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Network Operator Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Network Engineer

Saint Paul, MN · On-site

$80K - $95K/yr

Maintain accurate network documentation, diagrams, and standard operating procedures * Respond to escalated network incidents * Partner with cloud, security, and application teams on network-related ...

Maintain accurate network documentation, diagrams, and standard operating procedures * Respond to escalated network incidents * Partner with cloud, security, and application teams on network-related ...

Network Engineer

Saint Paul, MN · On-site

$80K - $95K/yr

Maintain accurate network documentation, diagrams, and standard operating procedures * Respond to escalated network incidents * Partner with cloud, security, and application teams on network-related ...

Network Engineer

Saint Paul, MN · On-site

$80K - $95K/yr

Maintain accurate network documentation, diagrams, and standard operating procedures * Respond to escalated network incidents * Partner with cloud, security, and application teams on network-related ...

Network Analyst

Rosemount, MN · On-site

$70 - $100/hr

... than operating within a narrow silo. The team combines an agile, close-knit dynamic with the ... Network Lifecycle Management: Participate in lifecycle management activities, including device ...

Strong experience operating internet edge and secure access networking platforms * Experience implementing and troubleshooting secure web access controls * Hands‑on experience configuring secure ...

Senior Network Engineer

Virginia, MN · On-site

$105 - $141.75/hr

Maintain network and voice standard operating procedures, diagrams, and maintenance plans. * Collaborate with third-party support and service vendors to ensure the network stays operational. Required ...

Senior Network Engineer

Bloomington, MN

$104K - $143K/yr

Maintains contact and builds relationships with the operating businesses, IT management, IT vendors ... Networking expertise across a Hybrid Cloud Environment (On-Premise, Azure, AWS, OCI)

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Network Operator information

See Minnesota salary details

$13

$18

$29

How much do network operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for network operator in Minnesota is $18.95, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.88 and $20.79 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a network operator?

Network operators are professionals responsible for managing, monitoring, and maintaining computer networks to ensure their smooth and secure operation. They oversee network infrastructure, handle troubleshooting, and respond to outages or performance issues. Network operators may work with both local area networks (LANs) and wide area networks (WANs), ensuring connectivity and reliability for organizations or service providers. Their role is crucial for keeping communication systems and IT services running efficiently.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a network operator?

To thrive as a Network Operator, you need solid knowledge of network protocols, troubleshooting, and infrastructure management, often supported by a degree in IT or a related field. Familiarity with network monitoring tools like Wireshark, Cisco equipment, and certifications such as CompTIA Network+ or Cisco CCNA is typically required. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication set standout professionals apart in this role. These skills are crucial for ensuring network reliability, quick problem resolution, and maintaining secure and efficient operations.

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

Network Operators frequently encounter challenges such as troubleshooting complex connectivity issues, managing network security threats, and ensuring minimal downtime during maintenance. Staying up-to-date with evolving technologies and protocols is essential, as networks often integrate new devices and services. Effective communication with other IT teams and end-users also plays a key role in quickly resolving incidents. Regular training, adopting automated monitoring tools, and following established incident response procedures can help address these challenges efficiently.

What is the difference between Network Operator vs Network Technician?

AspectNetwork OperatorNetwork Technician
CredentialsTypically requires a high school diploma or equivalent; certifications like CompTIA Network+ are commonUsually requires an associate degree or technical certification; certifications like Cisco CCNA are common
Work EnvironmentOperates in data centers, network operations centers, or on-site at client locationsWorks in similar environments, often performing maintenance and troubleshooting
Job ResponsibilitiesMonitors network performance, manages network operations, and ensures uptimeInstalls, maintains, and troubleshoots network hardware and software issues

Both roles are essential in maintaining network infrastructure, with Network Operators focusing on overseeing network performance and operations, while Network Technicians handle hands-on hardware and software troubleshooting. They often work together to ensure seamless network functionality.

How much does a network operator make?

A network operator's average salary varies by location and experience but typically ranges from $40,000 to $70,000 per year. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced operators with certifications can earn higher wages, especially in environments requiring technical skills and troubleshooting expertise.

Is networking a high paying job?

Network operators typically earn competitive salaries that vary based on experience, certifications, and location. Entry-level positions may have moderate pay, while experienced professionals with specialized skills or certifications like Cisco or CompTIA can earn higher wages. Overall, networking can be a well-paying career path within the IT industry.
Infographic showing various Network Operator job openings in Minnesota as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 6% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,408 per year, or $18.9 per hour.

