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Sandblaster Jobs in Kentucky (NOW HIRING)

Sandblaster

Cadiz, KY · On-site

$17 - $20.50/hr

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: To perform a variety of blasting, priming, and painting applications and painting related activities requiring knowledge of techniques, tools, equipment, and safety ...

Removing old coatings, rust, and contamination via sandblasting, grinding, or chemical washing to ensure paint adhesion. * Coating Application: Applying paints, varnishes, and heavy-duty protective ...

Paint - 1st

Richmond, KY · On-site

$17 - $23/hr

Prepare metal surfaces by sanding, grinding, cleaning, and sandblasting prior to painting. * Mask parts and components to protect areas from overspray. * Operate paint booths, spray guns, and other ...

... and sandblasting; using CAD/CAM units; maintaining supplies inventories; keeping equipment operating. Improves quality results by studying, evaluating, and re-designing processes; implementing ...

Process Attendant

Verona, KY

$13 - $16.50/hr

Operate sandblasting equipment safely and efficiently to clean and maintain plant surfaces and components. * Follow all safety protocols and procedures, and consistently demonstrate safe work ...

Use hand tools, pneumatic tools, and sandblasting equipment to restore tooling. * Document maintenance and repairs and work both in the toolroom and on the production floor. What You Bring * High ...

Painter

Louisville, KY · On-site

$800 - $1.2K/wk

Prepares various surfaces for painting by washing, scraping, burning, sanding, sandblasting, or other means as necessary. * Mixes, matches, and blends various paints, enamels, lacquers, varnishes ...

Painter

Louisville, KY · On-site

$800 - $1.2K/wk

Prepares various surfaces for painting by washing, scraping, burning, sanding, sandblasting, or other means as necessary. * Mixes, matches, and blends various paints, enamels, lacquers, varnishes ...

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Tool and Die Maker

Louisville, KY · On-site

$25 - $31.50/hr

Must be competent in bench work: polishing / using pencil grinder for spotting and blueing of parting lines / shut offs, opening vents, and grain repair including sandblasting, etc Education: * High ...

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Tool Die Maker

Louisville, KY · On-site

$26 - $36/hr

Must be competent in bench work: polishing / using pencil grinder for spotting and blueing of parting lines / shut offs, opening vents, and grain repair including sandblasting, etc Education: * High ...

This role focuses on manual Deburring, Tumbling, Heat Treating, Washing, and Sandblasting. Key Responsibilities * Visual Inspection - Inspect parts for imperfections, such as dings, dents, scratches ...

Painter

KY · On-site

$800 - $1.2K/wk

Prepares various surfaces for painting by washing, scraping, burning, sanding, sandblasting, or other means as necessary. * Mixes, matches, and blends various paints, enamels, lacquers, varnishes ...

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Sandblaster information

See Kentucky salary details

$10

$16

$21

How much do sandblaster jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for sandblaster in Kentucky is $16.45, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.62 and $17.74 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a sandblaster?

Sandblasters are skilled professionals who use specialized equipment to clean, smooth, or shape surfaces by blasting them with abrasive materials, typically sand or similar substances. This process is commonly used to remove paint, rust, or other surface contaminants from metal, concrete, and other materials. Sandblasters work in industries like construction, automotive restoration, shipbuilding, and manufacturing. Their work requires attention to safety protocols due to the high-pressure equipment and the potential health risks associated with airborne particles.

What does a sandblaster do?

As a sandblaster, your job is to remove paint, rust, and other material build-ups from rough surfaces using specialized equipment that sprays abrasive materials. The material is typically a mixture of coarse sand and compressed air. High pressure forces the mixture through a hose to smooth or clean the surface. A career as a sandblaster starts with learning to operate the various sandblasting equipment. Construction, automotive, and restoration projects often require sandblasting work, so positions are available in a variety of industries.

