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What is a mechanical spreader operator and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
4 min read
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A mechanical spreader operator handles a specialized type of equipment typically used in large-scale mining operations. They are expected to operate heavy equipment on-site and be able to do any needed repairs. They also perform scheduled maintenance checks and ensure compliance with safety protocols and regulations.

You don't need a college education to become a mechanical spreader operator. A high school diploma and GED is often enough to get you through the door. However, degrees in automotive technology, mechanical engineering, and business do make your resume more appealing to employers. Other qualifications include strong analytical, interpersonal, and math skills.

A mechanical spreader operator in the United States earns an average yearly salary of roughly about $43,000. That's more or less $20 an hour. However, top earners can negotiate for more in the right company. Boeing, for instance, pays their mechanical spreader operators a highly competitive, whopping yearly wage of $93,699 on average.

ScoreMechanical Spreader OperatorUS Average
Salary
3.3

Avg. Salary $42,262

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
8.6

Growth rate -7%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
3.5
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 2.29%

Asian 1.84%

Black or African American 7.67%

Hispanic or Latino 12.46%

Unknown 4.48%

White 71.26%

Gender

female 4.29%

male 95.71%

Age - 47.5
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 47.5
Stress level
8.6

Stress level is very high

7.1 - high

Complexity level
6.2

Complexity level is intermediate

7 - challenging

Work life balance
7.8

Work life balance is good

6.4 - fair

Mechanical spreader operator career paths

Key steps to become a mechanical spreader operator

  1. Explore mechanical spreader operator education requirements

    Most common mechanical spreader operator degrees

    High School Diploma

    35.5 %

    Associate

    26.1 %

    Bachelor's

    18.3 %
  2. Start to develop specific mechanical spreader operator skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Hand Tools10.49%
    Plumbing5.76%
    Preventive Maintenance5.55%
    Safety Procedures5.49%
    Repair Equipment4.69%
  3. Complete relevant mechanical spreader operator training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 6-12 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New mechanical spreader operators learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a mechanical spreader operator based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real mechanical spreader operator resumes.
  4. Research mechanical spreader operator duties and 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.
  5. Prepare your mechanical spreader operator resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your mechanical spreader operator resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a mechanical spreader operator resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose from 10+ customizable mechanical spreader operator resume templates

    Build a professional mechanical spreader operator resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your mechanical spreader operator resume.
    Mechanical Spreader Operator Resume
    Mechanical Spreader Operator Resume
    Mechanical Spreader Operator Resume
    Mechanical Spreader Operator Resume
    Mechanical Spreader Operator Resume
    Mechanical Spreader Operator Resume
    Mechanical Spreader Operator Resume
    Mechanical Spreader Operator Resume
    Mechanical Spreader Operator Resume
  6. Apply for mechanical spreader operator jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a mechanical spreader operator job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How did you land your first mechanical spreader operator job

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Average mechanical spreader operator salary

The average mechanical spreader operator salary in the United States is $42,262 per year or $20 per hour. Mechanical spreader operator salaries range between $30,000 and $58,000 per year.

Average mechanical spreader operator salary
$42,262 Yearly
$20.32 hourly

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Mechanical spreader operator reviews

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A zippia user wrote a review on Dec 2019
Pros

just seeing myself fixing something making it work as new.


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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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