Mule operator vs mechanical spreader operator

The differences between mule operators and mechanical spreader operators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 2-4 years to become a mule operator, becoming a mechanical spreader operator takes usually requires 6-12 months. Additionally, a mechanical spreader operator has an average salary of $42,262, which is higher than the $33,910 average annual salary of a mule operator.

Mule operator vs mechanical spreader operator overview

	Mule Operator	Mechanical Spreader Operator
Yearly salary	$33,910	$42,262
Hourly rate	$16.30	$20.32
Growth rate	7%	-7%
Number of jobs	42,264	60,297
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 83%	High School Diploma, 36%
Average age	43	47
Years of experience	4	12

Mule operator vs mechanical spreader operator salary

Mule operators and mechanical spreader operators have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Mule Operator	Mechanical Spreader Operator
Average salary	$33,910	$42,262
Salary range	Between $28,000 And $41,000	Between $30,000 And $58,000
Highest paying City	-	Milwaukee, WI
Highest paying state	-	Idaho
Best paying company	-	Baptist Health South Florida
Best paying industry	-	Energy

Differences between mule operator and mechanical spreader operator education

There are a few differences between a mule operator and a mechanical spreader operator in terms of educational background:

	Mule Operator	Mechanical Spreader Operator
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 83%	High School Diploma, 36%
Most common major	Computer Technical Support	Automotive Technology
Most common college	-	-

Mule operator vs mechanical spreader operator demographics

Here are the differences between mule operators' and mechanical spreader operators' demographics:

	Mule Operator	Mechanical Spreader Operator
Average age	43	47
Gender ratio	Male, 83.8% Female, 16.2%	Male, 95.7% Female, 4.3%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 20.3% Unknown, 4.0% Hispanic or Latino, 23.2% Asian, 1.8% White, 49.9% 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	4%	5%

Differences between mule operator and mechanical spreader operator duties and responsibilities

Mule operator example responsibilities.

Use automate systems and RF units to pull, put away and load customer product, in addition to managing inventory
Landscape and maintain residential HOA communities.
Perform specialized production line and quality control duties in a professional production environment specializing in plastic extrusion.
Move inventory in support of logistics management.

Mechanical spreader operator example responsibilities.

Accomplish in arc, gas, MIG, and TIG welding.
Manage an internal environmental information system and ensure compliance with EPA and RCRA regulations.
Skil in MIG and TIG.
Experience with fiber optics, time & PLC programming.
Follow GMP rules and current compliance regulations and standards.
Assemble all gardening tools, lawnmowers, rakes etc.

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Mule Operator
Mule Operator vs Mechanical Spreader Operator

Updated January 8, 2025

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