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The differences between mechanical spreader operators and driver/warehouse workers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 6-12 months to become a mechanical spreader operator, becoming a driver/warehouse worker takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a mechanical spreader operator has an average salary of $42,262, which is higher than the $35,198 average annual salary of a driver/warehouse worker.
The top three skills for a mechanical spreader operator include hand tools, plumbing and preventive maintenance. The most important skills for a driver/warehouse worker are customer service, CDL, and delivery truck.
| Mechanical Spreader Operator | Driver/Warehouse Worker | |
| Yearly salary | $42,262 | $35,198 |
| Hourly rate | $20.32 | $16.92 |
| Growth rate | -7% | 7% |
| Number of jobs | 60,297 | 310,383 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 36% | High School Diploma, 57% |
| Average age | 47 | 43 |
| Years of experience | 12 | 4 |
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.
A driver/warehouse worker is responsible for transporting goods and services from the warehouse or distribution center to specific destinations based on the delivery details. Driver/warehouse workers assist in loading and unloading items from delivery trucks, storing merchandise to the appropriate warehouse areas, operating various warehouse tools and equipment, and inspecting the delivery vehicle for any engine defects that might cause delays. They also check the inventory report to ensure the correct quantity of items and escalate customers' complaints to the warehouse management for immediate resolution, such as product replacement or issuing refunds.
Mechanical spreader operators and driver/warehouse workers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Mechanical Spreader Operator | Driver/Warehouse Worker | |
| Average salary | $42,262 | $35,198 |
| Salary range | Between $30,000 And $58,000 | Between $27,000 And $44,000 |
| Highest paying City | Milwaukee, WI | Blaine, MN |
| Highest paying state | Idaho | Maryland |
| Best paying company | Baptist Health South Florida | Baker Distributing |
| Best paying industry | Energy | Manufacturing |
There are a few differences between a mechanical spreader operator and a driver/warehouse worker in terms of educational background:
| Mechanical Spreader Operator | Driver/Warehouse Worker | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 36% | High School Diploma, 57% |
| Most common major | Automotive Technology | Business |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between mechanical spreader operators' and driver/warehouse workers' demographics:
| Mechanical Spreader Operator | Driver/Warehouse Worker | |
| Average age | 47 | 43 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 95.7% Female, 4.3% | Male, 93.8% Female, 6.2% |
| Race ratio | 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% | Black or African American, 15.8% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 18.9% Asian, 2.6% White, 57.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9% |
| LGBT Percentage | 5% | 4% |