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Sanding Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Machine Operator-1st Shift

Claremore, OK · On-site

$14.25 - $16.75/hr

Drilling, tapping, and sanding, operating a Brake Press, Plasma Table, or Laser. * Perform Quality inspections of machined products * Complete and maintain paperwork * Must be willing to wear company ...

We take pride in being machine operators, builders, craftsmen, designers, and office team members ... sanding process between coats of paint or polyurethane treatments. These three areas all fit ...

We take pride in being machine operators, builders, craftsmen, designers, and office team members ... sanding process between coats of paint or polyurethane treatments. These three areas all fit ...

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Polishing Operator

Fort Wayne, IN · On-site

$16 - $17/hr

The Polishing Operator is responsible for preparing and finishing chrome-plated and metal surfaces ... Operate belt sander machines as the primary production equipment to sand chrome-plated and metal ...

PBX Operator, IT Telecommunication Services Full Time, 80 Hours Per Pay Period, Day Shift Fort ... Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center is a 444-bed hospital recognized for pairing clinical ...

Overview PBX Operator, IT Telecommunication Services Full Time, 80 Hours Per Pay Period, Day Shift ... Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center is a 444-bed hospital recognized for pairing clinical ...

Hand benches by use of stones, and/or with air sanders and disc sanders. * Operating and maintaining hand tools and power tools. * Works with aluminum, steel, invar, and others. * Must be able to ...

Body Line Machine Operator

Bozeman, MT · On-site

$17 - $21/hr

Learn and execute standard operating procedures ... Able to safely and efficiently operate an oscillating sander, handheld pneumatic drum sander, a ...

Hand benches by use of stones, and/or with air sanders and disc sanders. * Operating and maintaining hand tools and power tools. * Works with aluminum, steel, invar, and others. * Must be able to ...

Hand benches by use of stones, and/or with air sanders and disc sanders. * Operating and maintaining hand tools and power tools. * Works with aluminum, steel, invar, and others. * Must be able to ...

Grinder Operator

Azusa, CA · On-site

$20/hr

... belt sanders, remove sharp edges and cutting slag from metal parts · Meet the production plan by shift · Meet record keeping, and other report requirements · Maintain a clean, tidy, safe ...

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Hand benches by use of stones, and/or with air sanders and disc sanders. * Operating and maintaining hand tools and power tools. * Works with aluminum, steel, invar, and others. * Must be able to ...

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

Production Operator

Phoenix, AZ · 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 ...

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Sanding Operator information

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$5

$17

$22

How much do sanding operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 28, 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 jobs pay $500,000 a year in the US?

Sanding operators typically do not earn $500,000 annually; such high salaries are usually associated with executive roles, specialized medical professionals, or successful entrepreneurs. Most skilled trades, including sanding operators, have lower average incomes, though experience and industry demand can increase earnings. High-paying jobs often require advanced skills, certifications, or ownership of a business.

What are Sanding Operators?

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 jobs pay 2000 a day?

Sanding operators typically do not earn $2000 a day; such high daily wages are usually associated with specialized roles like executive positions, high-level consultants, or certain freelance professionals. In some cases, highly experienced contractors or those working in niche industries with significant skills and certifications may reach high daily earnings, but these are exceptions rather than the norm for sanding operators.

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 job makes $10,000 a month without a degree?

A sanding operator typically does not earn $10,000 a month without specialized skills or experience. High-paying jobs that can reach this level often include roles such as commercial pilot, real estate broker, or certain sales positions, which may require certifications or licenses but not necessarily a college degree. These roles often involve technical skills, certifications, or extensive experience to achieve such income levels.

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.

What jobs will be eliminated in the next 10 years?

Sanding operators may see reduced demand as automation and robotic sanding systems become more advanced and cost-effective. Jobs involving manual sanding and finishing are increasingly being replaced by machines, especially in large-scale manufacturing environments. Adaptation to new technologies and skills in machine operation can help maintain employment opportunities.
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 June 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% Full Time, 95% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $35,866 per year, or $17.2 per hour.

Machine Operator-1st Shift

jbpco

Claremore, OK • On-site

$14.25 - $16.75/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 14 days ago


Job description

Reading Truck is now seeking Machine Operators for 1st shift in Claremore.

Experience with Brake press, Plasma, or Laser. Our Machine Operators run production lots, communicate with team regarding runs, and maintain a safe environment. The cool thing about it... you get paid to play with trucks!

Mon-Thursday (4 days / 10 hour shift) with overtime as needed on Friday
How You Will Make an Impact:

Work besides some of the best in a High volume and quality shop fabricating commercial and fleet vehicles. We are a leading manufacturer, distributor and fleet sales expert of premium truck bodies with commercial upfit for vocational markets nationwide. We strive for a pioneering attitude and a focused commitment to innovation in all we do. 

The Nuts and Bolts:

  • Perform machine shop operations
  • Detect and report defective materials or questionable conditions to leadership
  • Maintain work area and equipment in a clean orderly condition and follow prescribed safety precautions
  • Must be able to perform, but not limited to, the following tasks: Drilling, tapping, and sanding, operating a Brake Press, Plasma Table, or Laser.
  • Perform Quality inspections of machined products
  • Complete and maintain paperwork
  • Must be willing to wear company provided, require Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

 
How We Make an Impact

At Reading Truck, we have more than 65 years of industry leadership in the manufacture, distribution, and enhancement of work truck bodies. We continue to experience rapid growth through our expanding network of more than 20 locations across North America. Take the next step in your career and come get paid to play with trucks!

Some of Our Total Rewards

We offer big company perks with small company culture:

  • Comprehensive benefits package including Medical, Dental, Vision and Life
  • 401(k) Savings Plan with Company Match
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • 80 hours of paid Holidays annually 
  • Generous Footwear, Eyewear, and Safety Equipment Discount Program
  • Paid Training and Development Programs

J.B. Poindexter & Co., Inc. provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.  This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

For other career opportunities, please visit our careers page https://www.readingtruck.com/about/careers/