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Motor Grader Operator Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Quanex

Lumber Grader- Day Shift

Saint Cloud, MN · On-site

$22 - $27/hr

Quanex is looking for Lumber Grader - Day Shift to join our team located in St. Cloud , Minnesota . In this role, you will be responsible for inspecting and grading lumber in accordance with NHLA ...

Bituminous Roadways, Inc.

Blade Operator

Saint Paul, MN · On-site

$48.71/hr

The Blade Operator is responsible for safely and precisely operating a motor grader to establish subgrade and base for asphalt paving projects. This includes cutting, shaping, and finishing roadbeds ...

KGM Contracting

Equipment Operator

Angora, MN · On-site

$19 - $26.25/hr

Off road trucks * Motor graders * Compactors * Skid steers and ASV's. Requirements: * Knowledge of GPS, grades and stakes required. * MSHA & OSHA training certificates required and new miner if ...

KGM Contracting

Equipment Operator

Angora, MN · On-site

$19 - $26.25/hr

Off road trucks * Motor graders * Compactors * Skid steers and ASV's. Requirements: * Knowledge of GPS, grades and stakes required. * MSHA & OSHA training certificates required and new miner if ...

Bituminous Roadways

Equipment Operator

Angora, MN · On-site

$19 - $26.25/hr

Off road trucks * Motor graders * Compactors * Skid steers and ASV's. Requirements: * Knowledge of GPS, grades and stakes required. * MSHA & OSHA training certificates required and new miner if ...

Bituminous Roadways

Equipment Operator

Angora, MN · On-site

$19 - $26.25/hr

Off road trucks * Motor graders * Compactors * Skid steers and ASV's. Requirements: * Knowledge of GPS, grades and stakes required. * MSHA & OSHA training certificates required and new miner if ...

Hubbard County

Maintenance II - Highway

MN · On-site

$39K - $51K/yr

Work experience, beyond the minimum, operating various heavy equipment (rubber tire loader, track-type excavator, track-type dozer, motor grader, skid-steer/compact track loader). * Completed OSHA ...

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All JobsMotor Grader Operator JobsMotor Grader Operator Jobs in Minnesota

Motor Grader Operator information

See Minnesota salary details

$9

$16

$29

How much do motor grader operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for motor grader operator in Minnesota is $16.73, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $11.30 and $19.76 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a motor grader operator do?

A Motor Grader Operator is responsible for operating heavy machinery known as a motor grader to create a smooth, flat surface during road construction, maintenance, or other large-scale civil engineering projects. Their tasks include spreading and leveling materials such as gravel or asphalt, shaping roadways, and ensuring proper drainage. Operators must have a solid understanding of grading plans, safety protocols, and equipment maintenance to perform their job efficiently and safely.

What is the difference between Motor Grader Operator vs Bulldozer Operator?

AspectMotor Grader OperatorBulldozer Operator
CredentialsCommercial driver's license (CDL) often preferred, certification in equipment operationSimilar certifications, often CDL or specific heavy equipment licenses
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, road maintenance, grading projectsConstruction sites, land clearing, excavation projects
Industry UsageRoad construction, maintenance, landscapingEarthmoving, demolition, site preparation

Both Motor Grader Operators and Bulldozer Operators work in construction and earthmoving environments, often requiring similar certifications. The main difference lies in their equipment and tasks: Motor Grader Operators focus on precise grading and finishing surfaces, while Bulldozer Operators handle heavy pushing and land clearing. Understanding these distinctions helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

What are some common challenges faced by motor grader operators on construction sites?

Motor Grader Operators often encounter challenges such as working in varying weather conditions, managing uneven or unstable terrain, and maintaining precise grading to meet project specifications. Operators must also coordinate closely with other crew members and equipment, ensuring safety and efficiency on busy job sites. Staying attentive to both machine maintenance and changing site conditions is key to preventing delays and ensuring high-quality results.

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

To thrive as a Motor Grader Operator, you need a solid understanding of heavy equipment operation, grading techniques, and typically a high school diploma or equivalent, along with relevant experience or vocational training. Familiarity with motor grader controls, GPS grading systems, and adherence to safety regulations are essential technical requirements. Strong attention to detail, communication, and problem-solving skills help operators efficiently coordinate with team members and adjust to varying site conditions. These competencies ensure precise grading, safe work environments, and efficient project completion in construction and roadwork settings.

