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The differences between mechanical spreader operators and lift 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 lift operator takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a mechanical spreader operator has an average salary of $42,262, which is higher than the $32,309 average annual salary of a lift operator.
The top three skills for a mechanical spreader operator include hand tools, plumbing and preventive maintenance. The most important skills for a lift operator are pallets, fork-lift, and electric pallet jack.
| Mechanical Spreader Operator | Lift Operator | |
| Yearly salary | $42,262 | $32,309 |
| Hourly rate | $20.32 | $15.53 |
| Growth rate | -7% | 7% |
| Number of jobs | 60,297 | 72,445 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 36% | High School Diploma, 53% |
| 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 lift operator is responsible for overseeing the performance of chair lifts in ski resorts and mountains, ensuring the efficiency of the machine and safety of all riders. Aside from controlling operations, they must also assist customers in getting up and off the lifts, remind them of the safety precautions, and ensure that the ride capacity is up to standard. Furthermore, lift operators must make sure that the machine is in good condition and adhere to all the safety regulations and policies at all times.
Mechanical spreader operators and lift operators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Mechanical Spreader Operator | Lift Operator | |
| Average salary | $42,262 | $32,309 |
| Salary range | Between $30,000 And $58,000 | Between $26,000 And $39,000 |
| Highest paying City | Milwaukee, WI | Fremont, CA |
| Highest paying state | Idaho | Alaska |
| Best paying company | Baptist Health South Florida | BD |
| Best paying industry | Energy | Automotive |
There are a few differences between a mechanical spreader operator and a lift operator in terms of educational background:
| Mechanical Spreader Operator | Lift Operator | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 36% | High School Diploma, 53% |
| Most common major | Automotive Technology | Business |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between mechanical spreader operators' and lift operators' demographics:
| Mechanical Spreader Operator | Lift Operator | |
| Average age | 47 | 43 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 95.7% Female, 4.3% | Male, 89.1% Female, 10.9% |
| 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, 15.4% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 17.0% Asian, 2.6% White, 59.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9% |
| LGBT Percentage | 5% | 4% |