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The differences between front end loader 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 front end loader 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 $34,530 average annual salary of a front end loader operator.
The top three skills for a front end loader operator include front end loader, loaders and asphalt. The most important skills for a mechanical spreader operator are hand tools, plumbing, and preventive maintenance.
| Front End Loader Operator | Mechanical Spreader Operator | |
| Yearly salary | $34,530 | $42,262 |
| Hourly rate | $16.60 | $20.32 |
| Growth rate | 7% | -7% |
| Number of jobs | 84,188 | 60,297 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 59% | High School Diploma, 36% |
| Average age | 43 | 47 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 12 |
A front-end loader operator is a heavy equipment operator who works in demolitions or road construction sites. To become a front end loader operator, one of the techniques that you must have along with many others, is to be able to operate heavy equipment. This indicates that you must be an experienced heavy equipment driver. You will control rubber-tired, tractor-type industrial vehicles that lift and move heavy materials from one location to another.
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.
Front end loader operators and mechanical spreader operators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Front End Loader Operator | Mechanical Spreader Operator | |
| Average salary | $34,530 | $42,262 |
| Salary range | Between $27,000 And $44,000 | Between $30,000 And $58,000 |
| Highest paying City | Clifton Park, NY | Milwaukee, WI |
| Highest paying state | Alaska | Idaho |
| Best paying company | Ball | Baptist Health South Florida |
| Best paying industry | Manufacturing | Energy |
There are a few differences between a front end loader operator and a mechanical spreader operator in terms of educational background:
| Front End Loader Operator | Mechanical Spreader Operator | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 59% | High School Diploma, 36% |
| Most common major | Business | Automotive Technology |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between front end loader operators' and mechanical spreader operators' demographics:
| Front End Loader Operator | Mechanical Spreader Operator | |
| Average age | 43 | 47 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 92.1% Female, 7.9% | Male, 95.7% Female, 4.3% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 16.4% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 18.2% Asian, 2.3% White, 57.9% 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% |