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Water Blaster Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

Waterblast Operator

Lafayette, IN · On-site

$21/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

In order to keep things clean, you perform high-pressure water blasting, muck out tanks, clean factory facilities during shutdowns, and use a high-volume vacuum truck to clean up spilled products and ...

Waterblast Operator

Lafayette, IN · On-site

$21/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

In order to keep things clean, you perform high-pressure water blasting, muck out tanks, clean factory facilities during shutdowns, and use a high-volume vacuum truck to clean up spilled products and ...

Operate high-pressure water blasting equipment and industrial vacuum systems to maintain plant equipment. * Remediation Services: Assist in soil excavation, tank cleaning, and the containment of ...

Operate metal cleaning equipment, water flow and sonic equipment. * Adjust parts by use of presses, heat or other dimensional tooling. * Operate hand sandblast and auto blast units. * Prolonged ...

Operate high-pressure water blasting equipment and industrial vacuum systems to maintain plant equipment. * Remediation Services: Assist in soil excavation, tank cleaning, and the containment of ...

Intent to mine, permit renewals, post-mine land use comments, 6-month mining notifications, annual blasting notices, pre-mine surveys, ground water surveys. * Process annual blasting notice updates ...

Intent to mine, permit renewals, post-mine land use comments, 6-month mining notifications, annual blasting notices, pre-mine surveys, ground water surveys. * Process annual blasting notice updates ...

Operate metal cleaning equipment, water flow and sonic equipment. * Adjust parts by use of presses, heat or other dimensional tooling. * Operate hand sandblast and auto blast units. * Maintain ...

Showing results 21-40

Water Blaster information

See Indiana salary details

$13

$19

$32

How much do water blaster jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for water blaster in Indiana is $19.96, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.49 and $21.73 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some typical safety challenges faced by water blasters, and how are they addressed on the job?

Water Blasters often work with high-pressure equipment, which can present significant safety risks such as accidental spray injuries or exposure to hazardous materials. To address these challenges, employers provide thorough training on equipment operation, enforce the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) like protective suits, gloves, and face shields, and implement strict safety protocols. Team communication is also emphasized, as Water Blasters typically work closely with supervisors and coworkers to monitor conditions and respond quickly to any issues. Adhering to these practices helps maintain a safe work environment and minimizes the risk of accidents.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a water blaster?

To thrive as a Water Blaster, you need a solid understanding of industrial cleaning techniques, safety protocols, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with high-pressure water jetting equipment, personal protective equipment (PPE), and certifications such as OSHA safety training are commonly required. Attention to detail, physical stamina, and strong teamwork skills help individuals excel in this physically demanding and safety-critical role. These skills and qualities are crucial for ensuring effective cleaning, minimizing risk, and maintaining a safe work environment.

How much does a water blaster make?

A water blaster, often a seasonal or part-time job, typically earns minimum wage or slightly above, depending on location and experience. Pay can range from around $10 to $15 per hour, with higher rates possible for skilled operators or those with specialized equipment.

What is the difference between Water Blaster vs Pressure Washer?

AspectWater BlasterPressure Washer
CredentialsTypically no formal certification requiredOften requires safety training or certification
Work EnvironmentUsed outdoors for cleaning surfacesUsed outdoors for cleaning surfaces
UsagePrimarily for cleaning with high-pressure waterPrimarily for cleaning with high-pressure water
Common IndustryConstruction, cleaning services, maintenanceConstruction, cleaning, industrial

While both Water Blasters and Pressure Washers use high-pressure water for cleaning, Water Blasters are often handheld or portable units used for lighter tasks, whereas Pressure Washers are larger, more powerful machines suited for heavy-duty cleaning. The main difference lies in their size, power, and typical applications, but both roles require understanding of water pressure safety and proper equipment handling.

Infographic showing various Water Blaster job openings in Indiana as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 97% In-person, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,523 per year, or $20 per hour.

HOURLY PRODUCTION - Metal Cell Operator

Howmet Aerospace

La Porte, IN

$15.50 - $18.75/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 24 days ago


Howmet Aerospace rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 161 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

48th of 72 rated aerospace companies


Job description

Job Summary:

Work as a team member to take a rough casting and condition it to the specifications that meet the customer’s requirements by performing metal cleaning, finishing, and dimensional and FPI inspection.

