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The differences between mechanical spreader operators and forklift operators 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 forklift operator takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a mechanical spreader operator has an average salary of $42,262, which is higher than the $34,213 average annual salary of a forklift operator.
The top three skills for a mechanical spreader operator include hand tools, plumbing and preventive maintenance. The most important skills for a forklift operator are pallets, basic math, and electric pallet jack.
| Mechanical Spreader Operator | Forklift Operator | |
| Yearly salary | $42,262 | $34,213 |
| Hourly rate | $20.32 | $16.45 |
| Growth rate | -7% | 7% |
| Number of jobs | 60,297 | 213,020 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 5 |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 36% | High School Diploma, 59% |
| 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.
Forklift operators are skilled workers responsible for operating heavy equipment machines called forklifts. They are in charge of operating forklifts, a type of industrial or heavy equipment truck/machine that moves materials from one place to another through prongs protruding from the machine. Forklift operators are responsible for loading and unloading cargo, operating the machine to ensure that the cargo reaches its destination, and complying with safety protocols. They are also in-charge of maintenance work on the machine and reporting any challenges or issues that may be encountered. Forklift operators must be physically fit and alert at all times.
Mechanical spreader operators and forklift operators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Mechanical Spreader Operator | Forklift Operator | |
| Average salary | $42,262 | $34,213 |
| Salary range | Between $30,000 And $58,000 | Between $27,000 And $42,000 |
| Highest paying City | Milwaukee, WI | Minneapolis, MN |
| Highest paying state | Idaho | North Dakota |
| Best paying company | Baptist Health South Florida | DeWitt LLP Law Firm |
| Best paying industry | Energy | Automotive |
There are a few differences between a mechanical spreader operator and a forklift operator in terms of educational background:
| Mechanical Spreader Operator | Forklift Operator | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 36% | High School Diploma, 59% |
| Most common major | Automotive Technology | Business |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between mechanical spreader operators' and forklift operators' demographics:
| Mechanical Spreader Operator | Forklift Operator | |
| Average age | 47 | 43 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 95.7% Female, 4.3% | Male, 92.0% Female, 8.0% |
| 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, 16.5% Unknown, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino, 19.9% Asian, 2.5% White, 55.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8% |
| LGBT Percentage | 5% | 4% |