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Tractor Operator Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Tractor Trailer Driver

Maple Grove, MN ยท On-site

$30 - $34/hr

Tractor Trailer Drivers perform to a high standard of quality within the branch and in the field and demonstrate mastery of operating standards at the facility, regional, and corporate levels. What ...

Tractor Trailer Driver

Maple Grove, MN ยท On-site

$30 - $35/hr

Tractor Trailer Drivers perform to a high standard of quality within the branch and in the field and demonstrate mastery of operating standards at the facility, regional, and corporate levels. What ...

Tractor Trailer Driver

Osseo, MN ยท On-site

$30 - $34/hr

Tractor Trailer Drivers perform to a high standard of quality within the branch and in the field and demonstrate mastery of operating standards at the facility, regional, and corporate levels. What ...

Tractor Trailer Driver

Maple Grove, MN ยท On-site

$30 - $34/hr

Tractor Trailer Drivers perform to a high standard of quality within the branch and in the field and demonstrate mastery of operating standards at the facility, regional, and corporate levels. What ...

Operator/Foreman

Minneapolis, MN ยท On-site

$23.25 - $29.75/hr

Fasten attachments to tractor with clevis or wedge pin hitches. * Connect hydraulic hoses, belts ... Prior heavy equipment operating experience. * Ability to pass computer-based testing, specific to ...

Crane Operator

Mankato, MN ยท On-site

$24 - $27/hr

Prior Experience operating equipment including but not limited to - forklift, tractor, skid steer, and/or video games. * History of reliable attendance. Job Seekers with a background as a Heavy ...

Crane Operator

Mankato, MN ยท On-site

$24 - $27/hr

Prior Experience operating equipment including but not limited to - forklift, tractor, skid steer, and/or video games. * History of reliable attendance. Job Seekers with a background as a Heavy ...

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Snow Equipment Operators

Bloomington, MN ยท On-site

$28 - $40/hr

Whether you have experience operating plow trucks, skid steers, loaders, or tractors, or willing to learn, we'd love to talk with you. What You'll Do * Operate assigned snow removal equipment during ...

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Snow Equipment Operators

Minneapolis, MN ยท On-site

$28 - $40/hr

Whether you have experience operating plow trucks, skid steers, loaders, or tractors, or willing to learn, we'd love to talk with you. What You'll Do * Operate assigned snow removal equipment during ...

Showing results 21-40

Tractor Operator information

See Minnesota salary details

$12

$20

$26

How much do tractor operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for tractor operator in Minnesota is $20.31, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.12 and $21.20 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a tractor operator do?

A Tractor Operator is responsible for operating tractors and related machinery to perform agricultural tasks such as plowing, planting, cultivating, and harvesting crops. They ensure that equipment is maintained in good working condition and follow safety protocols while working in fields or on farms. Tractor Operators may also attach and operate various implements, monitor equipment performance, and assist with minor repairs as needed.

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

To thrive as a Tractor Operator, you need mechanical aptitude, a valid driver's license (and sometimes a specialized tractor or equipment certification), and experience operating agricultural machinery. Familiarity with GPS guidance systems, maintenance tools, and safety equipment is typically required. Attention to detail, reliability, and good communication skills are important soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure safe, efficient fieldwork, prevent equipment breakdowns, and support effective teamwork on agricultural sites.

What are some common challenges tractor operators face in maintaining equipment, and how can these be addressed on the job?

Tractor Operators often encounter challenges such as routine wear and tear, mechanical breakdowns, and the need for timely maintenance to ensure safety and productivity. Addressing these challenges involves conducting regular inspections, promptly reporting issues, and performing basic troubleshooting or minor repairs as needed. Many employers provide on-the-job training for equipment maintenance, and operators frequently collaborate with mechanics or maintenance teams to keep machinery in good working order. Staying proactive about maintenance helps minimize downtime and keeps operations running smoothly.

What is the difference between Tractor Operator vs Heavy Equipment Operator?

AspectTractor OperatorHeavy Equipment Operator
CredentialsCommercial driver's license (CDL) or tractor-specific certificationsHeavy equipment certifications, such as OSHA or industry-specific licenses
Work EnvironmentFarms, construction sites, landscaping projectsConstruction sites, mining, infrastructure projects
Job DutiesOperate tractors for planting, hauling, or land managementOperate various heavy machinery like bulldozers, excavators, loaders

Tractor Operators primarily focus on operating tractors in agricultural or land management settings, often requiring specific tractor certifications. Heavy Equipment Operators handle a broader range of machinery in construction or industrial environments, requiring specialized heavy equipment certifications. Both roles involve operating large machinery but differ in the equipment used and work settings.

What does a tractor operator make?

