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Payloader Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

City of Lake City, MN

Journey Line Worker

Lake City, MN · On-site

$110K/yr

... payloader, and all hotline tools and test equipment such as PMT, amp, voltage, ohm, and capacitor meters. 1.3. Connects, disconnects, and replaces service loops. 1.4. Builds and replaces transformer ...

Farmward Cooperative

Custom Applicator

Ghent, MN · On-site

$19 - $28/hr

Previous equipment operation experience (payloader, forklift, or similar). * Cooperative background desirable, but not necessary. * Ability to pass a DOT physical examination and drug test. Licensing ...

Farmward Cooperative

Custom Applicator

Danube, MN · On-site

$19 - $28/hr

Previous equipment operation experience (payloader, forklift, or similar). * Cooperative background desirable, but not necessary. * Ability to pass a DOT physical examination and drug test. Licensing ...

Farmward Cooperative

Custom Applicator

Springfield, MN

$19 - $28/hr

Previous equipment operation experience (payloader, forklift, or similar). * Cooperative background desirable, but not necessary. * Ability to pass a DOT physical examination and drug test. Licensing ...

City of Lake City (MN)

Journey Line Worker

Lake City, MN · On-site

$110K/yr

... payloader, and all hotline tools and test equipment such as PMT, amp, voltage, ohm, and capacitor meters. 1.3 Connects, disconnects, and replaces service loops. 1.4. Builds and replaces transformer ...

ADM

Production Specialist - Red Wing, MN

Red Wing, MN · On-site

$27.36/hr

Prior experience operating a forklift/payloader/skid-steer is preferred On-the-Job Training Requirements: * Complete ADM safety, food safety, quality, and environmental training (Good Manufacturing ...

ADM

Production Specialist - Red Wing, MN

Red Wing, MN

$25.46/hr

... payloader/skid-steer is preferred On-the-Job Training Requirements: Complete ADM safety, food safety, quality, and environmental training (Good Manufacturing Practices, OSHA (Occupational Safety and ...

All JobsPayloader JobsPayloader Jobs in Minnesota

Payloader information

See Minnesota salary details

$11

$26

$38

How much do payloader jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for payloader in Minnesota is $26.77, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.36 and $30.87 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a payloader?

Payloader operators are skilled workers responsible for operating payloaders, which are heavy machines used to move, load, and transport materials such as soil, gravel, sand, or debris at construction sites, quarries, and other industrial locations. Their main tasks include safely maneuvering the equipment, loading and unloading materials, and performing routine maintenance checks to ensure the machinery functions properly. Payloader operators must follow safety guidelines and work closely with site supervisors and other equipment operators to complete projects efficiently.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a payloader?

To thrive as a Payloader, you need strong mechanical aptitude, experience operating heavy machinery, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with hydraulic systems, loader controls, and safety certifications such as OSHA training are typically required. Attention to detail, situational awareness, and effective communication help operators work safely and efficiently on construction or industrial sites. These skills ensure safe equipment operation, minimize workplace accidents, and contribute to timely project completion.

What are common challenges a payloader may encounter on the job, and how can they be addressed?

Payloader operators often face challenges such as working in tight or uneven spaces, handling heavy loads safely, and maintaining equipment efficiency. To address these, operators should consistently follow site safety protocols, communicate clearly with ground staff or supervisors, and perform regular equipment checks to prevent breakdowns. Continuous training on new machinery and staying aware of changing site conditions also help in overcoming these challenges and ensuring smooth workflow.

What is the difference between Payloader vs Forklift Operator?

AspectPayloaderForklift Operator
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma, equipment operation certificationHigh school diploma, forklift certification
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, mining, heavy-duty material handlingWarehouses, factories, distribution centers
Industry UsageConstruction, mining, heavy industryLogistics, manufacturing, warehousing
Common Search/ComparisonPayloader vs Forklift Operator

While both roles involve operating heavy machinery, a Payloader is primarily used for moving large quantities of materials in construction and mining environments, requiring specialized equipment operation certifications. A Forklift Operator typically works indoors in warehouses or factories, focusing on material handling with forklifts. Understanding these differences helps job seekers find the right role based on their skills and industry preferences.

What are the duties of a payloader operator?

A payloader operator is responsible for operating a front-end loader to move materials such as soil, gravel, or debris around construction sites or industrial settings. They perform tasks like loading materials into trucks, maintaining equipment, and ensuring safety protocols are followed. Proficiency with controls, safety awareness, and sometimes certification are important for this role.

What are popular job titles related to Payloader jobs in Minnesota?

For Payloader jobs in Minnesota, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Payloader jobs in Minnesota look for?

The top searched job categories for Payloader jobs in Minnesota are:

Payloader jobs near you
Infographic showing various Payloader job openings in Minnesota as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $55,689 per year, or $26.8 per hour.

Metal Recycling Warehouse Production & Customer Service

Anoka, MN • On-site

Alter Trading Corp
Coal, Metals and Minerals Mining • 1 - 5K employees

6.3

Company rating: 6.3 out of 10

Based on 14 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

65th of 91 rated recycling and waste

People enjoy working here

Learn more about Alter Trading Corpexternal

$21 - $23/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 29 days ago

Job description

Alter Trading Corporation is a 128-year-old Midwest, Family-Owned business that is an industry leader in scrap metal recycling, operating over 70 facilities throughout the Midwest and Southern regions. With a strong commitment to customer service and sustainability, we are a trusted source for both ferrous and non-ferrous metals. Our corporate support center and marketing operations are based in St. Louis, MO, with trading offices in St. Louis and Hong Kong.

 

Metal Recycling Warehouse Production & Customer Service

Assist with loading material for shipment and unloading material from supplier vehicles or trucks and sorting material into appropriate areas for processing. Under supervision, loads and unloads material from customer vehicles or trucks and sorts into appropriate areas, uses mechanized equipment to sort and/or break down material for customer use.

Non-Ferrous:

  • Inspects inbound material received from suppliers.
  • Identifies and sorts metals such as aluminum, brass, copper, stainless steel and various other metals as well. 
  • Weighs and packages scrap metal in appropriate manner by placing in boxes, on pallets or into baling equipment. 
  • Operates hydraulic shear to cut oversized material into smaller pieces that can be properly packaged for shipment to consumers.
  • Moves material in the yard or warehouse area utilizing forklift, skid loader, or payloader.
  • May use torching equipment to break down material
  • Other responsibilities as assigned or required.

Safety:

Candidates must wear all necessary Personal Protective Equipment when working outside of the office. Follows company safety standards at all times. Failure to follow safety requirements may result in loss of position.

Qualifications

High school diploma or GED preferred but not required. Candidate must be able to interact with suppliers/customers in a friendly and courteous manner. 

Prior experience operating forklift or other machinery is beneficial but not required as we will train candidates. Some mechanical aptitude is necessary. Will use hand tools for minor repairs. Qualified candidates must be able to lift a minimum of 30-50 lbs. and 100+lbs on 2-person lift.


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