Clamp operator vs mechanical spreader operator

The differences between clamp 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 clamp 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 $32,832 average annual salary of a clamp operator.

The top three skills for a clamp operator include pallets, OSHA and clamp truck. The most important skills for a mechanical spreader operator are hand tools, plumbing, and preventive maintenance.

Clamp operator vs mechanical spreader operator overview

	Clamp Operator	Mechanical Spreader Operator
Yearly salary	$32,832	$42,262
Hourly rate	$15.78	$20.32
Growth rate	7%	-7%
Number of jobs	91,015	60,297
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 59%	High School Diploma, 36%
Average age	43	47
Years of experience	4	12

Clamp operator vs mechanical spreader operator salary

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

	Clamp Operator	Mechanical Spreader Operator
Average salary	$32,832	$42,262
Salary range	Between $27,000 And $39,000	Between $30,000 And $58,000
Highest paying City	Aurora, CO	Milwaukee, WI
Highest paying state	Colorado	Idaho
Best paying company	American Woodmark	Baptist Health South Florida
Best paying industry	Manufacturing	Energy

Differences between clamp operator and mechanical spreader operator education

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

	Clamp Operator	Mechanical Spreader Operator
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 59%	High School Diploma, 36%
Most common major	Business	Automotive Technology
Most common college	-	-

Clamp operator vs mechanical spreader operator demographics

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

	Clamp Operator	Mechanical Spreader Operator
Average age	43	47
Gender ratio	Male, 91.6% Female, 8.4%	Male, 95.7% Female, 4.3%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 18.0% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 22.2% Asian, 2.4% White, 52.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%	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 clamp operator and mechanical spreader operator duties and responsibilities

Clamp operator example responsibilities.

Utilize and familiar with the WMS computer system.
Operate machines and equipment and troubleshoot any problems that may arise.
Load and unload delivery vehicles and assemble items onto pallets, warehouse trucks, racks, and shelves.
Transport pallets containing various products throughout the storage facility and ensure products are stacked in the correct bay.
Perform specialized production line and quality control duties in a professional production environment specializing in plastic extrusion.
Perform specialized production line and quality control duties in a professional production environment specializing in plastic extrusion.

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.

Clamp operator vs mechanical spreader operator skills

Common clamp operator skills

Pallets, 24%
OSHA, 8%
Clamp Truck, 7%
Assembly Line, 7%
Safety Guidelines, 6%
RF Scanner, 5%

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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Clamp Operator
Clamp Operator vs Mechanical Spreader Operator

Updated January 8, 2025

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