Hydro operator vs mechanical spreader operator

The differences between hydro operators and mechanical spreader operators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 1-2 years to become a hydro 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 $40,931 average annual salary of a hydro operator.

The top three skills for a hydro operator include CDL, safety procedures and industrial cleaning. The most important skills for a mechanical spreader operator are hand tools, plumbing, and preventive maintenance.

Hydro operator vs mechanical spreader operator overview

	Hydro Operator	Mechanical Spreader Operator
Yearly salary	$40,931	$42,262
Hourly rate	$19.68	$20.32
Growth rate	7%	-7%
Number of jobs	39,419	60,297
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 41%	High School Diploma, 36%
Average age	47	47
Years of experience	2	12

Hydro operator vs mechanical spreader operator salary

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

	Hydro Operator	Mechanical Spreader Operator
Average salary	$40,931	$42,262
Salary range	Between $28,000 And $59,000	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 hydro operator and mechanical spreader operator education

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

	Hydro Operator	Mechanical Spreader Operator
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 41%	High School Diploma, 36%
Most common major	Business	Automotive Technology
Most common college	-	-

Hydro operator vs mechanical spreader operator demographics

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

	Hydro Operator	Mechanical Spreader Operator
Average age	47	47
Gender ratio	Male, 96.6% Female, 3.4%	Male, 95.7% Female, 4.3%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 9.9% Unknown, 4.8% Hispanic or Latino, 18.1% Asian, 4.7% White, 61.6% 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	11%	5%

Differences between hydro operator and mechanical spreader operator duties and responsibilities

Hydro operator example responsibilities.

Used high-pressure water and vacuum system to excavate debris from oil drilling rig tanks and other various containers.
Operate heavy machinery such as bobcat equipment and also operate and pave asphalt perform demolition work.
Instruct several in-house classes to include H2S awareness and hazard awareness.

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.

Hydro operator vs mechanical spreader operator skills

Common hydro operator skills

CDL, 46%
Safety Procedures, 13%
Industrial Cleaning, 9%
DOT, 7%
Hydro Blasting, 4%
Frac, 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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Hydro Operator vs Mechanical Spreader Operator

Updated January 8, 2025

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