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Junior Operator Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

watlow

Sr Operator - 2nd Shift

Winona, MN · On-site

$23.06/hr

The ideal candidate will be able to work individually as well as in teams guiding junior operators. Shift Schedule: Monday - Thursday, 4:00 pm - 2:30 am (Friday) Pay Rate: $23.06 + shift differential ...

watlow

Sr Operator - 1st Shift

Winona, MN

$23.06/hr

The ideal candidate will be able to work individually as well as in teams guiding junior operators. Shift Schedule: Monday - Thursday, 5:30am - 4:00pm Pay Rate: $23.06 Your Key Responsibilities * Set ...

Watlow

Sr Operator - 2nd Shift

Winona, MN · On-site

$23.06/hr

The ideal candidate will be able to work individually as well as in teams guiding junior operators. Shift Schedule: Monday - Thursday, 4:00 pm - 2:30 am (Friday) Pay Rate: $23.06 + shift differential ...

Watlow

Sr Operator - 1st Shift

Winona, MN · On-site

$23.06/hr

The ideal candidate will be able to work individually as well as in teams guiding junior operators. Shift Schedule: Monday - Thursday, 5:30am - 4:00pm Pay Rate: $23.06 Your Key Responsibilities * Set ...

Heliene

Quality Operator

Rogers, MN · On-site

$22.50 - $23.50/hr

Train junior operators. * Learn multiple areas on the floor to be a relief as needed. Minimum Qualifications: Applicants must be 18 years of age or older with a high school diploma or GED or an ...

Aerotek

Metal Fabricator

Saint Paul, MN

$25 - $33/hr

Support junior operators when time allows * Report equipment issues promptly to maintain safe operations * Follow all safety procedures and use required PPE * Maintain a clean, organized work area to ...

Astrix Inc

Senior Swiss CNC Programmer

Anoka, MN · On-site

$83K - $104K/yr

Mentor and train junior operators and setup personnel * Troubleshoot machining issues and drive continuous improvement initiatives * Maintain compliance with regulated, precision-driven processes ...

Astrix Inc

Senior Swiss CNC Programmer

Anoka, MN · On-site

$83K - $104K/yr

Mentor and train junior operators and setup personnel * Troubleshoot machining issues and drive continuous improvement initiatives * Maintain compliance with regulated, precision-driven processes ...

Resonetics

Operator II VS4 Days

Hutchinson, MN · On-site

$19.50 - $21/hr

... junior employees. This position is part of a team and a heavy emphasis will be placed on the ... operator. * Employee must conduct themselves in a professional and appropriate manner and is ...

Resonetics

Operator II VS4 Days

Hutchinson, MN · On-site

$19.50 - $21/hr

... junior employees. This position is part of a team and a heavy emphasis will be placed on the ... operator. * Employee must conduct themselves in a professional and appropriate manner and is ...

Resonetics

Operator II - VS5 - Days

Hutchinson, MN · On-site

$19.50 - $21/hr

... junior employees. This position is part of a team and a heavy emphasis will be placed on the ... operator. * Employee must conduct themselves in a professional and appropriate manner and is ...

Resonetics

Operator II - VS5 - Days

Hutchinson, MN · On-site

$19.50 - $21/hr

... junior employees. This position is part of a team and a heavy emphasis will be placed on the ... operator. * Employee must conduct themselves in a professional and appropriate manner and is ...

Resonetics

Operator II VS4 Days

Hutchinson, MN · On-site

$19.50 - $21/hr

... junior employees. This position is part of a team and a heavy emphasis will be placed on the ... operator. * Employee must conduct themselves in a professional and appropriate manner and is ...

