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The differences between mechanical spreader operators and machine operator/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 machine operator/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 $32,452 average annual salary of a machine operator/forklift operator.
The top three skills for a mechanical spreader operator include hand tools, plumbing and preventive maintenance. The most important skills for a machine operator/forklift operator are safety standards, drive forklift, and load trucks.
| Mechanical Spreader Operator | Machine Operator/Forklift Operator | |
| Yearly salary | $42,262 | $32,452 |
| Hourly rate | $20.32 | $15.60 |
| Growth rate | -7% | 7% |
| Number of jobs | 60,297 | 120,073 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 36% | High School Diploma, 61% |
| 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 machine operator/forklift operator is responsible for operating industrial trucks to move merchandise around the warehouse facilities and other assigned areas. Machine operators/forklift operators also assist with inventory tasks by scanning orders and ensuring the correct merchandise for shipment. They manage the stability of the vehicles, ensuring its efficiency and optimization during operations, performing engine repairs for any inconsistencies to avoid delays on deliveries. A machine operator/forklift operator should strictly follow the safety protocols of the business, as well as have knowledge of the mechanical industry.
Mechanical spreader operators and machine operator/forklift operators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Mechanical Spreader Operator | Machine Operator/Forklift Operator | |
| Average salary | $42,262 | $32,452 |
| Salary range | Between $30,000 And $58,000 | Between $26,000 And $39,000 |
| Highest paying City | Milwaukee, WI | Renton, WA |
| Highest paying state | Idaho | Alaska |
| Best paying company | Baptist Health South Florida | TreeHouse Foods |
| Best paying industry | Energy | Automotive |
There are a few differences between a mechanical spreader operator and a machine operator/forklift operator in terms of educational background:
| Mechanical Spreader Operator | Machine Operator/Forklift Operator | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 36% | High School Diploma, 61% |
| Most common major | Automotive Technology | Business |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between mechanical spreader operators' and machine operator/forklift operators' demographics:
| Mechanical Spreader Operator | Machine Operator/Forklift Operator | |
| Average age | 47 | 43 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 95.7% Female, 4.3% | Male, 89.9% Female, 10.1% |
| 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, 16.6% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 18.5% Asian, 2.3% White, 57.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8% |
| LGBT Percentage | 5% | 4% |