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The differences between mechanical spreader operators and material handler/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 material handler/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 $36,453 average annual salary of a material handler/forklift operator.
The top three skills for a mechanical spreader operator include hand tools, plumbing and preventive maintenance. The most important skills for a material handler/forklift operator are pallets, safety procedures, and electric pallet jack.
| Mechanical Spreader Operator | Material Handler/Forklift Operator | |
| Yearly salary | $42,262 | $36,453 |
| Hourly rate | $20.32 | $17.53 |
| Growth rate | -7% | 7% |
| Number of jobs | 60,297 | 168,379 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| 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.
A material handler and forklift operator is responsible for transporting and storing various kinds of goods, even including fragile or hazardous shipments. The duties and location will vary depending on the line of work or industry involved. However, most of the tasks will require efficiency in operating machinery, communication skills, and great attention to detail. Furthermore, a material handler and forklift operator must monitor products and keep an accurate record of overall activities, transport materials within allotted time and schedule, and maintain communication and coordination with co-workers and supervisors.
Mechanical spreader operators and material handler/forklift operators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Mechanical Spreader Operator | Material Handler/Forklift Operator | |
| Average salary | $42,262 | $36,453 |
| Salary range | Between $30,000 And $58,000 | Between $29,000 And $45,000 |
| Highest paying City | Milwaukee, WI | Lakeville, MN |
| Highest paying state | Idaho | North Dakota |
| Best paying company | Baptist Health South Florida | Nestlé |
| Best paying industry | Energy | Automotive |
There are a few differences between a mechanical spreader operator and a material handler/forklift operator in terms of educational background:
| Mechanical Spreader Operator | Material Handler/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 material handler/forklift operators' demographics:
| Mechanical Spreader Operator | Material Handler/Forklift 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, 16.3% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 18.2% Asian, 2.4% White, 58.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8% |
| LGBT Percentage | 5% | 4% |