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Waterjet Operator Jobs in Florida (NOW HIRING)

Lead Machinist -Waterjet/CNC Operator

Lutz, FL ยท On-site

$18 - $24.75/hr

Set up, load, operate, and maintain fabrication equipment including FLOW waterjet, CNC mill, CNC ... Minimum 5 years' experience operating CNC machinery and fabrication equipment. * Proficiency with ...

Laser Operator - 2nd shift

Lutz, FL ยท On-site

$16.25 - $20.50/hr

Our Opening and Your Responsibilities A sheet metal laser operator is responsible for setting up ... Operate the waterjet abrasive removal tool * Hand tapping sheet metal with mandrel tapper * Operate ...

Laser Operator - 1st shift

Lutz, FL ยท On-site

$16.25 - $20.50/hr

Our Opening and Your Responsibilities A sheet metal laser operator is responsible for setting up ... Operate the waterjet abrasive removal tool * Hand tapping sheet metal with mandrel tapper * Operate ...

Laser Operator - 1st shift

Lutz, FL ยท On-site

$16.25 - $20.50/hr

Our Opening and Your Responsibilities A sheet metal laser operator is responsible for setting up ... Operate the waterjet abrasive removal tool * Hand tapping sheet metal with mandrel tapper * Operate ...

Laser Operator - 2nd shift

Lutz, FL ยท On-site

$16.25 - $20.50/hr

Our Opening and Your Responsibilities A sheet metal laser operator is responsible for setting up ... Operate the waterjet abrasive removal tool * Hand tapping sheet metal with mandrel tapper * Operate ...

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CNC Operator

Tampa, FL ยท On-site

$25 - $40/hr

Full CNC Stone Machine Operator - HELIOS CNC Classic Stone Gallery - Tampa, FL Job Type: Full-time ... saw, waterjet, or edge polisher. For each machine, briefly include how long you ran it, what ...

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Waterjet Operator information

See Florida salary details

$8

$13

$17

How much do waterjet operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for waterjet operator in Florida is $13.59, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.21 and $14.57 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.
What are popular job titles related to Waterjet Operator jobs in Florida? For Waterjet Operator jobs in Florida, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Waterjet Operator jobs in Florida look for? The top searched job categories for Waterjet Operator jobs in Florida are:
Infographic showing various Waterjet Operator job openings in Florida as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $28,268 per year, or $13.6 per hour.

Laser, Waterjet, & Airflow Operator

Shapes Group Ltd. Co.

Palm Bay, FL โ€ข On-site

$16 - $18.75/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 19 hours ago


Job description

Job Overview:

This role is responsible for operating CNC non-conventional type machines (Laser, Waterjet, Airflow and EDM).

Responsibilities and Duties Required

  • Operate Electrical Discharge Machine (EDM), waterjet, air flow and laser machines to produce quality parts as instructed by Operation Process Sheets.
  • Work with required tools such as drill press, belt sander, orbital sander, swivel deburr, bench grinder, and other hand tools as instructed by Operation Process Sheets.
  • Must use inspection equipment.
  • Complete documentation accurately and scans on/off shop orders correctly.
  • Utilize and understand operation process sheets and inspect parts per character control sheets.
  • Work responsibly and with a mindset of safety and precision.
  • Notify Supervisor immediately should there be damage, defect, or inability to proceed efficiently.
  • Collaborates with members of the team and others as needed.
  • Must use approved software and company processes and procedures to perform work.
  • Perform all tasks in a safe and reasonable manner according to the company's Employee Handbook.
  • Maintain a clean and safe work environment and contribute to company's 6S program and Lean concepts.
  • Comply with all quality policies, specifications, regulations and instructions.
  • Perform other related duties as required.

Qualifications and Skills Required:

  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills required.
  • Ability to work independently or in a team environment.
  • Ability to stay focused, adapt to change positively or negatively, and close attention to detail.
  • Ability to perform mid-level math skills efficiently and accurately (including addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division using whole numbers, fractions, and decimals)
  • Ability to use various inspection equipment. (Calipers, Micrometers, gage pins and height gages etc.)
  • Ability to multitask and work effectively and efficiently to shop order standards.
  • Must be able to read blueprints.
  • Ability to read and follow company processes, policies, and procedures.
  • Ability to multitask, work effectively and efficiently to shop order standards.
  • Must be able to communicate and read English proficiently.

Job, Working Conditions and Physical Requirements

Physical Demands:

  • Must be able to lift, move, transport and load items across the building up to 50 pounds at times.
  • While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to remain in a stationary position and constantly re-position self to perform required tasks.
  • Constantly operates machinery required for this job.
  • Prepares and Inspects items as needed for this role.
  • May be required to work on slippery and uneven surfaces.
  • May be exposed to physical hazards from moving equipment, heavy equipment, and machine parts.
  • Specific coordination is necessary to operate computers and various pieces of equipment.
  • Must have the ability to communicate information and ideas so others will understand in English.
  • May work in close proximity to others.

Visual Acuity:

  • Visual acuity of 20/20 or corrected.
  • Close vision, color vision, peripheral vision, and the ability to adjust focus.
  • Ability to read computer screen and documents.

Hearing Ability:

  • Normal hearing or corrected to normal.
  • Ability to monitor machine sounds to identify and diagnose changes to take appropriate action.

Working Conditions:

  • Factory environment.
  • Occasional work outside normal business hours.
  • High noise levels from operating machines.
  • Physical hazards from moving equipment and machine parts.
  • Breathing fumes, dust, and mist.
  • Skin exposure to chemicals associated with manufacturing.