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Waterjet Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Anderson Dahlen, Inc.

WATERJET OPERATORS

Ramsey, MN · On-site

$22 - $29/hr

POSITION SUMMARY The Waterjet Operator is responsible for preparing, setting up, and operating high-pressure waterjet equipment to process materials and produce high-quality parts. The role may ...

Custom Mosaics Inc

CNC Waterjet Operator

Sunrise, FL

$22 - $26/hr

CNC Waterjet Operator Location: Sunrise, FL Pay: $22-$26/hour, based on experience Schedule: Monday-Friday, 7:30 AM-4:00 PM; overtime is uncommon Benefits: Paid time off and paid holidays Position ...

Custom Mosaics & Design

CNC Waterjet Operator

Sunrise, FL · On-site

$22 - $26/hr

CNC Waterjet Operator Location: Sunrise, FL Pay: $22-$26/hour, based on experience Schedule: Monday-Friday, 7:30 AM-4:00 PM; overtime is uncommon Benefits: Paid time off and paid holidays Position ...

Anderson Dahlen Inc

WATERJET OPERATORS

Ramsey, MN · On-site

$22 - $29/hr

POSITION SUMMARY The Waterjet Operator is responsible for preparing, setting up, and operating high-pressure waterjet equipment to process materials and produce high-quality parts. The role may ...

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 ...

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 ...

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Waterjet Operator information

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How much do waterjet operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 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 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 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.

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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 38% Full Time, 60% 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

Oceaneering International, Inc.

Chesapeake, VA • On-site

$28 - $35/hr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 16 days ago

Oceaneering rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 22 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

378th of 496 rated machine equipment manufacturers

Job description

The primary responsibility of this position is to set up and operate a Flow & OMAX Waterjet machine. Must understand, operate, and maintain the waterjet machine including any support equipment required to accomplish assigned tasks. This position also requires completing documentation properly and housekeeping of the area. This role supports Oceaneering's Marine Services Division (MSD) and is located in Chesapeake, VA. Travel is not expected or required.  

Oceaneering is a global provider of engineered services and products, primarily to the offshore energy industry. We develop products and services for use throughout the lifecycle of an offshore oilfield, from drilling to decommissioning. We operate the world's premier fleet of work class ROVs. Additionally, we are a leader in offshore oilfield maintenance services, umbilicals, subsea hardware, and tooling. We also use applied technology expertise to serve the defense, material handling, aerospace, science, and renewable energy industries.
Equal Opportunity Employer: 
All qualified candidates will receive consideration for all positions without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or other non-merit factor.
Oceaneering Marine Services Division (MSD) has over 30 years of experience providing full-service submarine and surface ship repairs supporting maintenance and alterations aboard commercial and U.S. military vessels. We are SUBSAFE and DDS-SOC certified and perform high-consequence maintenance on assets that operate in demanding environments. 

Required 

  • High school diploma or equivalent 

  • Minimum three (3) years' experience operating CNC waterjet cutting systems, preferably Flow and/or OMAX equipment. 

  • Experience using Precision Measuring Instruments (PMI) for in-process and final inspection. 

  • Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, and technical specifications. 

  • Working knowledge of CNC programming with the ability to edit and adjust programs at the machine. 

  • Strong understanding of tolerances and how waterjet cutting impacts downstream machining operations. 

  • Mechanical aptitude with ability to perform routine maintenance and basic troubleshooting. 

  • Ability to complete production and inspection documentation accurately. 

  • Must be a U.S. citizen who is not a dual citizen of any other country. 

Desired 

  • Journeyman-level Inside Machinist or equivalent trade experience. 

  • Experience supporting precision machining operations. 

  • Knowledge of preventative maintenance practices for high-pressure pump systems. 

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Other Characteristics:  

  • Must have excellent oral and written communications skills. 

  • Ability to rely on experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals. 

  • Ability to successfully reach company goals in an environment in which a wide degree of creativity and latitude is required. 

  • Ability to represent MSD in a positive manner while adhering to the organization's core values. 

Pay Transparency: 

  

We offer a comprehensive and competitive benefits package. Employee benefits vary by role, however, may include Health and Wellness, Mental Health, Retirement Savings, Life and Disability, Paid Maternity and Parental Leave, Paid Time Off, Tuition Reimbursement, and an Employee Assistance Program. 

Compensation: $28 - $35 an hour 

Working Conditions 

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

The manufacturing/shop work environment; the site may contain mobility barriers with uneven ground level and obstructed pathways.  Climatic and environmental conditions at the job site will be indoor climate with steady temperatures and noise levels caused by tools, machinery, equipment, and etc. 

OCCASIONAL 

FREQUENT 

CONSTANT 

  • Lift 20 - 50 pounds 

  • Work in confined spaces, kneel, jump, run, work while lying on stomach/back, crawl and use repetitive movements of the arms and hands. 

  • Identify color differences 

  • Wear PPE for skin protection. 

  • Lift 10 - 20 pounds 

  • Climb stairs/ladders, stand, balance, stoop, squat, reach and lift/carry objects. 

  • Twist body, sit with back supported, head forward/flexed, head tilted/rotated, and work with arms extended overhead. 

  • Operate a motor vehicle. 

  • Lift up to 10 pounds. 

  • Wear PPE for body, vision and hearing protection. 

  • Set up and operate both Flow Waterjet and OMAX Waterjet cutting systems to produce components in accordance with drawings, specifications, and work instructions. 

  • Interpret technical drawings, models, and technical work documents to ensure parts are cut with appropriate tolerances, edge quality, and stock allowance to support downstream machining operations. 

  • Perform complete machine setup including material loading, fixturing, nozzle alignment, abrasive loading, pump startup, and verification of cutting parameters. 

  • Program, edit, and troubleshoot cutting programs at the machine as needed (including modifying DX files, tool paths, lead-ins/outs, kerf compensation, and quality settings) to support production flow and reduce backlog. 

  • Select and verify correct materials and thickness prior to cutting; adjust machine parameters accordingly. 

  • Perform in-process and final inspections using Precision Measuring Instruments (PMI) including calipers, micrometers, scales, and other measuring devices to ensure dimensional compliance. 

  • Accurately complete all required production and inspection documentation 

  • Perform routine preventative maintenance on waterjet systems including pump inspections, nozzle/orifice replacement, abrasive system maintenance, filter changes, and general equipment upkeep. 

  • Troubleshoot minor equipment issues and coordinate with maintenance personnel as required. 

  • Maintain a clean, safe, and organized work area in accordance with company safety and housekeeping standards. 

  • Support production priorities and collaborate with machinists and programmers to ensure parts are optimized for downstream machining operations. 

  • Follow all safety procedures related to high-pressure waterjet systems and abrasive materials. 

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