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Junior Operator Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

watlow

Sr Operator - 2nd 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, 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 ...

Showpad

Junior Software Engineer

Minneapolis, MN · Remote

Are you our next Junior Engineer? We don't expect you to know our stack on day one. Here's what ... single operating system, we are delivering unrivaled scale and accelerated growth for our 2,000 ...

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 VS3 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 ...

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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 Jul 28, 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.

What jobs will be eliminated in the next 10 years?

For a Junior Operator, automation and technological advancements in manufacturing and logistics are likely to reduce the number of manual operation roles. Jobs involving repetitive tasks, such as basic equipment operation, may decline as robotics and AI systems become more capable. However, roles that require technical skills, troubleshooting, and maintenance are expected to remain in demand.

What are Junior Operators?

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.

Which operator job pays the most?

Among operator roles, heavy equipment operators, such as crane or bulldozer operators, tend to have the highest salaries due to specialized skills and certifications. Industrial machine operators in manufacturing or oil and gas industries also earn high wages, especially with experience and advanced training. Salary levels vary based on industry, location, and experience, but these roles generally offer the highest pay among operator jobs.

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 skills do operators need?

Junior operators need strong technical skills related to the specific equipment they will operate, such as mechanical, electrical, or computer skills. They should also have good attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and the ability to follow safety procedures and instructions. Basic certifications or training in equipment operation and safety are often required.

What is a junior level role?

A junior operator is an entry-level position responsible for assisting with basic operational tasks, often under supervision. It typically requires limited experience, focuses on learning skills, and may involve working with specific tools or equipment. This role provides a foundation for career growth in operational or technical fields.
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 July 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $70,990 per year, or $34.1 per hour.
Sr Operator - 2nd Shift

Sr Operator - 2nd Shift

watlow

Winona, MN

$23.06/hr

Other

Posted 6 days ago

Watlow rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 13 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

54th 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

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Benefits

Hours and flexibility

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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

Social media

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