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Machine Operator Jobs in Duluth, MN (NOW HIRING)

Machine Operator

Duluth, MN · On-site

$25.11/hr

As a Machine Operator, you won't just run the equipment - you'll be the key leader on your shift, setting the standard for performance, quality, and consistency. This hands-on position offers a ...

Machine Operator

Duluth, MN · On-site

$25.11/hr

As a Machine Operator, you won't just run the equipment -- you'll be the key leader on your shift, setting the standard for performance, quality, and consistency. This hands-on position offers a ...

Machine Operator - 2nd Shift

Duluth, MN · On-site

$23.63 - $25.53/hr

Responsibilities * Operate cutting machines, laser/plasma, press machines, saw, and manual cutting tools * Control and adjust machine settings to complete tasks accurately, according to ...

Machine Operator - 2nd Shift

Duluth, MN · On-site

$23.63 - $25.53/hr

Responsibilities * Operate cutting machines, laser/plasma, press machines, saw, and manual cutting tools * Control and adjust machine settings to complete tasks accurately, according to ...

Machine Operator - 1st Shift

Duluth, MN · On-site

$23.63 - $25.53/hr

Responsibilities * Operate cutting machines, laser/plasma, press machines, saw, and manual cutting tools * Control and adjust machine settings to complete tasks accurately, according to ...

Machine Operator - 1st Shift

Duluth, MN · On-site

$23.63 - $25.53/hr

Responsibilities * Operate cutting machines, laser/plasma, press machines, saw, and manual cutting tools * Control and adjust machine settings to complete tasks accurately, according to ...

Current Limited X-ray machine operator permit through the Wisconsin Society of Radiologic Technologists within one year of hire or transfer * North Dakota: Current Limited X-ray Machine Operator ...

Radiology Operator

Duluth, MN · On-site

$23.92 - $35.57/hr

Current Limited X-ray machine operator permit through the Wisconsin Society of Radiologic Technologists within one year of hire or transfer * North Dakota: Current Limited X-ray Machine Operator ...

As a Machine Operator, you won't just run the equipment - you'll be the key leader on your shift, setting the standard for performance, quality, and consistency. This hands-on position offers a ...

This person is expected to follow all safety procedures including those pertinent to the use of a sewing machine and other tools, as well as ergonomic (positioning and posturing) precautions when ...

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Machine Operator information

See Duluth, MN salary details

$11

$18

$23

How much do machine operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for machine operator in Duluth, MN is $18.06, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.25 and $19.33 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by machine operators and how can they be addressed?

Machine operators often encounter challenges such as equipment malfunctions, maintaining consistent product quality, and meeting production deadlines. Addressing these issues usually involves diligent machine maintenance, following safety protocols, and effective communication with maintenance and quality assurance teams. Many companies provide ongoing training to help operators stay up to date with new machinery and processes, fostering a supportive environment for troubleshooting and skill development.

What jobs pay $500,000 a year in the US?

While most machine operator roles do not reach $500,000 annually, high-level positions in industries like oil and gas, aerospace, or executive management can exceed this income level. Achieving such earnings typically requires extensive experience, specialized skills, certifications, and often leadership responsibilities or ownership stakes.

What jobs make $3,000 a day?

High-paying jobs that can reach $3,000 a day often include specialized roles such as senior corporate executives, certain medical specialists, high-level consultants, and skilled trades like offshore drilling or certain construction projects. These positions typically require extensive experience, advanced skills, certifications, or working in high-demand industries with long hours or high risk.

What is a machine operator's job salary?

The average salary for a machine operator typically ranges from $30,000 to $50,000 per year, depending on experience, industry, and location. Skilled operators with certifications or experience working with specialized machinery may earn higher wages, and some positions offer shift differentials or overtime pay.

What is the difference between Machine Operator vs Equipment Operator?

