1

Water Jet Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Water Jet Operator

Macomb, MI

$15.75 - $19/hr

Set up, fixture, clamp and operate high pressure abrasive water jet machine to cut details and parts to a provided program. * Lift or move materials and finished products using overhead cranes / hi ...

New

CNC Machinist

Warren, MI · On-site

$19.25 - $26.25/hr

Applicants with experience on water jet / laser machining, mill and/or lathe will be considered before all other applicants. * Knowledge of Government (DoD, US Army, TACOM) policies and procedures ...

CNC Machinist

Warren, MI · On-site

$19.25 - $26.25/hr

Applicants with experience on water jet / laser machining, mill and/or lathe will be considered before all other applicants. * Knowledge of Government (DoD, US Army, TACOM) policies and procedures ...

Fabricator

Mattawan, MI · On-site

$20 - $28/hr

This position is responsible for fabricating parts, pieces or products using a variety of tools and equipment, including CNC bender, water jet, plasma cutter, and press brake. Experience with Tig and ...

Fabricator

Mattawan, MI · On-site

$20 - $28/hr

This position is responsible for fabricating parts, pieces or products using a variety of tools and equipment, including CNC bender, water jet, plasma cutter, and press brake. Experience with Tig and ...

Production Tech 1 - Water Jet

Saint Clair Shores, MI · On-site

$15.50 - $19.50/hr

Why join GroupeSTAHL? We value work/life balance. As a family-owned business, we know our work family is just one aspect of life. We offer flexibility in the workplace to accommodate life outside of ...

Why join GroupeSTAHL? We value work/life balance. As a family-owned business, we know our work family is just one aspect of life. We offer flexibility in the workplace to accommodate life outside of ...

Team Lead

Jenison, MI · On-site

$45K/yr

Lead and support team members performing water jet cutting, die cutting, over bagging, packaging, and order preparation. * Organize and maintain clean, safe, and efficient work areas throughout the ...

Lead and support team members performing water jet cutting, die cutting, over bagging, packaging, and order preparation. * Organize and maintain clean, safe, and efficient work areas throughout the ...

New

Machinist

Burton, MI · On-site

$20 - $30/hr

Applicants should also be willing to cross-train in other skills and areas (i.e. lathe work, water jet, programming). Experience must include : * CNC Machining * Bridgeport work * Squaring height ...

Machinist

Burton, MI · On-site

$20 - $30/hr

Applicants should also be willing to cross-train in other skills and areas (i.e. lathe work, water jet, programming). Experience must include : * CNC Machining * Bridgeport work * Squaring height ...

Metal Fabricator/Welder (1st Shift)

Holland, MI · On-site

$18.25 - $23.50/hr

Operate machinery such as water jet, saws, shears, presses and CNC Machines to shape metal. * Bending and Forming:Operate machinery like press brakes and rollers to bend and form metal components ...

Metal Fabricator/Welder (1st Shift)

Holland, MI · On-site

$18.25 - $23.50/hr

Operate machinery such as water jet, saws, shears, presses and CNC Machines to shape metal. * Bending and Forming: Operate machinery like press brakes and rollers to bend and form metal components ...

Metal Fabricator/Welder (1st Shift)

Holland, MI

$18.25 - $23.50/hr

Operate machinery such as water jet, saws, shears, presses and CNC Machines to shape metal. * Bending and Forming:Operate machinery like press brakes and rollers to bend and form metal components ...

We offer the widest range of high-pressure and UHP water jet pump units, blasting equipment, and accessories, all built to the highest standards of quality and reliability. With in-house engineering ...

Jet's Pizza - Immediate Shift Runner Needed Are you passionate about the pizza industry? Do you ... Employee discount on mouth-watering pizzas * Referral program bonuses * Paid training to enhance ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Water Jet information

See Michigan salary details

$12

$19

$29

How much do water jet jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for water jet in Michigan is $19.78, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.35 and $22.40 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by Water Jet operators and how can they be managed on the job?

Water Jet operators often encounter challenges such as maintaining precise cuts on various materials, handling machine maintenance, and ensuring safety due to high-pressure equipment. To manage these challenges, operators should regularly check and calibrate the machinery, follow strict safety protocols, and stay updated with manufacturer guidelines. Working closely with engineers, production managers, and maintenance teams helps address technical issues promptly and ensures smooth workflow within the fabrication or manufacturing environment.

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

To thrive as a Water Jet Operator, you need mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, and a high school diploma or equivalent, with technical training preferred. Familiarity with CNC machines, CAD/CAM software, and safety protocols is typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, reliability, and teamwork are important soft skills that set top operators apart. These skills ensure precise cutting, efficient production, and safe operation in manufacturing environments.

What jobs in the US pay 300,000 a year?

In the US, high-paying roles related to water jet technology are rare, but senior positions such as industrial managers, engineering directors, or specialized technical consultants in manufacturing or construction industries can reach or exceed $300,000 annually. These roles typically require extensive experience, advanced skills, and often involve overseeing large projects or teams with specialized equipment like water jet cutting tools.

How much does a waterjet operator make?

A waterjet operator's average salary typically ranges from $40,000 to $60,000 per year, depending on experience, location, and industry. Skilled operators with certifications and experience in CAD/CAM software may earn higher wages, especially in manufacturing or fabrication environments with shift work or overtime opportunities.

What jobs pay 4000 a week without a degree?

