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The differences between pallet jack 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 pallet jack 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 $34,098 average annual salary of a pallet jack operator.
The top three skills for a pallet jack operator include pallets, electric pallet jack and safety regulations. The most important skills for a mechanical spreader operator are hand tools, plumbing, and preventive maintenance.
| Pallet Jack Operator | Mechanical Spreader Operator | |
| Yearly salary | $34,098 | $42,262 |
| Hourly rate | $16.39 | $20.32 |
| Growth rate | 7% | -7% |
| Number of jobs | 136,563 | 60,297 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 63% | High School Diploma, 36% |
| Average age | 43 | 47 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 12 |
Pallet jack operators and mechanical spreader operators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Pallet Jack Operator | Mechanical Spreader Operator | |
| Average salary | $34,098 | $42,262 |
| Salary range | Between $28,000 And $40,000 | Between $30,000 And $58,000 |
| Highest paying City | Denver, CO | Milwaukee, WI |
| Highest paying state | Alaska | Idaho |
| Best paying company | Cargill | Baptist Health South Florida |
| Best paying industry | Manufacturing | Energy |
There are a few differences between a pallet jack operator and a mechanical spreader operator in terms of educational background:
| Pallet Jack Operator | Mechanical Spreader Operator | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 63% | High School Diploma, 36% |
| Most common major | Business | Automotive Technology |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between pallet jack operators' and mechanical spreader operators' demographics:
| Pallet Jack Operator | Mechanical Spreader Operator | |
| Average age | 43 | 47 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 89.5% Female, 10.5% | Male, 95.7% Female, 4.3% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 17.6% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 20.3% Asian, 2.7% White, 54.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9% | 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% |