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All JobsOperator JobsJunior Operator JobsJunior Operator Jobs in Minnesota

Junior Operator information

See Minnesota salary details

$22K

$71K

$121.4K

How much do junior operator jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for junior operator in Minnesota is $70,990.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $52,900.00 and $82,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Junior Operator, you typically need a high school diploma, basic mechanical aptitude, and a solid understanding of safety protocols. Familiarity with industrial machinery, control panels, and tools such as PLCs or SCADA systems is often required, along with any relevant safety certifications. Attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and the ability to follow instructions precisely are valuable soft skills in this role. These competencies are crucial for ensuring safe, efficient, and accurate operation of equipment in manufacturing or production environments.

Which junior operator job pays the most?

The highest-paying junior operator roles are often found in industries such as oil and gas, manufacturing, and construction, where specialized skills or certifications like OSHA training or technical licenses are required. These positions typically offer higher wages due to the technical nature and safety responsibilities involved. Salaries can vary based on location, experience, and industry demand, but generally, junior operators in energy or heavy industry tend to earn the most among entry-level roles.

What is a junior operator?

Junior Operators are entry-level professionals who assist in the operation and maintenance of machines, equipment, or production processes within industries such as manufacturing, oil and gas, or utilities. They typically work under the supervision of senior operators, performing tasks like monitoring equipment, reporting issues, and ensuring safety protocols are followed. Junior Operators play a crucial role in keeping production lines running smoothly and efficiently while gaining hands-on experience and training for more advanced roles in the future.

What is the difference between Junior Operator vs Machine Operator?

AspectJunior OperatorMachine Operator
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma, basic trainingHigh school diploma, technical training often preferred
Work EnvironmentEntry-level, supervised settingsManufacturing or industrial settings, more autonomous
Employer UsageTraining role, developmental positionSkilled role, responsible for operating machinery
Common Search IntentEntry-level, training, beginnerOperational, machinery handling, skilled work

The main difference between a Junior Operator and a Machine Operator lies in experience and responsibility. Junior Operators are typically entry-level, focusing on learning and assisting, while Machine Operators are more experienced, responsible for operating and maintaining machinery independently.

What are some common challenges faced by a junior operator in their first year, and how can they be overcome?

Junior Operators often encounter challenges such as learning to operate new machinery, adapting to shift work, and understanding complex safety procedures. It's common to feel overwhelmed at first, but seeking guidance from experienced colleagues and actively participating in on-the-job training can help ease the transition. Building strong communication with team members and supervisors is key to quickly resolving issues and developing confidence in your role. Staying proactive in asking questions and reviewing operational manuals will also support your growth as you gain hands-on experience.
What are the most commonly searched types of Operator jobs in Minnesota? The most popular types of Operator jobs in Minnesota are:
Junior Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Junior Operator job openings in Minnesota as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 40% Full Time, 58% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $70,990 per year, or $34.1 per hour.

Sr Operator - 2nd Shift

watlow

Winona, MN • On-site

$23.06/hr

Other

Posted 20 days ago

Watlow rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 13 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

57th of 156 rated electronics manufacturers

Job description

About the Role

The Sr. Operator role in Winona, MN is a challenging opportunity for an individual interested in producing a high-quality product that will be used to enrich the lives of others. This role is capable of contributing to all phases of the production process using autonomy, mastery and purpose, and works under direct supervision on standardized duties and tasks using established procedures or written instructions. The ideal candidate will be able to work individually as well as in teams guiding junior operators. 

Shift Schedule: Monday – Thursday, 4:00 pm – 2:30 am (Friday)

Pay Rate: $23.06 + shift differential

 

Your Key Responsibilities  

  • Set- up and operate equipment / tools / machinery, including complex equipment to prepare and    assemble product.
  • Serve as a resource to others in resolution of complex problems and issues and work on tasks that reflect substantial variety and complexity.
  • May complete inventory-cycle counts and do the tracking of work in progress.
  • May orient, train, and review the work of other team members.
  • Must have job skills mastery and willingness to flex between work cells/ value streams.

What Watlow employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

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About Watlow

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Electrical equipment, appliance, and component manufacturing

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Saint Louis, MO, US

Year founded

1922

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