable)

Crawl N (Not Applicable)

Squat or Kneel F (Frequently)

Bend or Twist F (Frequently)

10 lbs or less C (Constantly)

11-20 lbs C (Constantly)

21-50 lbs O (Occasionally)

51-100 lbs N (Not Applicable)

Over 100 lbs N (Not Applicable)

Push/Pull

12 lbs or less C (Constantly)

13-25 lbs F (Frequently)

26-40 lbs O (Occasionally)

41-100 lbs N (Not Applicable)

N (Not Applicable) Activity is not applicable to this occupation.

O (Occasionally) Occupation requires this activity up to 33% of the time (0 - 2.5+ hrs/day)

F (Frequently) Occupation requires this activity from 33% - 66% of the time (2.5 - 5.5+ hrs/day)

C (Constantly) Occupation requires this activity more than 66% of the time (5.5+ hrs/day)

Other Physical Requirements

Vision (Near, Distance, Color, Peripheral, Depth Perception)

Sense of Sound (Ability to hear machine operation)

Sense of Touch

Ability to wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) (Protective footwear/steel toe & safety eyewear when in the manufacturing areas.)


WORK ENVIRONMENT

Modern precision manufacturing job shop.

The Company has reviewed this job description to ensure that essential functions and basic duties have been included. It is intended to provide guidelines for job expectations and the employee's ability to perform the position described. It is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all functions, responsibilities, skills and abilities. Additional functions and requirements may be assigned by supervisors as deemed appropriate. This document does not represent a contract of employment, and the Company reserves the right to change this job description and/or assign tasks for the employee to perform, as the Company may deem appropriate. 

Equal Opportunity Employer. Pequot Manufacturing is a drug free workplace and all offers of employment are contingent upon passing a negative drug test. We manufacture firearm components, along with many other components for a variety of industries. As a manufacturer of firearm components, we are under ATF regulations that prevent "Prohibited Persons" from access to these components. A prior felony conviction that has not been set-aside or expunged or otherwise meeting the definition of a prohibited person, will be ineligible for an offer of employment.