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Paving Operator Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Paving Crew Operator

Bemidji, MN · On-site

$25 - $45/hr

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS (minimum educational, experience, or other relevant job requirements) A successful Paving Crew Operator for Knife River Materials will have: * A strong desire to work safe * A ...

This position requires experience with paving equipment, attention to detail, and the ability to work closely with the screed operator and ground crew to ensure smooth, level pavement. Other ...

This position requires experience with paving equipment, attention to detail, and the ability to work closely with the screed operator and ground crew to ensure smooth, level pavement. Other ...

Paver Operator

Saint Paul, MN · On-site

$46.25/hr

This position requires experience with paving equipment, attention to detail, and the ability to work closely with the screed operator and ground crew to ensure smooth, level pavement. Other ...

Paver Operator

Spicer, MN · On-site

$27 - $37/hr

This position with the Duininck Asphalt & Paving team offers the opportunity to operate paving ... Work closely with the foreman and crew members-including dump person, distributor, screed operator ...

Paver Operator

Spicer, MN · On-site

$27 - $37/hr

This position with the Duininck Asphalt & Paving team offers the opportunity to operate paving ... Work closely with the foreman and crew membersincluding dump person, distributor, screed operator ...

Screed Operator

Rosemount, MN · On-site

$50.96/hr

This position works closely with the paver operator and ground crew to maintain a smooth, consistent mat and support overall paving quality and efficiency. Position Description Position Description:

Screed Operator | Paving

Spicer, MN · On-site

$29 - $37/hr

From highways and municipal projects to commercial developments, excavation, underground utilities, and paving, we take pride in shaping the infrastructure that helps the communities we work in ...

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Asphalt Operator

Shoreview, MN · On-site

$25 - $40/hr

Work as part of an asphalt paving crew performing raking, shoveling , lute work, roller operator and asphalt placement and compaction. Assisted with site preparation, equipment operation, and cleanup ...

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Paving Operator information

See Minnesota salary details

$5

$27

$47

How much do paving operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for paving operator in Minnesota is $27.83, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $23.56 and $28.27 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a paving operator?

Paving Operators are skilled workers responsible for operating machinery that lays asphalt or concrete on roads, parking lots, and other surfaces. Their main duties include controlling paving machines, monitoring the evenness and thickness of the material, and ensuring a smooth, safe finish. They also perform routine maintenance on equipment and may coordinate with other crew members to ensure projects are completed efficiently and to quality standards. Paving Operators play a vital role in infrastructure development and road maintenance.

What are some common challenges faced by paving operators on a job site?

Paving Operators often encounter challenges such as working in varying weather conditions, maintaining precise control over heavy machinery, and coordinating closely with ground crews to ensure a smooth, even surface. Tight project deadlines and unexpected equipment malfunctions can also require quick problem-solving and adaptability. Effective communication with the team is essential to address issues promptly and keep the project on track.

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

To thrive as a Paving Operator, you need hands-on experience with heavy machinery, a solid understanding of paving materials and processes, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with operating asphalt pavers, rollers, and grade control systems, as well as safety certifications such as OSHA training, is typically required. Attention to detail, teamwork, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for producing smooth, high-quality surfaces and maintaining safety on site. These skills and qualifications ensure efficient operation, project quality, and a safe work environment in construction settings.

What is the difference between Paving Operator vs Asphalt Raker?

AspectPaving OperatorAsphalt Raker
CredentialsHigh school diploma, OSHA safety training, equipment operation certificationsHigh school diploma, basic safety training, manual asphalt spreading skills
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, outdoor, heavy machineryConstruction sites, outdoor, manual labor
Employer & Industry UsageConstruction companies, paving contractorsAsphalt paving crews, contractors

The main difference between a Paving Operator and an Asphalt Raker lies in their responsibilities and equipment use. Paving Operators operate heavy machinery like pavers to lay asphalt efficiently, requiring certifications and experience with machinery. Asphalt Rakers manually spread asphalt, focusing on manual labor and less machinery operation. Both roles are essential in asphalt paving projects, but Paving Operators typically handle more technical equipment and larger-scale tasks.

Infographic showing various Paving Operator job openings in Minnesota as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 54% Full Time, 44% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $57,894 per year, or $27.8 per hour.

Paving Crew Operator

Knife River Corporation

Bemidji, MN • On-site

$25 - $45/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 17 days ago


Knife River rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 63 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

229th of 538 rated manufacturers


Job description

Good Pay! Good Benefits! Good People! Knife River is a PEOPLE-first company. Our team members are key to our success, and we are committed to giving them the tools, training, and time to do their jobs productively and go home safely each day. Please consider joining our growing team today!
At Knife River, we take care of our team because we know it's our people who make us successful. We are one of the 10 largest construction materials producers/contractors in the Country. Our goal is to build strong teams that, in turn, build strong communities. We are also a publicly traded company on the NYSE with the ticker symbol KNF and part of the S&P MidCap 400 index.
This is a Local 49 Operating Engineer Union position. This position will operate a variety of heavy equipment and used in the laying of asphalt materials. Maintenance of equipment and hand work related to asphalt paving should be expected.
This is a seasonal position that generally requires travel through Northern Minnesota and North Dakota with other work locations as assigned. Lodging assistance (generally in the form of a Per Diem) is provided.
DUTIES AND/OR RESPONSIBILITIES (summary of components that make up the job)
  1. Perform daily equipment, walk around and site inspections to identify and correct any unsafe conditions and keep equipment properly maintained.
  2. Safely and properly perform maintenance on paver.
  3. Safely and properly operate paver. Controls flow of material into hopper and through paving machine. Observes distribution of paving material and controls direction of machine
  4. Shovel blacktop or concrete as needed
  5. Communicate effectively (verbal, listening, written) and work with difficult people under high stress situations. Self-motivated, team-player with good interpersonal skills; ability to maintain positive customer relations and act courteous/respectful of others.
  6. Troubleshoot and problem solve situations/problems (material quality, equipment operation/repair, etc.). Monitor and discuss production problems with co-workers and managers/supervisors.
  7. Ensure OSHA, EPA, DNR, safety and environmental regulation compliance.
  8. Performs other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS (minimum educational, experience, or other relevant job requirements)
A successful Paving Crew Operator for Knife River Materials will have:
  1. A strong desire to work safe
  2. A high school diploma, GED, or equivalent critical thinking skills
  3. A valid driver's license with acceptable driving record with a CDL preferred
  4. Knowledge and/or experience with a variety of heavy equipment
  5. 3+ Years highway/heavy, street work or similar experience strongly preferred but not required

COMPENSATION:
Estimated Wage: $25.00 to $45.00 Per Hour-depending on work location
BENEFITS:
Benefits are through the Local 49 Operating Engineers Union
HOW TO APPLY:
If unable to apply online, mail completed application to:
ATTN HR PO Box 40 Bemidji, MN 56619
Knife River is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, age, color, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status or any other protected category under applicable state/federal law.
Subject to pre-employment drug testing and background check.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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