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Water Jet Operator Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Allied Water Services

Sewer/Septic Technician

Manteno, IL · On-site

$24 - $32/hr

Allied Water Services is a rapidly growing water, wastewater, sewer, and septic services company ... Hydro jet sewer and septic lines * Assist with excavation-related repairs * Maintain company ...

Allied Water Services

Sewer/Septic Technician

Manteno, IL · On-site

$24 - $32/hr

Allied Water Services is a rapidly growing water, wastewater, sewer, and septic services company ... Hydro jet sewer and septic lines * Assist with excavation-related repairs * Maintain company ...

All JobsWater Jet Operator JobsWater Jet Operator Jobs in Chicago, IL

Water Jet Operator information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$13

$26

$41

How much do water jet operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for water jet operator in Chicago, IL is $26.91, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.30 and $31.25 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a water jet operator?

As a Water Jet Operator, your typical day involves setting up and calibrating water jet cutting machines, reviewing technical drawings or blueprints, and loading materials for cutting. You'll monitor the cutting process closely to ensure quality and precision, troubleshoot minor equipment issues, and perform routine maintenance on the machines. Collaborating with engineers and quality control staff is common to ensure all finished parts meet specifications. In addition, maintaining a clean and safe work area is a key part of the role.

What is a water jet operator?

A Water Jet Operator is responsible for operating and maintaining water jet cutting machines, which use high-pressure water streams to cut materials like metal, glass, and composites. They read blueprints, set up machines, and adjust cutting parameters to ensure precision. Operators also perform routine maintenance, inspect finished products for quality, and troubleshoot mechanical issues. This role requires attention to detail, technical skills, and knowledge of safety procedures to prevent accidents.

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

To thrive as a Water Jet Operator, strong mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, and familiarity with blueprint reading and geometric tolerances are essential, often supported by a high school diploma or relevant vocational training. Proficiency in operating CNC-controlled water jet machines and knowledge of appropriate safety procedures, as well as any OSHA certifications, are highly beneficial. Effective problem-solving, time management, and teamwork skills help operators handle complex projects and collaborate efficiently with colleagues. These abilities ensure accurate, safe, and efficient part fabrication while minimizing waste and equipment downtime.

What are the most commonly searched types of Water Jet Operator jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Water Jet Operator jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What are popular job titles related to Water Jet Operator jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Water Jet Operator jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Water Jet Operator jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Water Jet Operator jobs in Chicago, IL are:

Water Jet Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Water Jet Operator job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $55,978 per year, or $26.9 per hour.

Equipment Operator

Village of Morton Grove

Morton Grove, IL • On-site

$69K - $89K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 9 days ago

Job description

Description:
  • Operating equipment such as front-end loaders, backhoes, vactor sewer trucks, dump trucks (CDL B), street sweepers, and more.
  • Performing manual labor including excavation, grading, and infrastructure repairs.
  • Hauling materials and debris, and delivering to designated sites.
  • Participating in snow removal and ice control operations.
  • Conducting routine maintenance on equipment and reporting unsafe conditions.
  • Adhering to all safety and risk management protocols.
Requirements:
  • Maintains Class “B” Certified Drivers License
  • Able to respond to emergencies 24- hours a day.
  • Operate, or learn to operate, cars, trucks, 1-4 ton dump trucks, 4-6 wheel dump trucks, front end loaders, snorkels, street sweepers, graders, backhoes, semitrailer, rollers, road pavers, vac-all, sewer jet truck, air compressors, jack hammers, sewer pumps, chain saws, hydraulic shoring equipment, gas detectors, all carpentry tools, all plumbing tools, shovels, sledge hammers, picks, rakes, axes, pruning tools, lawn mowers, blower packs, skid steer loader.
  • Able to read and use maps, water sewer atlases, technical manuals, draft plans, purchase orders, maintenance logs, and mileage logs.

Physical Demands: Ability to lift and reach for weights in excess of 50 lbs.; stoop, lift, and carry weights of up to 100 lbs.; push weights of up to 200 lbs.; have perception and discrimination of color, sound, texture, and form; apply principles of common sense and understanding to perform semi to highly repetitive tasks.


Work Environment: The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Operate in environments of heat, cold, odors, smoke, toxic agents, noise, vibrations, wetness, humidity, dust, disease, and varying light conditions; operate in an environment of moderate stress and adverse weather conditions