AspectMachine OperatorEquipment Operator
CredentialsHigh school diploma, on-the-job training, sometimes certificationsHigh school diploma, on-the-job training, sometimes certifications
Work EnvironmentFactories, manufacturing plants, production linesConstruction sites, mining, heavy machinery operation
Industry UsageManufacturing, production, assemblyConstruction, mining, transportation
Job FocusOperating specific machinery like presses, lathes, or CNC machinesOperating heavy equipment like bulldozers, cranes, or excavators

While both roles involve operating machinery, Machine Operators typically work with manufacturing equipment in factories, focusing on production machinery. Equipment Operators usually handle heavy construction or earth-moving equipment in outdoor environments. The skills and certifications often overlap, but the work settings and machinery types differ significantly.

What is the highest paying machine operator job?

The highest paying machine operator roles are often found in specialized industries such as aerospace, oil and gas, or manufacturing of complex machinery, where advanced skills and certifications are required. These positions may offer higher salaries due to the technical expertise, safety requirements, and experience needed, with some earning over $70,000 annually depending on location and industry.

What are machine operators?

Machine operators are skilled workers responsible for setting up, operating, and maintaining machinery used in manufacturing or production processes. They ensure equipment runs efficiently and safely, monitor machine output, and perform routine inspections or minor repairs as needed. Machine operators often work with specialized equipment and are trained to follow safety protocols and quality standards. Their role is essential for keeping production lines running smoothly and meeting production targets.

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

To thrive as a Machine Operator, you need mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, and a high school diploma or equivalent, often supplemented by on-the-job training. Familiarity with industrial machinery, safety protocols, and sometimes certifications in forklift operation or CNC machinery are typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, teamwork, and effective communication help operators quickly address issues and maintain productivity. These skills and qualities are vital for ensuring safe, efficient machine operation and minimizing production downtime.

What Do Machine Operators Do?

Machine operators are skilled in operating machinery, often specializing in one type of machinery or industry to become an expert. Machine operators also have a general skillset, knowing how to operate a wide range of industrial machinery. Since there are numerous industries and sectors that use a multitude of machinery, there is always room to learn more.

What is the work of machine operator?

A machine operator is responsible for setting up, operating, and maintaining industrial machinery to produce goods or components. They monitor equipment for proper functioning, perform quality checks, and troubleshoot issues as needed, often following safety protocols and using tools like control panels or gauges.
What cities near Duluth, MN are hiring for Machine Operator jobs? Cities near Duluth, MN with the most Machine Operator job openings:
Machine Operator

Machine Operator

Sofidel

Duluth, MN • On-site

$25.11/hr

Full-time

Posted 11 days ago


Sofidel rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 26 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Join Us as a Machine Operator - Be a Driving Force in Our Growth!
Are you ready to play a critical role in a company that's rapidly expanding? As a Machine Operator, you won't just run the equipment - you'll be the key leader on your shift, setting the standard for performance, quality, and consistency.
This hands-on position offers a unique opportunity to gain in-depth technical training and become a vital part of our production success. You'll work closely with our Production Engineers and Maintenance teams, gaining valuable expertise and insight into the heart of our operations.
If you're ready to lead, learn, and grow with a team that values innovation and teamwork, this is the opportunity for you! Ideal candidates are local to the Twin Ports region, have operating or manufacturing experience, and are interested in a long-term career in a team-based environment. At Sofidel, our workforce is engaged, dependable, and committed to a collaborative, safety-focused culture.
About Sofidel America
Sofidel America, a subsidiary of the Sofidel Group, is a global leader in the manufacture of hygiene paper products. Established in the U.S. in 2012 and headquartered in Horsham, PA, we operate manufacturing facilities in ten states, including Minnesota. With operations in 15 countries and over 7,500 employees worldwide, the Sofidel Group is dedicated to producing high-quality paper for hygienic and domestic use.
Position Scope
The Machine Operator will set up, operate, and maintain converting machines that perform a variety of functions, such as rewinding, sawing, banding, wrapping, boxing, or stacking of paper goods. This individual will also monitor quality checks on each shift and provide training to Operator Assistants.
This position works a Modified DuPont schedule consisting of 12-hour day and night shifts, rotating weekends, and periodic transitions between days and nights. Candidates should carefully consider the schedule before applying. Individuals in this position should possess strong communication skills and be able to lead a team of operators, packaging operators, operator's assistants, and material handlers.
Essential Job Functions:
  • Understand and apply customer specifications to the operation of the machine to ensure finished goods comply with customer requirements.
  • Program and monitor computerized operating panel if applicable. Calculate mathematical conversions to ensure proper standards are met for each product.
  • Initiate set up, operations, and adjustment of folding equipment and any down-stream equipment to achieve established production quota.
  • Perform hourly quality checks to ensure accuracy of production run and the submittal of daily quality reports to QA department.
  • Monitor and perform product changeovers in conjunction with other staff to ensure consistent production.
  • Ensure regular and open communications with quality, maintenance, and supervision.
  • Train and monitor the activity of the other employees on the machine.
  • Demonstrate leadership skills on a regular and consistent basis.
  • Keep the work area clean and organized while following the lean initiatives.
  • Maintain a safe work area and comply with safety procedures and equipment operating rules keeping the work area in a clean and orderly condition.
  • Support Sofidel America's Good Manufacturing Practices and HACCP to promote a safe, sanitary and hygienically sound workplace.
  • Continuously support Sofidel's Employee Personal Practice Policy.