A water jet operator or technician can earn around $4,000 weekly with experience, especially in industrial or manufacturing settings that require skills in operating high-pressure water jet equipment. These roles often prioritize technical skills, safety training, and certifications over formal degrees, and may involve shift work or overtime to reach higher earnings.

How much does a waterjet cost per hour?

A water jet operator's hourly wage typically ranges from $20 to $40, depending on experience and location. The cost of operating a water jet machine, including equipment and materials, can range from $50 to $150 per hour. These costs are important for estimating project expenses and profitability.

What are water jet operators and what do they do?

Water jet operators are skilled technicians who use high-pressure water jet cutting machines to cut, shape, or engrave a variety of materials such as metal, stone, glass, and composites. They set up and operate these machines, monitor the cutting process, and ensure precision and quality in the final product. Water jet cutting is often used in manufacturing, fabrication, and prototyping because it allows for intricate cuts without generating heat that could damage the material. Operators also perform routine maintenance and troubleshoot issues to keep equipment running efficiently.
What cities in Michigan are hiring for Water Jet jobs? Cities in Michigan with the most Water Jet job openings:
Infographic showing various Water Jet job openings in Michigan as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 8% Part Time, 1% Contract, 3% Nights, and 1% Summer. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,148 per year, or $19.8 per hour.

$15.75 - $19/hr

Other

Posted 2 days ago

New


Lincoln Electric rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 49 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

229th of 487 rated machine equipment manufacturers


Job description

Lincoln Electric is a high-performance industrial machinery and technology leader who helps customers manufacture and maintain vital equipment and infrastructure. Lincoln Electric's innovative solutions enable higher quality and productivity across a variety of processes including welding, cutting, brazing, machining, process automation, and field repair. The Company leverages proprietary technologies and expertise in materials science, power electronics, automation, and intelligent software to help customers build better and achieve resilience in their operations. Headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, Lincoln Electric is the essential 'Linc' that keeps the economy running. The Company operates 71 manufacturing and automation facilities across 20 countries and serves customers in over 160 countries. For more information about Lincoln Electric and its products and services, visit the Company's website at https://www.lincolnelectric.com.

Location: Macomb - Mile 
Req ID: 29700 

Job Responsibilities

PRIMARY FUNCTION

Perform machine set-up and operation for cutting materials per given programs

JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Set up, fixture, clamp and operate high pressure abrasive water jet machine to cut details and parts to a provided program.
  • Lift or move materials and finished products using overhead cranes / hi-lo
  • Set up assigned jobs according to the given schedule.
  • Conduct equipment checks and notify management and/or maintenance for needed repairs.
  • Maintains safe operations by adhering to safety procedures and regulations.
  • Maintains continuity among work shifts by documenting and communicating actions, irregularities, and continuing needs.
  • Other duties as assigned
Job Requirements

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

  • High school diploma/GED, certificate in Machine Tool Technology or equivalent work experience
  • Previous experience as Water Jet Programmer/Operator
  • Must possess solid troubleshooting and communication skills.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands listed are representative of those required to perform the essential job functions. Reasonable accommodation may be provided for individuals with disabilities.

Employees frequently stand, walk, reach, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, and work from ladders or scaffolds; sitting is occasional. The role requires regularly lifting to 10 pounds, frequently up to 25 pounds, and occasionally up to 50 pounds. Close vision is required.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment described reflects typical conditions encountered in this role. Reasonable accommodation may be provided for individuals with disabilities.

Employees are regularly exposed to electrical shock hazards and frequently to moving mechanical parts.

Export Control Disclaimer: This position will include access to data, technology, and/or software source code that is subject to U.S. export controls under International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). Employment with The Lincoln Electric Company (D/B/A Baker Industries) is contingent upon either verifying U.S. person status or obtaining any necessary authorizations. Applicants will be required to answer certain questions for export control purposes and information will be reviewed by compliance personnel to ensure compliance with federal law. The Lincoln Electric Company, at its sole discretion, may choose not to apply for a license for such individuals as whose access to export-controlled data, technology, and/or software source code may require authorization. The Lincoln Electric Company may also decline to proceed with an applicant on this basis alone.

HARASSMENT POLICY

Workplace harassment of any kind based on protected characteristics is prohibited. Interference with an employee's ability to perform job duties may result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination.

ATTENTION: THIRD-PARTY RECRUITERS

Lincoln Electric does not accept unsolicited resumes from third-party recruiters. Resumes submitted without a signed vendor agreement become the property of Lincoln Electric. No fees will be paid unless recruiting efforts are coordinated through the Recruiting Department.

DISCLAIMER

This position may have access to various types of Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) and/or information and tangible items subject to U.S. export controls, as well as be subject to certain customer/contractual requirements.  Therefore, the individual selected for the position may be required to meet certain citizenship, immigration, and/or location-related requirements, as well as screenings, background checks and additional training.  The Company, in its sole discretion, will determine whether to seek a contractual waiver or regulatory export authorization if required.

Employment is contingent upon meeting applicable qualifications, as determined by the Company, as well as adhering to all relevant federal, state, and local laws and regulations.

This job description may not include all assigned duties, responsibilities, or aspects of the job described, and may be modified at any time at the Employer's sole discretion.


Lincoln Electric is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to promoting equal employment opportunity for applicants, without regard to their race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions, including, but not limited to, lactation), sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information, and any other category protected by federal, state, or local law.


What Lincoln Electric employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom