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Waterjet Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Accutrex Products

Waterjet Operator

Washington, PA · On-site

$15.75 - $18.75/hr

Waterjet Operator - Swing Shift availability preferred (1st and 2nd only) AccuTrex Products, Inc. is hiring an experienced Waterjet Operator to operate high-pressure waterjet equipment in our ...

Accutrex Products

Waterjet Operator

Washington, PA · On-site

$15.75 - $18.75/hr

Waterjet Operator - Swing Shift availability preferred (1st and 2nd only) AccuTrex Products, Inc. is hiring an experienced Waterjet Operator to operate high-pressure waterjet equipment in our ...

Accutrex Products

Waterjet Operator

Washington, PA · On-site

$15.75 - $18.75/hr

Waterjet Operator - Swing Shift availability preferred (1st and 2nd only) AccuTrex Products, Inc. is hiring an experienced Waterjet Operator to operate high-pressure waterjet equipment in our ...

ENTEK Manufacturing LLC

Waterjet Operator

Lebanon, OR

$21.10 - $32.10/hr

What You'll Do As a Waterjet Operator , you'll operate CNC Waterjet cutting equipment to fabricate precision metal components that support ENTEK's manufacturing operations. You'll work closely with ...

ENTEK

Waterjet Operator

Lebanon, OR · On-site

$21.10 - $32.10/hr

What You'll Do As a Waterjet Operator , you'll operate CNC Waterjet cutting equipment to fabricate precision metal components that support ENTEK's manufacturing operations. You'll work closely with ...

The Atlas Group

Waterjet Operator

Park City, KS · On-site

$15.25 - $18/hr

The Waterjet Operator will perform precision measuring, cutting and finishing of raw materials used for manufacturing. They are responsible for setting up, operating and running the CNC Waterjet ...

The Atlas Group

Waterjet Operator

Park City, KS · On-site

$15.25 - $18/hr

The Waterjet Operator will perform precision measuring, cutting and finishing of raw materials used for manufacturing. They are responsible for setting up, operating and running the CNC Waterjet ...

Fab Har Corporation

Waterjet Operator

Princeton, TX · On-site

$20 - $26/hr

Vision insurance Seeking a skilled and experienced Waterjet Operator to join our production team. The operator will be responsible for setting up and operating waterjet cutting machines to cut ...

New

The Atlas Group

Waterjet Operator

Park City, KS · On-site

$15.25 - $18/hr

The Waterjet Operator will perform precision measuring, cutting and finishing of raw materials used for manufacturing. They are responsible for setting up, operating and running the CNC Waterjet ...

Commercial Stainless Inc

CNC Waterjet Operator

Bloomsburg, PA · On-site

$18.75 - $25.50/hr

CNC Waterjet Operator Location: Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania Employment Type: Full-time About Commercial Stainless Commercial Stainless is an established custom manufacturer serving the commercial ...

Corrosion Materials

Waterjet Operator

Baker, LA · On-site

$16.75 - $20/hr

The Waterjet Operator primarily operates the waterjet machine tocut alloy sheets and plates according to the given specifications, sketches orshop travelers. Responsibilities and Duties As a minimum ...

Proto-Tek Mfg. Inc.

Be Seen First

WATERJET OPERATOR

Roseville, MI · On-site

$34K - $46K/yr

Searching for waterjet operator experienced in the set-up and running of programs cutting various types and thicknesses of steel and aluminum. Applicant should be knowledgeable in basic machine ...

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Waterjet Operator information

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$12

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How much do waterjet operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for waterjet operator in the United States is $18.19, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.35 and $19.47 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a waterjet operator?

Waterjet Operators are skilled technicians who operate waterjet cutting machines, which use high-pressure streams of water, sometimes mixed with abrasive materials, to cut and shape a variety of materials such as metal, stone, glass, and composites. Their responsibilities include setting up the machine, programming cutting paths, monitoring the cutting process, and ensuring the finished product meets quality specifications. Waterjet Operators often work in manufacturing, fabrication, and custom design industries where precision cutting is required. They must also perform routine maintenance on the equipment and adhere to safety protocols. Attention to detail and mechanical aptitude are important skills for this role.

What is the difference between Waterjet Operator vs CNC Machinist?