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

To thrive as a Sandblaster, you need knowledge of abrasive blasting techniques, equipment operation, and safety protocols, often acquired through on-the-job training or vocational courses. Familiarity with industrial sandblasting machines, personal protective equipment (PPE), and sometimes OSHA safety certifications is typically required. Attention to detail, physical stamina, and strong teamwork skills help ensure both quality and efficiency in the work environment. These skills and qualifications are crucial for producing high-quality surface finishes while maintaining a safe and productive workplace.

What safety protocols should sandblasters expect to follow on the job?

Sandblasters must adhere to strict safety protocols due to exposure to dust, abrasive materials, and high-pressure equipment. This typically includes wearing personal protective equipment such as respirators, gloves, protective suits, and eye protection. Work environments are often ventilated or equipped with dust collection systems to minimize airborne hazards. Regular safety training and equipment inspections are standard practices to ensure both personal and team safety. Being vigilant about safety not only prevents accidents but is also essential for long-term health in this physically demanding role.

What is the difference between Sandblaster vs Paint Sprayer?

AspectSandblasterPaint Sprayer
Primary FunctionUses abrasive materials to clean or etch surfacesApplies paint or coatings to surfaces
Work EnvironmentIndustrial settings, construction sites, manufacturingPainting projects, automotive, construction
Required CertificationsSafety training, respirator usePainter certifications, safety training
Tools & EquipmentBlasting cabinet, abrasive mediaSpray guns, compressors

While both roles involve surface preparation and finishing, sandblasters focus on cleaning and etching surfaces using abrasive materials, whereas paint sprayers apply coatings for protection and aesthetics. Both jobs require safety training and are common in industrial and construction environments, but they serve different purposes in the surface treatment process.

How much money does a sandblaster make?

A sandblaster's average salary in the United States ranges from $30,000 to $50,000 per year, depending on experience, location, and industry. Skilled sandblasters with certifications and experience can earn higher wages, especially in specialized or industrial settings.

Is sandblasting a good job?

Sandblasting is a physically demanding job that involves operating abrasive equipment to clean or etch surfaces, often in industrial settings. It requires safety training and protective gear due to exposure to dust and chemicals, and it can offer steady employment with opportunities for skill development. However, it may involve exposure to hazardous materials and physically strenuous work conditions.

What are popular job titles related to Sandblaster jobs in Kentucky?

For Sandblaster jobs in Kentucky, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Sandblaster jobs in Kentucky look for?

The top searched job categories for Sandblaster jobs in Kentucky are:

What are popular job titles related to Sandblaster jobs in KY?

For Sandblaster jobs in KY, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Sandblaster job openings in Kentucky as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 6% Contract, and 6% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $34,213 per year, or $16.4 per hour.

$15 - $18.25/hr

Other

Posted 7 days ago


Progress Rail rating

6.7

Company rating: 6.7 out of 10

Based on 71 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

386th of 495 rated machine equipment manufacturers


Job description

The painter/sandblaster will clean, sandblast, prep and paint locomotives and locomotive components. Currently hiring for night shift (Mon-Thu, 8pm - 6am).
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What Progress Rail employees say

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Hours and flexibility

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About Progress Rail

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Our team works hard to create lifelong customer relationships, supplying comprehensive rolling stock and infrastructure solutions for the global rail industry and setting the standard for excellence. We care about fostering the sustainable movement of goods and people for generations to come, and we know our customers care, too. Our strategic footprint ensures responsive, quality customer support all day, every day. We are one of the largest integrated diversified providers of rolling stock and infrastructure solutions and technologies for the global rail industry. The company provides advanced EMD® locomotives, engines, and technologies, railcars, trackwork, fasteners, signaling, rail welding and Kershaw® Maintenance-of-Way equipment, along with dedicated locomotive and freight car repair services, aftermarket parts support and recycling operations. Progress Rail’s deep industry expertise ensures a commitment to quality through innovative solutions.

Industry

Consumer goods and commercial equipment rental services

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Albertville, AL, US

Year founded

1983