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Sanding Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Production Operator

Garden Grove, CA ยท On-site

$19.50/hr

In this role, you will operate sanding, painting, and hydro-testing machines to process cylinder ... Preferred Qualifications โ€ข Experience operating production machines such as sanders, spray ...

As a Shop Operator at Structural Technologies, you will play a vital role in the manufacturing and fabrication process of essential construction components. This multi-faceted position will require ...

Equipment Operator

Sioux Falls, SD ยท On-site

$24.67 - $26.69/hr

Job Responsibilities 1. Operate light and heavy equipment, including front-end loaders, sanders ... operating other snow and ice removal light and heavy equipment; sweep, spray, and groom City ice ...

Production Operator

Phoenix, AZ ยท On-site

$16.75 - $20/hr

Production Operator - 3rd Shift Client : Aerospace Industry Duration : 6 Months (Temp-to-Hire ... Experience with Sand Blast/Grit blast/ Grinding/ Belt sanding/ Chiseling/ Tack welding/ Brazing ...

Production Operator

Phoenix, AZ ยท On-site

$16.75 - $20/hr

Production Operator - 3rd Shift Client : Aerospace Industry Duration : 6 Months (Temp-to-Hire ... Experience with Sand Blast/Grit blast/ Grinding/ Belt sanding/ Chiseling/ Tack welding/ Brazing ...

Production Operator

Phoenix, AZ ยท On-site

$16.75 - $20/hr

Production Operator Client : Aerospace Industry Duration : 6 Months (Temp-to-Hire) Location ... Experience with Sand Blast/Grit blast/ Grinding/ Belt sanding/ Chiseling/ Tack welding/ Brazing ...

General Labor

Chehalis, WA ยท On-site

$20.50 - $24.50/hr

Green Chain Puller Green Chain Worker Sander Stacker Sander Operator Lumber Stacker Wood Products Worker Mill Production Worker Material Handler Mill Material Handler Production Line Worker Saw ...

Production Operator

Stanley, VA ยท On-site

$17/hr

Using various tools such as glue guns, palm sanders, sanding blocks, chisels, and putty knives to ... Operating jump tracks, straightening doors, and managing infeed tracks of the paint booth.

Use a hand-operated orbital sander, prepare surfaces for finishing, and ensure our cabinetry meets exacting standards * Inspect incoming parts for quality and report any issues * Maintain a clean ...

Cabinet Sander

Brownsboro, AL ยท On-site

$15/hr

... sanding. No two days are exactly the same, and you'll have the chance to grow your skills in a ... As a family-owned and operated company, we offer: * Consistent, year-round work * Reliable ...

Equipment Operator

The Dalles, OR ยท On-site

$60K - $72K/yr

Ability to provide winter road maintenance including snow plowing, sanding, and de-icing on ... Two (2) years of experience operating heavy equipment and performing related construction and ...

Showing results 41-60

Sanding Operator information

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How much do sanding operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for sanding operator in the United States is $17.24, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.35 and $17.31 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a sanding operator?

Sanding Operators are skilled workers who operate sanding machines to smooth, finish, or polish wood, metal, or other materials. They set up, monitor, and adjust sanding equipment to ensure surfaces meet quality standards and specifications. Sanding Operators may work in manufacturing, woodworking, or construction industries, often collaborating with other production staff to produce finished goods. Their role also includes inspecting materials for defects and maintaining equipment for optimal performance.

What is the difference between Sanding Operator vs Finishing Technician?

AspectSanding OperatorFinishing Technician
CredentialsHigh school diploma, basic training in sanding techniquesHigh school diploma, specialized finishing or coating certifications
Work EnvironmentFactories, woodworking shops, manufacturing plantsFurniture factories, auto body shops, manufacturing facilities
Job FocusSurface preparation through sanding, smoothing surfacesApplying finishes, coatings, and final surface treatments
Tools & EquipmentSanding machines, hand sandersSpray guns, brushes, finishing tools

While both roles involve surface work in manufacturing settings, a Sanding Operator primarily focuses on preparing surfaces by sanding, whereas a Finishing Technician applies coatings and finishes to achieve the final look. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

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

To thrive as a Sanding Operator, you need mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, and a high school diploma or equivalent, with prior experience in manufacturing or woodworking often preferred. Familiarity with sanding machines, hand tools, and basic safety certifications are typically required. Strong work ethic, teamwork, and the ability to follow instructions and maintain quality standards are vital soft skills in this role. These competencies are essential to ensure precise finishes, maintain productivity, and uphold safety and quality in a manufacturing environment.