A tractor operator typically earns between $15 and $25 per hour, depending on experience, location, and the industry. Salaries can vary based on the complexity of the equipment operated and whether the role is seasonal or full-time. Many tractor operators also need to have safety certifications and familiarity with various types of farm or construction machinery.

What are the most commonly searched types of Tractor Operator jobs in Minnesota?

The most popular types of Tractor Operator jobs in Minnesota are:

What are popular job titles related to Tractor Operator jobs in Minnesota?

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

What cities in Minnesota are hiring for Tractor Operator jobs?

Cities in Minnesota with the most Tractor Operator job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Tractor Operator jobs in MN?

For Tractor Operator jobs in MN, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Tractor Operator job openings in Minnesota as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 96% In-person, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,236 per year, or $20.3 per hour.

Extruder Operator: $31.82/hr (5PM-5AM)

Gopher Resource

Eagan, MN โ€ข On-site

$31.82/hr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 16 days ago


Job description

Are you looking for career with job security where you can make a difference in your community and preserve the environment while making $31.82/hour? Gopher Resource has never had a layoff or reduced hours since the business opened in 1946.
At Gopher Resource, we are making the world a better place one battery at a time through the safe and efficient recycling of lead-based batteries throughout North America. As a Plant Operator, you collaborate with team members in the recycling process to meet team goals and ensure everyone's safety. After initial training, new hires are scheduled for 4 days on, 4 days off 12-hour shifts (approximately 5pm-5am).
  • Additional Perks Include:
  • Annual Bonus Potential
  • Generous Healthcare Benefits
  • 401k + Company Match
  • Paid Time Off
  • Paid Breaks
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Gym Reimbursement

Position Purpose
Responsible for all functions involved in the overall daily operation of the Resource Plastics plastic recycling process. This includes transporting trailers of chips between Gopher and Resource Plastics, loading the system with plastic chips, the running, monitoring, and troubleshooting of all of the equipment needed to recycle plastic chips into pellets, performing all necessary lab work and quality control verifications, the shipping, receiving, inspection, and storing materials and products in the warehouse, loading trucks and railcars with finished product, and maintaining accurate records, daily paperwork, and following company policies and procedures.
Authority and Responsibility
  • Consistently follow work instructions and operating procedures.
  • Know how to safely operate and maintain the mobile equipment used in the recycling process. This includes the following:
    • A yard dog tractor to transport plastic chip trailers.
    • A skid steer to unload plastic chips from trailers.
    • A fork lift to load trailers, fill orders, and move product around the warehouse.
    • Follow all policies and procedures pertaining to proper operation of mobile equipment.
    • Monitor condition of forklift, skid steer, and yard tractor, and report malfunctions to a supervisor or maintenance personnel.
  • Transport plastic chip trailers between Gopher and Resource Plastics.
  • Load extrusion system with plastic chips with a skid steer.
  • Enter, track, and prepare packing and shipping orders.
  • Know how to operate and troubleshoot all the equipment associated with the recycling operation. This includes:
    • Wash lines, densifiers, the extruder, the screen changer, the pelletizer, the pellet transporter, and all the equipment in the lab.
  • Fill orders and ship finished product out in Gaylord's, bulk tanker trucks, and railcars.
  • Communicate any problems associated with safety, pollution control, and production to a supervisor or the Resource Plastics manger as soon as possible.
  • Maintain proper housekeeping of work area, including but not limited to the following:
    • Exterior of the building. Clean up plastic chips, pellets, and trash where plastic chip trailers are unloaded, where bulk trucks are loaded, and where the railcars are loaded.
    • Interior of the building. Keep all working areas in wash bay, washroom, main warehouse, and the lab clean.
    • Dispose of waste in accordance with standard operating procedures.
  • Perform routine laboratory testing of plastic pellets.
  • Complete daily forms and paperwork.
  • All other duties and projects as assigned by the Resource Plastics manager.

Education, Experience, and Skills
  • Qualified forklift, skid steer, and yard tractor operator according to GR training standards (will train - no prior experience required).
  • Knowledge of and adherence to safety practices and procedures.
  • Good communication skills.
  • Moderate mechanical and technical aptitude.
  • Basic PC skills to access and maintain information and communicate electronically.
  • Basic reading, writing, and mathematical aptitude.
  • Self-motivated and directed, ability to work well under pressure, manage and prioritize multiple tasks concurrently, attend to details, and meet deadlines.
  • Capacity to work independently and within a collaborative and team-oriented environment.
  • Previous warehouse experience a plus.

Education and Training Requirements
  • High school diploma required.
  • Mobile equipment training.
  • Department procedures and work instruction training.
  • Attend all other required training meetings.
  • New hire JBS's (Job Breakdown Sheets).

GRERP
Gopher Resource is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Job Type: Full-time
Equal Opportunity Employer
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.