Paver operator vs spreader operator

The differences between paver operators and spreader operators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both a paver operator and a spreader operator. Additionally, a paver operator has an average salary of $42,531, which is higher than the $38,453 average annual salary of a spreader operator.

The top three skills for a paver operator include asphalt, highway construction and loaders. The most important skills for a spreader operator are loaders, OSHA, and CDL.

Paver operator vs spreader operator overview

	Paver Operator	Spreader Operator
Yearly salary	$42,531	$38,453
Hourly rate	$20.45	$18.49
Growth rate	5%	5%
Number of jobs	34,683	30,111
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 59%	Associate Degree, 34%
Average age	45	45
Years of experience	2	2

Paver operator vs spreader operator salary

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

	Paver Operator	Spreader Operator
Average salary	$42,531	$38,453
Salary range	Between $32,000 And $56,000	Between $26,000 And $56,000
Highest paying City	-	-
Highest paying state	-	-
Best paying company	-	-
Best paying industry	-	-

Differences between paver operator and spreader operator education

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

	Paver Operator	Spreader Operator
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 59%	Associate Degree, 34%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	-	-

Paver operator vs spreader operator demographics

Here are the differences between paver operators' and spreader operators' demographics:

	Paver Operator	Spreader Operator
Average age	45	45
Gender ratio	Male, 98.5% Female, 1.5%	Male, 75.0% Female, 25.0%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 5.8% Unknown, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino, 12.7% Asian, 0.9% White, 74.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 2.0%	Black or African American, 5.8% Unknown, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino, 12.7% Asian, 0.9% White, 74.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 2.0%
LGBT Percentage	2%	2%

Differences between paver operator and spreader operator duties and responsibilities

Paver operator example responsibilities.

Receive MSHA training and implement safety procedures daily.
Crane operator, Bidwell paving machine operator and setup.
Help to ensure EPA and OSHA standards and procedures are followed.
Install dies, cutters, and extensions to screeds onto machines, using hand tools.
Train to operate equipment in a safe and effective manner in accordance to MSHA regulations.
Start engine and control paving machine to push dump truck and maintain constant flow of asphalt into hopper.

Spreader operator example responsibilities.

Operate heavy machinery such as bobcat equipment and also operate and pave asphalt perform demolition work.
Work together as a four-man team manually making plywood, pull green chain.

Paver operator vs spreader operator skills

Common paver operator skills

Asphalt, 51%
Highway Construction, 9%
Loaders, 8%
OSHA, 7%
Construction Sites, 6%
Safety Standards, 4%

Common spreader operator skills

Loaders, 37%
OSHA, 30%
CDL, 23%
Asphalt, 10%

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Updated January 8, 2025

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