Sr Engineer - Network Operating Systems

Target

Minneapolis, MN • Hybrid

$98K - $176K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.


Target rating

6.6

Company rating: 6.6 out of 10

Based on 7,000 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

14th of 39 rated national retailers


Job description

The pay range is $98,000.00 - $176,000.00

Pay is based on several factors which vary based on position.These include labor markets and in some instancesmay include education, work experience and certifications. In addition to your pay, Target cares about and invests in you as a team member, so that you can take care of yourself and your family. Target offers eligible team members and their dependents comprehensive health benefits and programs, which may include medical, vision, dental, life insurance and more, to help you and your family take care of your whole selves.Other benefits for eligible team members include 401(k), employee discount, short term disability, long term disability, paid sick leave, paid national holidays, and paid vacation.Find competitive benefits from financial and education to well-being and beyond at https://corporate.target.com/careers/benefits.

About us:

Working at Target means helping all families discover the joy of everyday life. We bring that vision tolife through our values and culture.Learn more about Target here.


As a Senior Engineer, you will build and debug software across the Linux stack (kernel and user space), contribute to SONiC builds that produce full Linux OS images, and work with hardware interfaces such as I2C and networking ASICs. Develop and support container-based workflows using Docker, troubleshoot issues across systems, networking, and infrastructure, and collaborate with teammates while supporting and mentoring others as needed.


Use your skills, experience, and talents to contribute to innovative thinking and forward-looking goals. As a Sr. Engineer, you will lead by applying deep technical expertise to evaluate and adopt current and emerging technologies, considering factors such as viability, maintainability, and total cost of ownership. You will drive research and proof-of-concept efforts, lead service design and lifecycle management, and guide architecture and design discussions using system and process insights. You will also lead code reviews, testing, optimization, and implementation activities, ensuring solutions meet architectural and operational best practices. In this role, be comfortable debugging complex hardware and software issues, work effectively both independently and collaboratively, communicate clearly across diverse perspectives, mentor and support teammates, and operate successfully within Agile/Scrum environments.

Core responsibilities of this job are described within this job description. Job duties may change at any time due to business needs.

About you:
4-year degree or equivalent experience
5+ years of software development experience

Programming

  • Strong experience in C /C++ in a Linux environment
  • Working knowledge of Python and scripting (bash or similar)
  • Familiarity with common tools like git, make, and basic build systems
  • Linux operating system services (e.g. systemd).

Containers & Build Environments

  • Experience using Docker and understanding how containers work
  • Familiarity with build tools and package management (apt, pip, etc.)
  • Basic understanding of handling certificates, credentials, and secure access

Networking Fundamentals

  • General understanding of networking concepts:
    • Ethernet basics (Interfaces copper and optical, MAC addressing etc.)
    • Layer 2 / Layer 3 concepts (switching vs routing)
  • Experience with protocols including ARP, ICMP, BGP, LACP, STP, LLDP, VLANs, etc.
  • Awareness of infrastructure components like DNS, firewalls, and TLS

Hardware / Embedded Exposure

  • Experience or familiarity with:
    • I2C devices and communication
    • Network switch architecture
    • Switching ASIC concepts
    • Low-level concepts like memory-mapped I/O or interrupts

This position will operate as a Hybrid/Flex for Your Day work arrangement based on Target's needs. A Hybrid/Flex for Your Day work arrangement means the team member's core role will need to be performed both onsite at the Target HQ MN location the role is assigned to and virtually, depending upon what your role, team and tasks require for that day. Work duties cannot be performed outside of the country of the primary work location, unless otherwise prescribed by Target. Click here if you are curious to learn more about Minnesota.

Benefits Eligibility

Please paste this url into your preferred browser to learn about benefits eligibility for this role: https://tgt.biz/BenefitsForYou_D

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

In compliance with state and federal laws, Target will make reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities. If a reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, please reach out to candidate.accommodations@HRHelp.Target.com. Non-accommodation-related requests, such as application follow-ups or technical issues, will not be addressed through this channel.


What Target employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


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About Target

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

We're here to help all families discover the joy of everyday life. Target is a general merchandise retailer with stores in all 50 U.S. states and the District of Columbia. 75% of the U.S. population lives within 10 miles of a Target store. We employ 400,000+ Our tagline is "Expect More. Pay Less." We've been using it since 1994! The Target Corporation also owns Shipt and Roundel. More to love! Target is headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota, its hometown since the first Target store opened in 1962 under The Dayton Company.

Industry

Retail and scientific research and development services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Minneapolis, MN, US