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Waterjet Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Smith Brothers Tool

OMAX - Waterjet Operator

Utica, MI · On-site

$16 - $20/hr

Pay: $16.00 - $20.00 per hour Job Summary We are seeking a skilled Waterjet Operator to join our manufacturing team. The ideal candidate will be responsible for operating machinery to cut materials ...

WARDJet

Waterjet Operator

Tallmadge, OH · On-site

$15.75 - $18.75/hr

M-F 7:30-4:30 Position entails loading and unloading material onto waterjet cutting machine using overhead crane or forklift, loading correct CNC program file on PC Based controller and cutting parts ...

Evergreen Sign Company

Waterjet operator - Full Time

Kent, WA · On-site

$19.25 - $22.75/hr

Evergreen Sign Company, a leading producer of custom architectural signage, fixtures, and installations, is seeking Flow Waterjet operator. As a machine operator, you will cut parts according to work ...

Wardjet

Waterjet Operator

Tallmadge, OH · On-site

$15.75 - $18.75/hr

M-F 7:30-4:30 Position entails loading and unloading material onto waterjet cutting machine using overhead crane or forklift, loading correct CNC program file on PC Based controller and cutting parts ...

EBM Construction Inc

CNC Plasma/Waterjet Operator

Norfolk, NE · On-site

$20.25 - $27.50/hr

CNC Plasma/Waterjet Operator EBM Manufacturing, an industry leader in the production of bulk handling Agri-industrial equipment and custom screening technology is currently seeking a full-time, ...

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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

Corrosion Materials

Baker, LA • On-site

$16.75 - $20/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 26 days ago

Job description

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, the following is a basicdescription of typical duties and responsibilities expected of the WaterjetOperator. These duties are not exhaustive and are subject to change as theneeds of the organization require.
  • Interpret sketches and draw all orders on the machine's CADProgram, read shop orders and other related technical data, in order todetermine the machine's set up and control settings.
  • Retrievematerial from the plate racks using overhead crane, forklift or handcart.
  • Drawor nest parts for cutting in order to maximize yield and minimize waste.
  • Aftercutting, inspect and measure each piece, then mark according to quality standards.
  • Properly mark alloy, spec, heat, and size of piece on the material.
  • Scan materials in when processing an order and scan materials out when processing of the order is completed.
  • Process any paperwork associated with the order, including bar code tags, cycle counts, as well asexception report inventory counts.
  • Maintainthe waterjet machine by loading all garnet, inspecting bellows, hoses, pumps,filters, flow meters, and various pressure fittings around the machine.
  • Repairminor leaks and keep the cutting heads clean to avoid damage due toclogs.
  • Visualizepart placement on starting stock and be able to layout cut patterns from memory.
  • Keep immediate work area clean and organized throughout the day.
  • Use precision when operating tools such as tape measures, micrometers, nibblers, and calipers.
  • Cross-train other team members as assigned.
  • Adhere to all CMI's safety rules, regulations, and quality standards.
  • Adhere to all CMI's handbook policies and procedures.

Required Qualifications
  • Highschool diploma or equivalent
  • Threeor more years warehouse experience
  • Oneor more years of waterjet machine experience
  • Knowledgeof computer drawing software
  • Mathand general geometry skills
  • Excellentwritten and oral communication skills
  • Goodorganizational, problem-solving skills, and time management skills
  • Abilityto conceptualize layouts mentally
  • Abilityto measure using different tools
  • Abilityto read and calculate numbers and data
  • Abilityto work independently on assigned tasks as well as to accept direction
  • Strong work ethic; self-motivated
  • Operatewith high integrity, maintaining positive relations with co-workers, customers,and suppliers

Preferred Qualifications
  • Twoor more years of machining experience

Company Benefits
  • 401k with Company Match
  • Health Insurance
  • Dental Insurance
  • Vision Insurance
  • Life Insurance
  • Long-term disability
  • Short-term disability
  • Paid Time Off
  • Paid Holidays

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