The Twin Cities metro is a hub for construction, manufacturing, food distribution and skilled trades. Electricians, HVAC technicians, plumbers, carpenters, welders and drivers are all hired here. This page lists open blue collar jobs in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and explains pay sources, licensing and where to look first.
Blue Collar Trades Hiring in Minneapolis
Hennepin County and the wider seven-county metro support steady demand for building trades, facility maintenance and logistics workers. Union and open-shop employers both recruit, and cold winters keep HVAC and heating service work busy year-round.
Transportation and Logistics
Local and regional driving jobs serve the metro rail yards, food distributors and retail supply chains. Employers look for a CDL, a clean driving record and a DOT medical card. See the BLS data on truck driver pay and outlook.
Diesel and Industrial Maintenance
Fleets, plants and distribution centers need technicians and maintenance mechanics. See the BLS profile for diesel service technicians and mechanics.
Construction, Electrical, HVAC and Plumbing
Builders and service contractors hire carpenters, electricians, HVAC technicians, plumbers, welders and laborers, and many train entry-level workers through apprenticeships. Browse construction jobs, electrical jobs, HVAC jobs, plumbing jobs and warehouse jobs.
Pay for Blue Collar Jobs in Minneapolis
Pay depends on the trade, certifications, shift and employer. For wages by occupation and metro area, use the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics tables and look up the Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington area. Listings on this board show the pay range when the employer posts it. The guide to the highest paying blue collar careers compares trades side by side.
Licensing and Training in Minnesota
Requirements differ by trade. Truck drivers need the right class of CDL. Electricians, plumbers and other licensed trades are regulated by the state, and most start as apprentices working under a licensed professional. See the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry for licensing and apprenticeship information. Forklift and equipment operators usually complete employer training, and OSHA publishes outreach training information for construction and general industry safety. To find registered programs, search Apprenticeship.gov.
Where the Work Is in the Minneapolis Area
Minneapolis and Hennepin County
Commercial construction, building maintenance, electrical and HVAC service companies are concentrated here.
St. Paul and Ramsey County
Manufacturing, public works, rail and distribution employers hire welders, mechanics, drivers and warehouse staff.
Suburbs: Bloomington, Plymouth, Eden Prairie and Brooklyn Park
Residential builders, service contractors and warehouse campuses post frequently along the interstate corridors.
How to Get Hired in Minneapolis
Start with the jobs listed on this page, then set up a job alert so new Minneapolis openings reach your inbox. Keep your CDL, safety cards and work history ready, and apply quickly to postings that match your skills. Read the interview tips for blue collar workers before your first call. Browse every opening on the BC Recruits jobs board.
Employers hiring in Minneapolis can post a job or see hiring services for employers.
Minneapolis Blue Collar Jobs FAQ
What blue collar jobs are in demand in Minneapolis?
Electricians, HVAC technicians, plumbers, carpenters, welders, truck drivers, diesel technicians and warehouse workers are listed most often.
Do I need experience to get hired?
Many warehouse, laborer and apprentice roles accept entry-level applicants. Licensed trades and CDL driving roles ask for certifications or on-the-job training.
How can I find pay rates for Minneapolis jobs?
Check the pay range in each listing, then compare it with the BLS wage tables for the Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington area.
Can I find apprenticeships in Minneapolis?
Yes. Search registered programs on Apprenticeship.gov and ask employers on this board whether they train new hires.
Resources
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics | Apprenticeship.gov | OSHA Outreach Training | Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry