Skidder operator vs mechanical spreader operator

The differences between skidder 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 skidder 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 $39,342 average annual salary of a skidder operator.

The top three skills for a skidder operator include transport logs, general maintenance and air filters. The most important skills for a mechanical spreader operator are hand tools, plumbing, and preventive maintenance.

Skidder operator vs mechanical spreader operator overview

	Skidder Operator	Mechanical Spreader Operator
Yearly salary	$39,342	$42,262
Hourly rate	$18.91	$20.32
Growth rate	7%	-7%
Number of jobs	42,263	60,297
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 57%	High School Diploma, 36%
Average age	43	47
Years of experience	4	12

Skidder operator vs mechanical spreader operator salary

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

	Skidder Operator	Mechanical Spreader Operator
Average salary	$39,342	$42,262
Salary range	Between $31,000 And $49,000	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 skidder operator and mechanical spreader operator education

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

	Skidder Operator	Mechanical Spreader Operator
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 57%	High School Diploma, 36%
Most common major	Automotive Technology	Automotive Technology
Most common college	-	-

Skidder operator vs mechanical spreader operator demographics

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

	Skidder Operator	Mechanical Spreader Operator
Average age	43	47
Gender ratio	Male, 95.0% Female, 5.0%	Male, 95.7% Female, 4.3%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 13.2% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 14.2% Asian, 2.1% White, 65.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%	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 skidder operator and mechanical spreader operator duties and responsibilities

Skidder operator example responsibilities.

Use automate systems and RF units to pull, put away and load customer product, in addition to managing inventory
Operate a skidder, pulling logs to the landing after setting chokers on them
Perform inventory accuracy transactions into MARC, load trailers, organize pallets into the warehouse and receive packaging materials.
Hook and pull logs from wood areas to loading yard area and knuckle boom.
Perform specialized production line and quality control duties in a professional production environment specializing in plastic extrusion.

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.

Skidder operator vs mechanical spreader operator skills

Common skidder operator skills

Transport Logs, 30%
General Maintenance, 14%
Air Filters, 10%
Equipment Maintenance, 9%
Booms, 9%
CDL, 8%

Common mechanical spreader operator skills

Hand Tools, 10%
Plumbing, 6%
Preventive Maintenance, 6%
Safety Procedures, 5%
Repair Equipment, 5%
Mechanical Systems, 4%

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Transportation Industry
Skidder Operator
Skidder Operator vs Mechanical Spreader Operator

Updated January 8, 2025

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