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The differences between mechanical spreader operators and mill 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 mill operator takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a mechanical spreader operator has an average salary of $42,262, which is higher than the $39,045 average annual salary of a mill operator.
The top three skills for a mechanical spreader operator include hand tools, plumbing and preventive maintenance. The most important skills for a mill operator are CNC, OSHA, and math.
| Mechanical Spreader Operator | Mill Operator | |
| Yearly salary | $42,262 | $39,045 |
| Hourly rate | $20.32 | $18.77 |
| Growth rate | -7% | 7% |
| Number of jobs | 60,297 | 64,574 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 36% | High School Diploma, 49% |
| 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.
Mill operators are skilled employees who are responsible for operating and maintaining milling machines that grind materials such as rocks or chemicals at a milling facility. These operators must gather raw materials for production and assist with the inventory of all materials. They must operate a wide variety of equipment such as power saws, sanders, drill press, and basic hand tools while performing regular maintenance and troubleshooting on the milling machines. Mill operators must also attend safety meetings that are held weekly and monthly to ensure machine operators are following safety procedures.
Mechanical spreader operators and mill operators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Mechanical Spreader Operator | Mill Operator | |
| Average salary | $42,262 | $39,045 |
| Salary range | Between $30,000 And $58,000 | Between $31,000 And $48,000 |
| Highest paying City | Milwaukee, WI | San Jose, CA |
| Highest paying state | Idaho | Alaska |
| Best paying company | Baptist Health South Florida | Freeport-McMoRan |
| Best paying industry | Energy | Construction |
There are a few differences between a mechanical spreader operator and a mill operator in terms of educational background:
| Mechanical Spreader Operator | Mill Operator | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 36% | High School Diploma, 49% |
| Most common major | Automotive Technology | Business |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between mechanical spreader operators' and mill operators' demographics:
| Mechanical Spreader Operator | Mill Operator | |
| Average age | 47 | 43 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 95.7% Female, 4.3% | Male, 92.5% Female, 7.5% |
| 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, 14.4% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 16.0% Asian, 2.4% White, 62.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8% |
| LGBT Percentage | 5% | 4% |