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The differences between equipment 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 an equipment 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 $31,739 average annual salary of an equipment operator.
The top three skills for an equipment operator include CDL, loaders and asphalt. The most important skills for a mechanical spreader operator are hand tools, plumbing, and preventive maintenance.
| Equipment Operator | Mechanical Spreader Operator | |
| Yearly salary | $31,739 | $42,262 |
| Hourly rate | $15.26 | $20.32 |
| Growth rate | 5% | -7% |
| Number of jobs | 62,473 | 60,297 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 46% | High School Diploma, 36% |
| Average age | 45 | 47 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 12 |
Equipment operators are employees who are assigned to work on specific company equipment. They are skilled workers trained to handle all aspects of the particular equipment, from basic operating to repairing. They use the equipment and ensure that safety standards are being followed. Aside from managing the equipment, they are also in charge of repairs and maintenance. They are responsible for ensuring that the machine works properly, troubleshooting if there are challenges encountered, and repairing any problems. Equipment operators are reliable, trustworthy, and attentive.
A mechanical spreader operators manage and operate all equipment in various industries where they perform their jobs. The operators work as general mechanics in building HVAC, general building maintenance, and pump station operations. They test electro-mechanical subsystems for operational reliability and circuit integrity. Their job includes promoting quality assurance and performance improvement programs within the organization. Also, they perform an energy audit to improve the efficiency of HVAC energy.
Equipment operators and mechanical spreader operators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Equipment Operator | Mechanical Spreader Operator | |
| Average salary | $31,739 | $42,262 |
| Salary range | Between $24,000 And $40,000 | Between $30,000 And $58,000 |
| Highest paying City | Indianapolis, IN | Milwaukee, WI |
| Highest paying state | Connecticut | Idaho |
| Best paying company | Nelsen Partners | Baptist Health South Florida |
| Best paying industry | Energy | Energy |
There are a few differences between an equipment operator and a mechanical spreader operator in terms of educational background:
| Equipment Operator | Mechanical Spreader Operator | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 46% | High School Diploma, 36% |
| Most common major | Business | Automotive Technology |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between equipment operators' and mechanical spreader operators' demographics:
| Equipment Operator | Mechanical Spreader Operator | |
| Average age | 45 | 47 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 93.0% Female, 7.0% | Male, 95.7% Female, 4.3% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 7.4% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 18.9% Asian, 0.9% White, 66.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.9% | 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 | 2% | 5% |