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The differences between mechanical spreader operators and terminal 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 terminal operator takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a mechanical spreader operator has an average salary of $42,262, which is higher than the $39,948 average annual salary of a terminal operator.
The top three skills for a mechanical spreader operator include hand tools, plumbing and preventive maintenance. The most important skills for a terminal operator are loaders, cranes, and rail cars.
| Mechanical Spreader Operator | Terminal Operator | |
| Yearly salary | $42,262 | $39,948 |
| Hourly rate | $20.32 | $19.21 |
| Growth rate | -7% | 7% |
| Number of jobs | 60,297 | 43,328 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 36% | High School Diploma, 34% |
| 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 terminal operator is responsible for assisting daily operations within the transportation or manufacturing agencies. Terminal operators inspect the stability and efficiency of equipment and machinery to ensure its optimal performance during operational processes. They conduct quality control tests to determine inconsistencies in terminal functions and strategize techniques to enhance distribution policies. A terminal operator must have excellent organizational and mechanical skills to maintain terminal equipment and assist the team in performing duties to achieve business goals and objectives.
Mechanical spreader operators and terminal operators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Mechanical Spreader Operator | Terminal Operator | |
| Average salary | $42,262 | $39,948 |
| Salary range | Between $30,000 And $58,000 | Between $32,000 And $48,000 |
| Highest paying City | Milwaukee, WI | Fargo, ND |
| Highest paying state | Idaho | Hawaii |
| Best paying company | Baptist Health South Florida | Land O'Lakes |
| Best paying industry | Energy | Construction |
There are a few differences between a mechanical spreader operator and a terminal operator in terms of educational background:
| Mechanical Spreader Operator | Terminal Operator | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 36% | High School Diploma, 34% |
| Most common major | Automotive Technology | Business |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between mechanical spreader operators' and terminal operators' demographics:
| Mechanical Spreader Operator | Terminal Operator | |
| Average age | 47 | 43 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 95.7% Female, 4.3% | Male, 82.5% Female, 17.5% |
| 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, 15.3% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 20.5% Asian, 2.9% White, 56.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9% |
| LGBT Percentage | 5% | 4% |