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Paving Operator Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Excavator Operator

Saint Paul, MN ยท On-site

$46.25 - $47.24/hr

Operating Engineers Local 49 Union ( * Health & Welfare Benefits and Pension would all remain ... For more than 75 years, Bituminous Roadways has aspired to be your full-service asphalt pavement ...

Operator

Saint Michael, MN ยท On-site

$39.30 - $48.96/hr

Operators will operate various pieces of heavy equipment including but not limited to: cranes, bulldozers, backhoes, graders, excavators, concrete pavers, compactors, bobcats, loaders, rollers ...

Operator

Maple Grove, MN ยท On-site

$30.84 - $52.81/hr

Operators will operate various pieces of heavy equipment including but not limited to: cranes, bulldozers, backhoes, graders, excavators, concrete pavers, compactors, bobcats, loaders, rollers ...

Boom Operator

Saint Michael, MN ยท On-site

$45.84 - $48.96/hr

Operators will operate various pieces of heavy equipment including but not limited to: boom, cranes, bulldozers, backhoes, graders, excavators, concrete pavers, compactors, bobcats, loaders, rollers ...

Heavy Equipment Operator

Fairmont, MN ยท On-site

$38.19/hr

As an experienced Equipment Operator , after paid training , you will put your skills to work ... Safely operate heavy equipment such as: skid steers, backhoe, trencher, paver, dozer, milling saw ...

The Heavy Equipment Operator will operate one or more types of power construction equipment, such ... pavement. May repair and maintain equipment in addition to other duties. A Day in the Life

Showing results 41-60

Paving Operator information

See Minnesota salary details

$5

$27

$47

How much do paving operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 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 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 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 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.

How much do paving operators make?

Paving operators typically earn a median annual wage of around $45,000 to $55,000, depending on experience, location, and union membership. Skilled operators who work with specialized equipment or in high-demand areas can earn higher wages, and many positions offer overtime opportunities and benefits.

How to become a paving operator?

To become a paving operator, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and on-the-job training or an apprenticeship to learn equipment operation. Certification in equipment operation or safety training can improve job prospects, and physical stamina is important for working outdoors in various weather conditions.
Infographic showing various Paving Operator job openings in Minnesota as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 46% Full Time, 50% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $57,894 per year, or $27.8 per hour.

Excavator Operator

McGough Construction

Saint Paul, MN โ€ข On-site

$46.25 - $47.24/hr

Other

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 17 days ago


Job description

Department: Field Operations
Work Location: 11-County Metro Area (Twin Cities, MN)
Job type: Full-Time / Seasonal
Pay Type / Range:
Journeyman Union Scale. $46.25-47.24 per hour (based on experience and/or size and type of equipment)
(This pay range is a good-faith estimate of compensation for this role.)
Union Benefits & Additional Information:
  • Operating Engineers Local 49 Union (https://health49.org/)
    • Health & Welfare Benefits and Pension would all remain through your union.
  • Mental Health & Wellness Support provided through TEAM EAP.
  • PTO (ESST) Program covering all time away from work.
  • Referral bonuses - earn rewards to help us recruit new talent.
  • Annual boot allowance.
Job Summary: The Excavator Operator is responsible for safely and efficiently operating an excavator to achieve proper trench depth, grade, and finished cross-section for construction activities. This role includes making routine operating adjustments, changing attachments such as extensions or buckets as needed, and performing related tasks to support project requirements. The operator is expected to work effectively within a team environment, maintain a professional and respectful attitude toward coworkers, supervisors, inspectors, and the public, and assist crew members as needed to ensure safe and productive operations. Additional duties may be assigned to support overall project success.
Other Requirements: All candidates are required to pass a thorough Background Check, Physical and Drug Test. References may also be checked. We participate in E-Verify.
Job Duties & Requirements:
Reasonable accommodations can be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
  • Safely and efficiently operating an excavator to achieve proper trench depth, grade, and finished cross-section for construction activities.
  • Handle excavation around existing utilities with care and precision.
  • Load and unload materials as needed (e.g., bedding stone, spoil, pipe).
  • Perform daily equipment inspections and routine maintenance checks.
  • Safely maneuver equipment in tight work zones and around other crew members.
  • Monitor trench conditions and help maintain OSHA-compliant trench safety (e.g., benching, sloping, or shoring).
  • Use grade stakes, laser levels, and hand signals to coordinate with laborers and crew members.
  • Backfill and compact trenches using appropriate materials and methods.
  • Maintain a clean and organized work area and equipment.
  • Report equipment issues, hazards, or near-miss incidents promptly.
  • Display a professional and respectful attitude towards co-workers, supervisors, inspectors, and the general public at all times.
  • Willingness to work in a team environment and assist co-workers or supervisors.
  • Communicate effectively with crew members and supervisors.
  • Follow company and industry safety standards and procedures at all times.
Preferred Education and Experience:
  • Minimum 2 years of experience operating an excavator.
  • Ability to read utility site plans, grade stakes, and follow laser/grade control.
  • Familiarity with safe digging practices, including locating existing utilities (One Call/811 knowledge).
  • OSHA 10 certification preferred (or ability to obtain).
  • CDL Class A or B license is a plus.
  • Willingness to work extended hours, early mornings, and weekends as needed.
  • High school education or GED equivalent.
  • Strong team player
  • Reliable and on-time.
Live up to our company Core Values:
  • Safety - Safety in the workplace is a mutual responsibility of the employer, management and all employees. We have an expectation that all employees will play an active role in workplace safety and always promote a positive safety culture.
  • Quality - Quality is the best business plan. It is an investment in our future. Quality leads to consistency. Consistency leads to happy employees, satisfied customers and a growing business.
  • Respect - Respect at work is crucial as it promotes healthy relationships between coworkers and managers, as well as outside the organization. A respectful employee is a sign of a respectful organization and therefore creates a positive image of our company and our workplace.
  • Integrity - Real integrity is doing the right thing, whether someone realizes it or not. Displaying Integrity helps build trust and drives a certain level of expectation. Integrity is choosing your thoughts and actions based on values rather than personal gain.
  • Commitment - Commitment is the bond employee's share with their organization and its employees. Committed employees bring exceptional value to the organization through their support, productivity, determination, reliability and quality. Commitment shows and can be contagious.
Company Information:
For more than 75 years, Bituminous Roadways has aspired to be your full-service asphalt pavement solutions provider, and contractor of choice, to both work for and with. We are a union contractor with a diverse workforce dedicated to safety, innovation, continual improvement, environmental stewardship and most importantly, superior customer service.
At Bituminous Roadways, we're energetic and passionate about what we do with an excellent reputation for performance and as a place to work. Because of our continued growth, we seek qualified candidates who share our vision, values, and commitment to superior customer service.
More reasons to join BR:
  • Family owned and operated
  • Paid Training
  • Advancement opportunities - we aim to promote within
  • No out of town jobs / home every night
  • Family Oriented - Annual events

Bituminous Roadways, Inc. is committed to building a diverse workforce. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), marital status, familial status, age, disability, genetic information, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
Equal Opportunity Employer, including disabled and veterans.