Other Duties
  • Perform or assist with any operations, as required to maintain workflow and to meet schedules and quality requirements. Notify supervision of unusual equipment or operating problems and the need for additional material and supplies.
  • Participate in any variety of meetings and work groups to integrate activities, communicate issues, obtain approvals, resolve problems and maintain specified level of knowledge pertaining to new developments, requirements, policies, and regulatory guidelines.
  • Perform other related duties as assigned.

Job Requirements:
  • High school diploma or general education degree (GED) preferred; or six (6) to twelve (12) months experience manufacturing inventory and purchasing and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • Ability to work in a cross functionally across departments and in a team environment.
  • Ability to prioritize and re-prioritize tasks as needed with strong time-management skills.
  • Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and quality and procedure manuals. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence.
  • Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.
  • Ability to learn and certify in Lift and Crane operation
  • Ability to use tools, measuring tape, calculators, and other common metrology instruments related to the operation of the equipment.
  • Ability to identify nonconformance and notify Supervisor of issues.
  • Ability to communicate in a manner that supports production- confers with managers, technicians, production personnel, and other operators regarding testing procedures and results and to resolve problems.
  • Ability to use computer and peripherals, standard and customized software applications and tools, and usual production equipment.

Physical Demands:
Lift/Carry Requirements:
Stand
C (Constantly)
10 lbs. or less
C (Constantly)
Walk
C (Constantly)
11-20 lbs.
F (Frequently)
Sit
O (Occasionally)
21-50 lbs.
F (Frequently))
Handling /Fingering
C (Constantly)
51- 100 lbs.
O (Occasionally)
Reach Outward
C (Constantly))
Over 100 lbs.
N (Not Applicable)
Reach Above Shoulder
F (Frequently)
Push / Pull:
Climb
O (Occasionally)
12 lbs. or less
F (Frequently)
Crawl
O (Occasionally)
13-25 lbs.
F (Frequently)
Squat or Kneel
O (Occasionally)
26-40 lbs.
F (Frequently)
Bend
O (Occasionally)
41-100 lbs.
F (Frequently)
Key
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 (within normal range) and touch

WORK ENVIRONMENT
PPE is required in the plant and warehouse areas, including safety shoes, eye and ear protection, high-visibility vests, and hairnets or hats. Plant temperatures vary by season, and employees are exposed to paper dust and noise levels that require hearing protection.
EEO Statement:
Sofidel America is an equal opportunity employer. We comply with all federal, state, and local laws and regulations regarding equal opportunity. Employment decisions are based on merit, qualifications, and abilities. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status. This policy applies to all aspects of employment and use of company facilities.
ADA Statement for Accommodation:
Sofidel America complies with federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and candidates with disabilities.

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