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The differences between mechanical technicians and mechanical spreader operators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 4-6 years to become a mechanical technician, becoming a mechanical spreader operator takes usually requires 6-12 months. Additionally, a mechanical technician has an average salary of $51,367, which is higher than the $42,262 average annual salary of a mechanical spreader operator.
The top three skills for a mechanical technician include preventive maintenance, hand tools and electro-mechanical. The most important skills for a mechanical spreader operator are hand tools, plumbing, and preventive maintenance.
| Mechanical Technician | Mechanical Spreader Operator | |
| Yearly salary | $51,367 | $42,262 |
| Hourly rate | $24.70 | $20.32 |
| Growth rate | 2% | -7% |
| Number of jobs | 106,997 | 60,297 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 38% | High School Diploma, 36% |
| Average age | 45 | 47 |
| Years of experience | 6 | 12 |
The primary job of mechanical technicians is to help mechanical engineers design, develop, test, and manufacture mechanical devices such as machines and engines. They typically do varied tasks, including evaluating design sketches for new and changing tools, discussing changes with colleagues, and reviewing blueprints and instructions for projects. As a mechanical technician, you are also responsible for estimating equipment life, plant space, and labor costs. To become successful in this role, you need to have an associate degree in mechanical engineering technology, excellent communication skills, and mechanical skills.
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.
Mechanical technicians and mechanical spreader operators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Mechanical Technician | Mechanical Spreader Operator | |
| Average salary | $51,367 | $42,262 |
| Salary range | Between $38,000 And $68,000 | Between $30,000 And $58,000 |
| Highest paying City | Oakland, CA | Milwaukee, WI |
| Highest paying state | Alaska | Idaho |
| Best paying company | Meta | Baptist Health South Florida |
| Best paying industry | Energy | Energy |
There are a few differences between a mechanical technician and a mechanical spreader operator in terms of educational background:
| Mechanical Technician | Mechanical Spreader Operator | |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 38% | High School Diploma, 36% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering | Automotive Technology |
| Most common college | Purdue University | - |
Here are the differences between mechanical technicians' and mechanical spreader operators' demographics:
| Mechanical Technician | Mechanical Spreader Operator | |
| Average age | 45 | 47 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 94.4% Female, 5.6% | Male, 95.7% Female, 4.3% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 9.6% Unknown, 4.9% Hispanic or Latino, 16.9% Asian, 7.8% White, 60.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7% | 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% |
| LGBT Percentage | 6% | 5% |