Spreader operator vs mechanical spreader operator

The differences between spreader operators and mechanical spreader operators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 1-2 years to become a spreader 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 $38,453 average annual salary of a spreader operator.

The top three skills for a spreader operator include loaders, OSHA and CDL. The most important skills for a mechanical spreader operator are hand tools, plumbing, and preventive maintenance.

Spreader operator vs mechanical spreader operator overview

	Spreader Operator	Mechanical Spreader Operator
Yearly salary	$38,453	$42,262
Hourly rate	$18.49	$20.32
Growth rate	5%	-7%
Number of jobs	30,111	60,297
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Associate Degree, 34%	High School Diploma, 36%
Average age	45	47
Years of experience	2	12

Spreader operator vs mechanical spreader operator salary

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

	Spreader Operator	Mechanical Spreader Operator
Average salary	$38,453	$42,262
Salary range	Between $26,000 And $56,000	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 spreader operator and mechanical spreader operator education

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

	Spreader Operator	Mechanical Spreader Operator
Most common degree	Associate Degree, 34%	High School Diploma, 36%
Most common major	Business	Automotive Technology
Most common college	-	-

Spreader operator vs mechanical spreader operator demographics

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

	Spreader Operator	Mechanical Spreader Operator
Average age	45	47
Gender ratio	Male, 75.0% Female, 25.0%	Male, 95.7% Female, 4.3%
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, 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	2%	5%

Differences between spreader operator and mechanical spreader operator duties and responsibilities

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.

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.

Spreader operator vs mechanical spreader operator skills

Common spreader operator skills

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

Common mechanical spreader operator skills

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

Spreader Operator vs. similar jobs

Spreader Operator related careers

Spreader Operator related jobs

What similar roles do

Zippia Careers
Construction and Extraction Industry
Spreader Operator
Spreader Operator vs Mechanical Spreader Operator

Updated January 8, 2025

Browse construction and extraction jobs