What is a motor grader operator?

A motor grader operator mixes materials and operates a grader and other heavy equipment to spread and level materials such as gravel, stone, and dirt to prep and construct roads. In this role, your responsibilities include meeting grade specs for freeways, public and temporary streets, airports, and more. You maneuver equipment to complete fine or rough grade finishing and adhere to all safety requirements when operating machinery, which can be self-propelled or drawn by a tractor. Other duties include cleaning and performing safety checks and maintenance on all equipment, training new employees, and completing other construction tasks as assigned. Some employers require your attendance at safety meetings as well.

More about Motor Grader Operator jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Motor Grader Operator jobs in Minnesota? The most popular types of Motor Grader Operator jobs in Minnesota are:
What are popular job titles related to Motor Grader Operator jobs in Minnesota? For Motor Grader Operator jobs in Minnesota, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Motor Grader Operator jobs in Minnesota look for? The top searched job categories for Motor Grader Operator jobs in Minnesota are:
What are popular job titles related to Motor Grader Operator jobs in MN? For Motor Grader Operator jobs in MN, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Motor Grader Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Motor Grader Operator job openings in Minnesota as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 47% Full Time, 50% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $34,803 per year, or $16.7 per hour.

Blade/ Motor Grader Operator

Central Specialties, Inc.

Alexandria, MN • On-site

$27 - $46/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 3 days ago

Job description

Central Specialties, Inc. is a third generation, family owned, general road contracting company serving Minnesota and the Dakotas. We take pride in the reputation we have built for providing responsive customer service, on the job safety, efficient and high-quality products and services. Our skilled workforce of 425+ employees is dedicated to quality and excellence. It's the pride our employees take in their work that keeps CSI at the top of the industry.
What sets us apart!
  • Family owned and operated
  • Best equipment and technology
  • Building the best roads start to finish

Benefits of joining our team!
  • Traveling throughout Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Montana and Iowa
  • Winters off
  • Working outdoors
  • Company paid training opportunities
  • We promote from within

A Blade/Motor Grader Operator plays a crucial role in the construction and maintenance of roads, highways, and other infrastructure projects. They are responsible for operating heavy equipment known as blade or motor grader to ensure that surfaces are properly graded, leveled, and prepared for construction or repair.
Requirements:
  • Must be able to travel throughout Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Montana and Iowa
  • Regular, consistent attendance and regular overtime at all assigned job sites
  • Valid Driver's License, preferably Class A
  • Acceptable motor vehicle record
  • Previous heavy equipment operator experience
  • Strong mechanic skills
  • Ability to work cooperatively with others
  • Physical strength and endurance to perform all principal duties and responsibilities

Responsibilities:
  • Safely and efficiently operating motor graders to grade and level surfaces on construction projects.
  • Have a thorough understanding of blade or motor grader functions and the ability to work effectively in various weather conditions and terrains.
  • Operate motor graders to level and grade surfaces according to project specifications.
  • Control the grader's blade to achieve the desired depth and slope of the cut.
  • Adjust blade angles, heights, and positions to achieve precise grading results.
  • Work with supervisors to understand project specifications and grading requirements.
  • Communicate effectively with other equipment operators and construction crew members to coordinate work activities.
  • Perform routine maintenance tasks on the grader, such as greasing, cleaning, and minor repairs.
  • Report any mechanical issues or equipment malfunctions to the supervisor or mechanic.
  • Maintain records of daily equipment operation, including fuel consumption, maintenance tasks, and work performed.
  • Complete any required paperwork, such as time sheets or equipment inspection reports.
  • Minimize environmental impact by following proper soil erosion and sediment control measures.

Benefits:
  • Group Health Insurance
  • Vision Insurance
  • Dental Insurance
  • 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan
  • 401 (k) Company Match
  • 401(k) Company Discretionary Contribution
  • Health Savings Account (HSA)
  • Basic Life Insurance
  • Employee Sick and Safe Time (Part-time and seasonal employees)
  • Per Diem
  • Electronic Direct Deposit

Central Specialties is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, status as a protected veteran or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law.

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