Essential Functions:

  • Must be able to read and interpret Product Criteria (PC) and Activity Instructions (AI).
  • Set up of initial booths(s) for standardization and set up remaining booths to the model booth.
  • Write/edit A.I.’s as required/needed for the department.
  • Perform 5S for the department and own the auditing of 5S.
  • Operate hand grinding tools (both belt and stone). 
  • Operate metal cleaning equipment, water flow and sonic equipment. 
  • Adjust parts by use of presses, heat or other dimensional tooling. 
  • Operate hand sandblast and auto blast units.
  • Prolonged gripping standing or sitting and pushing, pulling and lifting.
  • Moderate length of concentration.
  • Must be able to function as a member of a team and be able to work under general supervision.
  • Must be able to work and function in a fast-paced environment.
  • Basic knowledge of computers.
  • Must be able to maintain expected quality levels.

Job Responsibilities:

Job responsibilities and duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

To become cross trained in order to perform ALL or MOST OF the duties listed below. When necessary, individual may be required to move castings to designated area or perform other work-related duties as assigned:

Metal Cleaner:

  • Sandblast part by the A.I./P.C.
  • Fill and clean the blasting unit.
  • Inspect castings for possible scrap.
  • Maintain the correct pressure and speed of the blast cabinets by the AI’s and PC’s.
  • Operate glass bead/table clean unit.

Metal Finisher:

  • Finish castings to PC using stones, burrs, belts, templates, and gauges.
  • Sandblast to surface finish.
  • Conduct visual operation and primary inspection of casting.
  • Input data in computer for collection.
  • Use boroscope for inspection and fiber light.
  • Perform decap/deburr operation.
  • Perform sonic operation.
  • Map weld areas.
  • Operate Comco machine.
  • Operate water flow.

Dimensional 

  • Use of calipers, micrometer, height gauges, shim stock, scissors, pin, go no/go, step gages, sonic equipment.
  • Input data for record keeping.
  • Adjusting castings for PC compliance.
  • Working with engineering on deviant castings and reworking to engineers' instructions.
  • Datum “C” drilling-Stators Cell Only.
  • Fixture Gauging /Adjusting.
  • Reroute nonconforming castings.

*Employees are expected to work overtime as needed.


Basic Qualifications:

  • High School diploma or GED equivalency is required. 
  • WORKKEYS Tests are REQUIRED to be considered for this position. Testing will be conducted at the La Porte WorkOne office. Required Testing: Applied Math, Graphic Literacy, Workplace Documents. Candidates MUST pass with a Level 4 or higher on ALL tests.
  • ​Employees must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Verification of employment eligibility will be required at the time of hire. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
  • This position entails access to export-controlled items and employment offers are conditioned upon an applicant's ability to lawfully obtain access to such items.

Skills and Abilities:

  • Read parts to the .0001.
  • Understand gauging and templates.
  • Have finishing skills, (stones, burrs, belts, etc.).
  • Work independent as well as with a team.
  • Able to read and follow written and verbal instruction.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Experience with the GE210 and PW451.
  • Able to demonstrate 2 years of full-time continuous work experience with the same employer OR 6 months of manufacturing experience.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Employee is required to execute the following:

  • Occasional bending, reaching, pushing and pulling when retrieving and moving various items.
  • Lifting approximately 30% of the time. Typically, assistance would be provided for weights exceeding 35 pounds.
  • Good manual dexterity Position may require more than eight hours daily and more than five days weekly to complete work assignments.
  • Sitting in chairs (swivel, padded, and adjustable) for 70% of the workday.
  • Squatting / crouching when retrieving stored items from lower shelves and file cabinets, making equipment / product inspections, etc.
  • Standing intermittently.
  • Visual requirements for this position are close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
  • Clean work areas and maintain a clean work environment; perform 5S cleaning activities as required.

Equipment Used:

  • Hand grinding tools.
  • Auto gages.
  • Metal cleaning equipment.
  • Sonic Equipment.
  • Template Haze blast.
  • Computers.
  • Glass bead.
  • Boroscope.
  • Belt gun.
  • Comco.
  • Hoists.

***By completing an online application for a position at Howmet Aerospace LaPorte, you consent to receive text messages at the cell phone number you provide.  This is an automated SMS message.  Reply STOP to opt-out of text notifications.  Standard message and data rates may apply.


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About Howmet Aerospace

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Howmet Aerospace Inc. (NYSE: HWM), headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is a leading global provider of advanced engineered solutions for the aerospace and transportation industries. The Company's sales for 2021 approximated $5 billion. The Company's primary businesses focus on jet engine components, aerospace fastening systems, titanium structural parts and forged wheels. With nearly 1,150 granted and pending patents, the Company's differentiated technologies promote more fuel efficiency for aircraft and commercial transportation. Howmet is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

Industry

Aviation

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Pittsburgh, PA, US

Year founded

1888