Many businesses working to provide essential services like health care, food, supplies and transportation are hiring right now in Minnesota. Some positions may be temporary during the COVID-19 pandemic, but many are permanent and, particularly in the health care field, can serve as a stepping stone to higher-paying careers for those who get additional experience or training.  

Many of the jobs listed below may be posted under multiple titles – some of which vary in their job descriptions, requirements, and wages. If a job sounds like a good fit for you, you should consider applying even if you don’t meet all the preferred  qualifications in terms of experience or education.  

Hourly wage ranges represent the middle 50% of Minnesota workers in that job category – meaning one-quarter earn less and one-quarter earn more than the listed range. In addition, some employers are offering bonuses during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The state’s online job bank currently has more than 65,000 job listings. Some industries have extensive hiring needs. For instance, providers of home- and community-based services to support people living with disabilities have launched the #MeetTheNeedMN campaign to hire more than 18,500 direct support workers in Minnesota.  

Occupations with Openings  

Personal Care Aide 

Related job titles includeCaregiver, Direct Support Professional (DSP), Direct Support Worker, Patient Care Assistant (PCA), Personal Care Aide, Personal Care Assistant (PCA), Personal Care Attendant (PCA), Resident Care Assistant (RCA) *Some related job titles may require certification. 

Description: Assist the elderly, convalescents, or persons with disabilities with daily living activities at the person’s home or in a care facility. Duties performed at a place of residence may include keeping house (making beds, doing laundry, washing dishes) and preparing meals. May provide assistance at non-residential care facilities. May advise clients and families regarding nutrition, cleanliness, and household activities. 

Employers/work settings: home health care companies; senior and other residential facilities; mental health care and substance abuse facilities 

Hourly wages: $11.53 - $14.43 

Related job titles include: Caregiver, Certified Home Health Aide (CHHA), Certified Medical Aide (CMA), Certified Nurses Aide (CNA), Home Attendant, Home Care Aide, Home Health Aide (HHA), Home Health Provider, Hospice/Home Health Aide, In Home Caregiver *Some related job titles may require certification. 

Description: Provide routine individualized health care such as changing bandages and dressing wounds, and applying topical medications to the elderly, convalescents, or persons with disabilities at the patient’s home or in a care facility. Monitor or report changes in health status. May also provide personal care such as bathing, dressing, and grooming. 

Employers/work settings: home health care agencies  

Hourly wages: $12.76 - $15.69  

Related job titles include: Bulk Delivery Driver, Delivery Driver, Driver, Driver/Merchandiser, Package Car Driver, Package Delivery Driver, Route Driver, Route Supervisor, Service Provider, Truck Driver 

Description: Drive a light vehicle, such as a truck or van, with a capacity of less than 26,000 pounds Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW), primarily to deliver or pick up merchandise or to deliver packages. May load and unload vehicle. 

Employers/work settings: couriers and express delivery services; various stores and retailers; may be self-employed 

Hourly wages: $14.47 - $24.81 

Related job titles include: Checker Stocker, Checker/Stocker, Clerk, Dairy Clerk, Grocery Clerk, Night Stocker, Order Filler, Sales Support Specialist, Stock Clerk, Stocker, Store Clerk 

Description: Receive, store, and issue sales floor merchandise. Stock shelves, racks, cases, bins, and tables with merchandise and arrange merchandise displays to attract customers. May periodically take physical count of stock or check and mark merchandise. 

Employers/work settings: Most often grocery or convenience stores, building material and supply stores, and large warehouse stores 

Hourly wages: $11.66 - $17.34 

Related job titles include: Cage Cashier, Cashier, Center Aisle Cashier, Central Aisle Cashier, Checker, Customer Assistant, Mutual Clerk, Sales Associate, Visitor Service Associate 

Description: Receive and disburse money in establishments other than financial institutions. May use electronic scanners, cash registers, or related equipment. May process credit or debit card transactions and validate checks. 

Employers/work settings: grocery stores such as Cub Foods and Hy-Vee; gasoline and convenience stores; pharmacies and merchandise stores 

Hourly wages: $10.73 - $13.07  

Retail Salesperson/Home Shopper 

Related job titles include: Clerk, Customer Assistant, Home Shopper, Internet Shopper, Retail Salesperson, Sales Associate, Sales Clerk, Sales Consultant, Sales Person, Sales Representative 

Description: While some stores are looking for retail salespeople, many positions now are for home shoppers or internet shoppers – who gather items from online or phone orders and collect them for pick-up or delivery.  

Employers/work settings: retail stores, particularly grocery stores right now 

Hourly wages: $11.05 - $15.51 

Related job titles include: Account Manager, Account Representative, Call Center Representative, Client Services Representative, Customer Care Representative (CCR), Customer Service Agent, Customer Service Representative (Customer Service Rep), Customer Service Specialist, Member Services Representative, Sales Facilitator 

Description: Interact with customers to provide information in response to inquiries about products and services and to handle and resolve complaints. 

Employers/work settings: insurance companies, health care organizations, banks, service companies, cell phone companies, retail stores  

Hourly wages: $14.79 - $23.57 

Related job titles include: Food Preparer, Food Service Worker, Nutrition Aide 

Description: Serves food outside a restaurant environment. May include some food preparation and clean-up. Monitor food distribution to ensure meals are delivered to the correct recipients and guidelines, such as those for special diets, are followed.  

Employers/settings: Includes hospitals, residential care facilities, and limited service restaurants 

Hourly wages: $11.38 - $15.49 

Related job titles include: Cleaners, Housekeeping Cleaners, Housekeepers, Maids 

Description: Perform any combination of light cleaning duties to maintain private households or commercial establishments, such as hotels and hospitals, in a clean and orderly manner. Duties may include making beds, replenishing linens, cleaning rooms and halls, and vacuuming. 

Employers/work settings: Hospitals, hotels, private households 

Hourly wages: $11.37 - $15.70 

Getting help finding a job 

CareerForce can help you with your job search. We offer virtual and interactive services – including virtual workshops; videos, online resources.  

You can also connect by phone or email with staff at your nearest CareerForce location and get personalized assistance with interviewing, resume writing, and other job search resources. Plus see a recent CareerForce TV news interview about finding a job during the pandemic

To search and find current Minnesota job postings, visit the CareerForce Job Search page 

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