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Production Operative Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

3M

Production Operator*

Cottage Grove, MN · On-site

$29.75 - $30.42/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Production Operator Collaborate with Innovative 3Mers Around the World Choosing where to start and grow your career has a major impact on your professional and personal life, so it's equally ...

Quanex

Production Operator- 1st Shift

Cannon Falls, MN · On-site

$21/hr

Quanex is urgently hiring for a Production Operator to join our 1st Shift team located in Cannon Falls, Minnesota . Join a well-established industry that provides a structured pathway for long-term ...

Quanex

Production Operator- 3rd Shift

Cannon Falls, MN · On-site

$21/hr

Quanex is urgently hiring for a Production Operator to join our 3rd Shift team located in Cannon Falls, Minnesota . Join a well-established industry that provides a structured pathway for long-term ...

Land O'Lakes

Production Operator

Paynesville, MN

$27.97/hr

Production Operator Pay Rate: $27.97 per hour . Plus shift differential $1.50 per hour Shift & Working Hours: 4:45 PM to 5:15 AM; Weekends/Overtime/Holidays as needed. Sign on Bonus:  $1500 - $250 ...

Land O'Lakes

Production Operator

Melrose, MN

$27.97/hr

Production Operator Pay Rate: $27.97 per hour . Plus shift differential $1.50 per hour Shift & Working Hours: 4:45 PM to 5:15 AM; Weekends/Overtime/Holidays as needed. Sign on Bonus:  $1500 - $250 ...

Land O'Lakes

Production Operator

Saint Joseph, MN

$26.93/hr

Production Operator Pay Rate: $26.93 hour Shift & Working Hours: 4:45 AM to 5:15 PM; Weekends/Overtime/Holidays as needed. Sign on Bonus:  $1500 - $250 paid after 30 days of employment. $500 paid ...

Land O'Lakes

Production Operator

Saint Joseph, MN

$26.93/hr

Production Operator Pay Rate: $26.93 hour Shift & Working Hours: 4:45 AM to 5:15 PM; Weekends/Overtime/Holidays as needed. Sign on Bonus:  $1500 - $250 paid after 30 days of employment. $500 paid ...

Land O'Lakes

Production Operator

Cold Spring, MN

$26.10/hr

Production Operator Pay Rate: $26.10 per hour plus Shift Differential: $1.50 per hour Shift & Working Hours: 4:45 PM to 5:15 AM; Weekends/Overtime/Holidays as needed. Sign on Bonus:  $1500 - $250 ...

Land O'Lakes

Production Operator

Avon, MN

$27.10/hr

Production Operator Pay Rate: $27.10 per hour plus Shift Differential: $1.50 per hour Shift & Working Hours: 4:45 PM to 5:15 AM; Weekends/Overtime/Holidays as needed. Sign on Bonus:  $1500 - $250 ...

Land O'Lakes

Production Operator

Saint Joseph, MN

$27.10/hr

Production Operator Pay Rate: $27.10 per hour plus Shift Differential: $1.50 per hour Shift & Working Hours: 4:45 PM to 5:15 AM; Weekends/Overtime/Holidays as needed. Sign on Bonus:  $1500 - $250 ...

Land O'Lakes

Production Operator

Avon, MN

$27.97/hr

Production Operator Pay Rate: $27.97 per hour . Plus shift differential $1.50 per hour Shift & Working Hours: 4:45 PM to 5:15 AM; Weekends/Overtime/Holidays as needed. Sign on Bonus:  $1500 - $250 ...

Land O'Lakes

Production Operator

Melrose, MN

$27.97/hr

Production Operator Pay Rate: $27.97 per hour . Plus shift differential $1.50 per hour Shift & Working Hours: 4:45 PM to 5:15 AM; Weekends/Overtime/Holidays as needed. Sign on Bonus:  $1500 - $250 ...

Land O'Lakes

Production Operator

Long Prairie, MN

$27.97/hr

Production Operator Pay Rate: $27.97 per hour . Plus shift differential $1.50 per hour Shift & Working Hours: 4:45 PM to 5:15 AM; Weekends/Overtime/Holidays as needed. Sign on Bonus:  $1500 - $250 ...

Land O'Lakes

Production Operator

Albany, MN

$26.10/hr

Production Operator Pay Rate: $26.10 per hour plus Shift Differential: $1.50 per hour Shift & Working Hours: 4:45 PM to 5:15 AM; Weekends/Overtime/Holidays as needed. Sign on Bonus:  $1500 - $250 ...

Land O'Lakes

Production Operator

Avon, MN

$26.10/hr

Production Operator Pay Rate: $26.10 per hour plus Shift Differential: $1.50 per hour Shift & Working Hours: 4:45 PM to 5:15 AM; Weekends/Overtime/Holidays as needed. Sign on Bonus:  $1500 - $250 ...

Land O'Lakes

Production Operator

Avon, MN

$26.10/hr

Production Operator Pay Rate: $26.10 per hour plus Shift Differential: $1.50 per hour Shift & Working Hours: 4:45 PM to 5:15 AM; Weekends/Overtime/Holidays as needed. Sign on Bonus:  $1500 - $250 ...

Land O'Lakes

Production Operator

Avon, MN

$26.93/hr

Production Operator Pay Rate: $26.93 hour Shift & Working Hours: 4:45 AM to 5:15 PM; Weekends/Overtime/Holidays as needed. Sign on Bonus:  $1500 - $250 paid after 30 days of employment. $500 paid ...

Land O'Lakes

Production Operator

Sauk Centre, MN

$26.10/hr

Production Operator Pay Rate: $26.10 per hour plus Shift Differential: $1.50 per hour Shift & Working Hours: 4:45 PM to 5:15 AM; Weekends/Overtime/Holidays as needed. Sign on Bonus:  $1500 - $250 ...

Land O'Lakes

Production Operator

Saint Joseph, MN

$27.97/hr

Production Operator Pay Rate: $27.97 per hour . Plus shift differential $1.50 per hour Shift & Working Hours: 4:45 PM to 5:15 AM; Weekends/Overtime/Holidays as needed. Sign on Bonus:  $1500 - $250 ...

Land O'Lakes

Production Operator

Cold Spring, MN

$27.97/hr

Production Operator Pay Rate: $27.97 per hour . Plus shift differential $1.50 per hour Shift & Working Hours: 4:45 PM to 5:15 AM; Weekends/Overtime/Holidays as needed. Sign on Bonus:  $1500 - $250 ...

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All JobsProduction Operative JobsProduction Operative Jobs in Minnesota

Production Operative information

See Minnesota salary details

$11

$18

$29

How much do production operative jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for production operative in Minnesota is $18.47, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.05 and $19.52 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a production operative?

Production Operatives are workers responsible for operating machinery, assembling products, and performing various tasks to support the manufacturing process in factories or production facilities. Their duties often include monitoring equipment, checking product quality, packaging goods, and maintaining a clean working environment. Production Operatives play a vital role in ensuring that products are made efficiently, safely, and to the required standards. They may work on production lines and typically follow strict health and safety guidelines.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a production operative?

To thrive as a Production Operative, you need basic manufacturing knowledge, attention to detail, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with machinery, assembly line equipment, and safety protocols is commonly required, and some roles may value forklift or other equipment certification. Strong teamwork, reliability, and effective communication are soft skills that help individuals excel in this position. These skills and qualities are important to ensure efficient production processes, maintain safety standards, and support quality outcomes in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

What are some common challenges faced by production operatives and how can they be managed?

Production Operatives often encounter challenges such as meeting tight production deadlines, adapting to repetitive tasks, and maintaining focus in a fast-paced environment. To manage these challenges, it's helpful to develop strong organizational skills, embrace teamwork, and communicate openly with supervisors about any obstacles. Many companies also provide training on equipment use and safety protocols, which can make daily tasks more manageable and efficient.

What is the difference between Production Operative vs Factory Worker?

AspectProduction OperativeFactory Worker
ResponsibilitiesOperating machinery, assembling products, quality checksGeneral manufacturing tasks, packaging, basic machine operation
Required SkillsBasic technical skills, attention to detailManual dexterity, teamwork
Work EnvironmentManufacturing lines, production floorsFactories, assembly lines
CertificationsNone typically required, some roles may need health & safety trainingNone typically required

Both roles are essential in manufacturing, with Production Operatives often handling more technical tasks and machinery operation, while Factory Workers perform general manufacturing and assembly duties. The roles overlap in work environment and basic skills, but Production Operatives usually require more specific technical knowledge.

Production Operative jobs near you
Infographic showing various Production Operative job openings in Minnesota as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 3% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,426 per year, or $18.5 per hour.

