High lift operator vs mechanical spreader operator

The differences between high lift 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 high lift 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 $34,481 average annual salary of a high lift operator.

The top three skills for a high lift operator include pallets, OSHA and load trucks. The most important skills for a mechanical spreader operator are hand tools, plumbing, and preventive maintenance.

High lift operator vs mechanical spreader operator overview

	High Lift Operator	Mechanical Spreader Operator
Yearly salary	$34,481	$42,262
Hourly rate	$16.58	$20.32
Growth rate	7%	-7%
Number of jobs	44,928	60,297
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 53%	High School Diploma, 36%
Average age	43	47
Years of experience	4	12

High lift operator vs mechanical spreader operator salary

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

	High Lift Operator	Mechanical Spreader Operator
Average salary	$34,481	$42,262
Salary range	Between $29,000 And $40,000	Between $30,000 And $58,000
Highest paying City	Cleveland, OH	Milwaukee, WI
Highest paying state	North Dakota	Idaho
Best paying company	United Natural Foods	Baptist Health South Florida
Best paying industry	Construction	Energy

Differences between high lift operator and mechanical spreader operator education

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

	High Lift Operator	Mechanical Spreader Operator
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 53%	High School Diploma, 36%
Most common major	Business	Automotive Technology
Most common college	-	-

High lift operator vs mechanical spreader operator demographics

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

	High Lift Operator	Mechanical Spreader Operator
Average age	43	47
Gender ratio	Male, 92.3% Female, 7.7%	Male, 95.7% Female, 4.3%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 13.9% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 15.0% Asian, 2.3% White, 63.8% 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 high lift operator and mechanical spreader operator duties and responsibilities

High lift operator example responsibilities.

Inventory control and making sure wrapped fill pallets are accurately account and labele before exiting the building.
Maintain proper housekeeping and guidelines set forth by OSHA and management.
Operate fork-lift to transport finish product to shipping warehouse for distribution.
Maintain safe and clean work environment by keeping shelves, pallet area, and workstations.
Experience with setting up LTL, FTL, and FedEx/UPS shipments via phone or computer.

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.

High lift operator vs mechanical spreader operator skills

Common high lift operator skills

Pallets, 26%
OSHA, 16%
Load Trucks, 15%
Pallet Jack, 15%
Safety Standards, 6%
Store Merchandise, 4%

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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Transportation Industry
High Lift Operator
High Lift Operator vs Mechanical Spreader Operator

Updated January 8, 2025

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