Cat operator vs mechanical spreader operator

The differences between cat operators and mechanical spreader operators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 2-4 years to become a cat operator, becoming a mechanical spreader operator takes usually requires 6-12 months. Additionally, a mechanical spreader operator has an average salary of $42,262, which is higher than the $35,910 average annual salary of a cat operator.

The top three skills for a cat operator include CDL, DIG and . The most important skills for a mechanical spreader operator are hand tools, plumbing, and preventive maintenance.

Cat operator vs mechanical spreader operator overview

	Cat Operator	Mechanical Spreader Operator
Yearly salary	$35,910	$42,262
Hourly rate	$17.26	$20.32
Growth rate	7%	-7%
Number of jobs	42,866	60,297
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 50%	High School Diploma, 36%
Average age	43	47
Years of experience	4	12

Cat operator vs mechanical spreader operator salary

Cat operators and mechanical spreader operators have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Cat Operator	Mechanical Spreader Operator
Average salary	$35,910	$42,262
Salary range	Between $27,000 And $46,000	Between $30,000 And $58,000
Highest paying City	-	Milwaukee, WI
Highest paying state	-	Idaho
Best paying company	-	Baptist Health South Florida
Best paying industry	-	Energy

Differences between cat operator and mechanical spreader operator education

There are a few differences between a cat operator and a mechanical spreader operator in terms of educational background:

	Cat Operator	Mechanical Spreader Operator
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 50%	High School Diploma, 36%
Most common major	Business	Automotive Technology
Most common college	-	-

Cat operator vs mechanical spreader operator demographics

Here are the differences between cat operators' and mechanical spreader operators' demographics:

	Cat Operator	Mechanical Spreader Operator
Average age	43	47
Gender ratio	Male, 93.8% Female, 6.2%	Male, 95.7% Female, 4.3%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 13.6% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 17.9% Asian, 2.6% White, 60.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9%	Black or African American, 7.7% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 12.5% Asian, 1.8% White, 71.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 2.3%
LGBT Percentage	4%	5%

Differences between cat operator and mechanical spreader operator duties and responsibilities

Cat operator example responsibilities.

Use automate systems and RF units to pull, put away and load customer product, in addition to managing inventory
Dig out around certains areas that hold too much snow and spread it out accordingly.
Provide leadership by establishing clear expectations and demonstrating high standards of work practices and safety conscious behavior.
Perform inventory accuracy transactions into MARC, load trailers, organize pallets into the warehouse and receive packaging materials.
Operate finish grade bulldozer with Topcon and/or Trimble G.P.S.
Provide troubleshooting, conflict management, and expedient resolution of technical and/or floor issues with solutions-orient leadership.

Mechanical spreader operator example responsibilities.

Accomplish in arc, gas, MIG, and TIG welding.
Manage an internal environmental information system and ensure compliance with EPA and RCRA regulations.
Skil in MIG and TIG.
Experience with fiber optics, time & PLC programming.
Follow GMP rules and current compliance regulations and standards.
Assemble all gardening tools, lawnmowers, rakes etc.

Cat operator vs mechanical spreader operator skills

Common cat operator skills

CDL, 62%
DIG, 38%

Common mechanical spreader operator skills

Hand Tools, 10%
Plumbing, 6%
Preventive Maintenance, 6%
Safety Procedures, 5%
Repair Equipment, 5%
Mechanical Systems, 4%

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Cat Operator vs Mechanical Spreader Operator

Updated January 8, 2025

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