Production Operator*

3M

Cottage Grove, MN • On-site

$29.75 - $30.42/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 8 days ago

3M rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 245 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

158th of 542 rated manufacturers

Job description

Job Description:
Production Operator
Collaborate with Innovative 3Mers Around the World
Choosing where to start and grow your career has a major impact on your professional and personal life, so it's equally important you know that the company that you choose to work at, and its leaders, will support and guide you. With a wide variety of people, global locations, technologies and products, 3M is a place where you can collaborate with other curious, creative 3Mers.
This position provides an opportunity to transition from other private, public, government or military experience to a 3M career.
The Impact You'll Make in this Role
As a Production Operator, you will have the opportunity to tap into your curiosity and collaborate with some of the most innovative and diverse people around the world. Here, you will make an impact by:
  • Operating technical equipment in a safe, effective, and efficient manner
  • Maintaining a neat and orderly area and helping to maintain and promote safe working conditions.
  • Following standard operating procedures to support efficient business operations.
  • Monitoring equipment and taking appropriate action when unusual conditions occur
  • Driving hand and power trucks
  • Using a computer and computer controls to run process operation.
  • Working cooperatively with others and participating in Lean and process improvement activities

Your Skills and Expertise
To set you up for success in this role from day one, 3M requires (at a minimum) the following qualifications:
  • Possess a High School Diploma/GED or higher (completed and verified prior to start).
  • Able to work a rotating shift schedule consisting of days, afternoons, overnights, and weekends.
  • Able to work overtime as needed
  • Two (2) years of work experience in Manufacturing or Production.

Qualified applicants will be required to take and pass 3M elected testing as a part of the selection process**.
Additional qualifications that could help you succeed even further in this role include:
  • Minimum two (2) years of experience working in a manufacturing plant environment.
  • Self-motivated, team-oriented, excellent interpersonal skills and attention to detail
  • Active Military Reservists and Veterans are strongly encouraged to apply.

Pay & Benefits
The starting rate of pay for this position is $29.75-$30.42. This range represents a good faith estimate for this position. The specific compensation offered to a candidate may vary based on factors including, but not limited to, the candidate's relevant knowledge, training, skills, work location, and/or experience. In addition, this position may be eligible for a range of benefits (e.g., Medical, Dental & Vision, Health Savings Accounts, Health Care & Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts, Disability Benefits, Life Insurance, Voluntary Benefits, Paid Absences and Retirement Benefits, etc.). Additional information is available at: https://www.3m.com/3M/en_US/careers-us/working-at-3m/benefits/.
Travel: May include up to 0%
Relocation Assistance: Not authorized
Must be legally authorized to work in the country of employment without sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g., H1B status).
Supporting Your Well-being
3M offers many programs to help you live your best life - both physically and financially. To ensure competitive pay and benefits, 3M regularly benchmarks with other companies that are comparable in size and scope.
Chat with Max
For assistance with searching through our current job openings or for more information about all things 3M, visit Max, our virtual recruiting assistant on 3M.com/careers.
#INDPROD
All US-based 3M full time employees will need to sign an employee agreement as a condition of employment with 3M. This agreement lays out key terms on using 3M Confidential Information and Trade Secrets. It also has provisions discussing conflicts of interest and how inventions are assigned. Employees that are Job Grade 7 or equivalent and above may also have obligations to not compete against 3M or solicit its employees or customers, both during their employment, and for a period after they leave 3M.
Learn more about 3M's creative solutions to the world's problems at www.3M.com or on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn @3M.
Responsibilities of this position include that corporate policies, procedures and security standards are complied with while performing assigned duties.
Safety is a core value at 3M. All employees are expected to contribute to a strong Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) culture by following safety policies, identifying hazards, and engaging in continuous improvement.
Pay & Benefits Overview: https://www.3m.com/3M/en_US/careers-us/working-at-3m/benefits/
3M does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, religion, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
Please note: your application may not be considered if you do not provide your education and work history, either by: 1) uploading a resume, or 2) entering the information into the application fields directly.
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Carefully read these Terms of Use before using this website. Your access to and use of this website and application for a job at 3M are conditioned on your acceptance and compliance with these terms.
Please click on the following links and select the country where you are applying for employment to review the applicable Terms of Use (link here) and Privacy Policy (link here). Before submitting your application, you will be asked to confirm your agreement with the terms.

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