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Waterjet Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Waterjet Operator - Metals Location: Bloomington, MN Schedule: Monday-Friday, 2nd Shift Pay: $23-$25 per hour We're seeking a skilled Waterjet Operator to work directly on the warehouse floor ...

CNC Plasma/Waterjet Operator

Norfolk, NE · On-site

$20.25 - $27.50/hr

Life insurance * and more 1. General Summary of the Position The CNC Plasma/Waterjet Operator position is responsible for setting up, operating, and maintaining various types of machinery, including ...

CNC Plasma/Waterjet Operator

Norfolk, NE · On-site

$20.25 - $27.50/hr

Life insurance * and more 1. General Summary of the Position The CNC Plasma/Waterjet Operator position is responsible for setting up, operating, and maintaining various types of machinery, including ...

CNC Plasma/Waterjet Operator

Norfolk, NE · On-site

$20.25 - $27.50/hr

Life insurance * and more 1. General Summary of the Position The CNC Plasma/Waterjet Operator position is responsible for setting up, operating, and maintaining various types of machinery, including ...

Machine/Waterjet Operator - 2nd shift **SIGN-ON BONUS AVAILABLE** As a Machine Operator, you will set up and operate a wide variety of automatic or semi-automatic machines used in the production of ...

Water Jet Operator

Fort Loramie, OH · On-site

$18.25 - $21.75/hr

Waterjet Operator - 2nd Shift (4-Day Work Week!)Work 4 days a week and get 3 days off - every week.If you're a skilled operator who values precision, consistency, and having a long weekend, this is ...

Showing results 41-60

Waterjet Operator information

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$12

$18

$23

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.

More about Waterjet Operator jobs

What cities are hiring for Waterjet Operator jobs?

Cities with the most Waterjet Operator job openings:

What states have the most Waterjet Operator jobs?

States with the most job openings for Waterjet Operator jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Waterjet Operator jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Waterjet Operator jobs are:

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 Machine Operator - Bensalem, PA

Hadco Metal Trading Co, LLC

Bensalem, PA • On-site

$16.25 - $19.25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 20 days ago


Job description

Description:

Hadco Metal Trading Co., LLC distributes and supplies metal products including aluminum, stainless steel, carbon, related alloys, and engineering grade plastics. Hadco products include plate, sheet, and extensive offerings of long products for general engineering, aerospace, and commercial markets. Our range of precision cutting equipment includes water jets, routers, various CNC machines, band saws, plate saws, and shears.


Hadco Metals, Bensalem PA, is hiring an experienced CNC Waterjet operator with some programming knowledge to join our team.


Work Schedule: Sunday-Wednesday, 6:00AM-6:00PM


Summary:

Operate Waterjet to process high quality products for customer delivery.


Role & Responsibilities:

  • Operate OMAX Waterjet to accurately complete customer orders.
  • Read job specifications to determine and maintain machine adjustments and material requirements.
  • Ability to work with quality inspection tools including micrometers and calipers and perform basic dimensional tolerances.
  • Continually measure work piece dimensions to assure constant specification accuracy throughout machine operation.
  • Prioritize workload to meet customer requirements and company performance goals.
Requirements:

Minimum Requirements:

  • Minimum 1 year operating a Waterjet or similar machinery.
  • Math and measuring skills including fractions and decimals.
  • Experience with CAD software a plus.
  • Ability to stand, sit, bend, stoop, and stretch.
  • Ability to lift 50 lbs. repeatedly.
  • Ability to work as a team and independently with minimal supervision.
  • Detail oriented and able to multi-task.
  • Minimum 18 years of age.

What Hadco Offers You:

  • Growth opportunities with a stable and growing company
  • Medical/dental/vision insurance
  • Paid vacation, personal time, and holidays
  • 401K with company match
  • 100% paid life and disability insurance
  • Uniforms provided at no cost to employees
  • Safe and clean work environment

Minority/Female/Disabled/Veterans. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected class.