What are some typical challenges a sanding operator might face on the job, and how can they be overcome?

Sanding Operators often encounter challenges such as maintaining consistent surface quality, managing dust and debris, and handling repetitive tasks. To overcome these, it's important to regularly inspect sandpaper or sanding belts for wear, follow proper equipment maintenance schedules, and use personal protective equipment to minimize exposure to dust. Collaborating closely with other production team members ensures workflow efficiency and helps maintain safety standards. Embracing best practices and ongoing training can also help operators stay effective and reduce errors.
More about Sanding Operator jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Sanding Operator jobs? The most popular types of Sanding Operator jobs are:
What job categories do people searching Sanding Operator jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Sanding Operator jobs are:
Infographic showing various Sanding Operator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 40% Full Time, 58% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,866 per year, or $17.2 per hour.

Production Operator - Manufacturing

Connect Staffing

Garden Grove, CA โ€ข On-site

$18.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement

Posted yesterday

New


Job description

Connect Staffing is hiring a General Labor for a cylinder manufacturing facility in Garden Grove, CA. This is a temp-to-hire position paying $18.50/hr with weekly overtime required. In this role, you will operate sanding, painting, and hydro-testing machines to process cylinder shells that become oxygen tanks, scuba diving tanks, and similar pressure vessels. This facility runs a consistent Monday–Friday schedule with Saturday overtime, giving you steady, predictable hours each week.


Pay: $18.50/hr

Schedule: Monday–Friday, 4:00 AM–2:30 PM + Saturdays (6 hours OT)

Location: Garden Grove, CA

Job Type: Temp-to-Hire

Work Environment: Manufacturing Plant / Factory

Overtime: Weekly OT required (~10 hrs/wk)


Responsibilities

  • Operate sanding, painting, and hydro-testing machines to process cylinder shells at multiple stages of the production line.
  • Inspect cylinder shells coming off machines for defects or inconsistencies before they advance to the next stage.
  • Move finished and in-process cylinders onto pallets — cylinders range from 15 to 90 lbs. and are team-lifted at heavier weights.
  • Match paperwork to production orders to ensure accurate product tracking through the line.
  • Inspect finished cylinders before they leave the production floor.
  • Follow safety procedures when handling pressurized cylinder components.


Minimum Requirements

  • 6+ months of experience in a general labor, production, or manufacturing environment.


Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience operating production machines such as sanders, spray painters, or pressure-testing equipment.
  • Background working with metal parts, heavy components, or industrial cylinders.
  • Familiarity with matching production paperwork to orders or basic product tracking.
  • Experience inspecting parts or finished goods for quality defects.
  • Prior work in a physically demanding manufacturing or assembly environment with high output expectations.
  • You may be a great fit if you've held any of these titles: General Laborer, Machine Operator, Production Operator, Press Operator, Production Technician, Material Handler, Assembly Line Worker, Warehouse Associate, Loader/Unloader, Lumper.


Pre-Employment Requirements

  • Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. frequently throughout the shift.
  • Ability to work at a fast pace throughout the shift.
  • Steel-toe boots required (employee-provided).
  • Must pass a pre-employment drug screen.
  • Must pass a pre-employment background check.
  • Must be authorized to work in the United States — E-Verify will be conducted.
  • Must pass a pre-employment physical / fit-for-duty exam.


Benefits

  • Weekly pay.
  • Direct deposit / Paycard.
  • Health insurance (during assignment).
  • Dental insurance (during assignment).
  • Earn referral bonuses.
  • CalSavers retirement program available.


After you apply, please check your email for a short screening questionnaire from us. Candidates who complete it promptly will be reviewed faster.


See all our current openings at jobs.connectstaffing.com


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