AspectWaterjet OperatorCNC Machinist
CredentialsHigh school diploma, on-the-job trainingHigh school diploma, technical certification or associate degree
Work EnvironmentManufacturing or fabrication shops, operating waterjet cutting machinesMachine shops, manufacturing facilities, operating CNC machines
Industry UsageFabrication, aerospace, automotive, signagePrecision manufacturing, aerospace, automotive, tooling
Common Search/ComparisonWaterjet Operator vs CNC Machinist

While both roles involve operating manufacturing equipment, Waterjet Operators focus on using waterjet cutting machines to precisely cut materials, often requiring less formal education. CNC Machinists operate computer-controlled machines for complex machining tasks, typically needing technical certifications. Both roles are vital in manufacturing industries but differ in tools, skills, and complexity.

What are common challenges waterjet operators face, and how can they be managed?

Waterjet Operators often encounter challenges such as maintaining precise tolerances, selecting the correct abrasive material, and troubleshooting machine issues. Managing these requires strong attention to detail, understanding machine maintenance schedules, and clear communication with engineers or supervisors about material specifications. Operators can mitigate errors by closely following setup procedures, performing regular equipment checks, and staying updated on software or technology changes relevant to waterjet cutting. Team collaboration and ongoing training are also key to overcoming these challenges.

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

To thrive as a Waterjet Operator, you need mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, and a high school diploma or equivalent, often supplemented by technical or vocational training. Proficiency in using CNC waterjet cutting machines, CAD/CAM software, and basic measurement tools is commonly required. Strong problem-solving abilities, teamwork, and effective communication are valuable soft skills for this role. These competencies ensure precision, safety, and efficiency in producing high-quality, custom parts in manufacturing environments.
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Waterjet Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Waterjet 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 $37,827 per year, or $18.2 per hour.

Waterjet Operator

Industrial Service & Installation

York, PA • On-site

$25 - $28/hr

Full-time

Posted 10 days ago

Job description

Job: Waterjet Operator

Summary

The Waterjet Operator is responsible for safely operating the Waterjet to produce parts needed for equipment and structures that will be installed at customer sites. This position requires someone with experience operating and programming a CNC waterjet (laser and plasma operator experience may be applicable). A successful candidate must have solid math and problem-solving skills.

Skills/ Abilities

  • Performs all work in a timely manner
  • Safely uses all equipment, such as waterjet, press brake, saws, overhead cranes, forklifts, etc.
  • Works as part of the team helping in other areas as needed, such as Press Brake, Saw, etc.
  • Consistently accurate when programing the waterjet and producing parts
  • Work with limited supervision and in a clean and organized manner

Duties/ Responsibilities

  • Comply with all safety requirements
  • Frequently communicate with supervisor, engineering, and any other affected personnel/departments regarding quality and production issues
  • Use blueprints, specifications, and precise measurements and calculations to accurately and efficiently produce metal and plastic parts
  • Load and unload work pieces, either manually or using lift equipment
  • Moves cut material into appropriate storage areas
  • Generally, observe in-process cutting of material to ensure quality
  • Complete quality inspections of parts, including using measuring equipment, such as micrometers, calipers, etc.
  • Provide complete, accurate, and legible documentation of fabricated parts, and of any activities related to their production
  • Fully maintain the waterjet and other equipment required to complete job duties (including periodically emptying the sediment from the tank, which is hard, wet, dirty work)
  • Perform housekeeping/general upkeep of entire work area (and assist in housekeeping throughout the shop, as needed)

Physical Demands

  • Must be able to complete the essential functions of this position: stand, walk, climb, crouch, stoop, kneel and, bend
  • Must be able to lift up to 75 pounds at a time on a regular basis
  • Performing mechanical or skilled trade tasks
  • The position is subject to environmental conditions, protection from weather conditions, but not necessarily from temperature changes

Qualifications

  • High School degree required; formal training in metal fabrication through a trade school or apprenticeship is preferred
  • Solid math and problem-solving skills required
  • 5+ years of sheet/plate metal cutting experience using automated technologies, such as laser, plasma or waterjet (abrasive waterjet strongly preferred)
  • Experience with other metal fabrication equipment (brakes, shears, iron workers, rollers, etc.) is required
  • Welding experience is helpful
  • Willingness to work in other areas of the shop as needed
  • Ability to work weekends and overtime as needed