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Tamping machine operator vs spreader operator

The differences between tamping machine 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 tamping machine operator and a spreader operator. Additionally, a spreader operator has an average salary of $38,453, which is higher than the $32,069 average annual salary of a tamping machine operator.

The top three skills for a tamping machine operator include grade specifications, CDL and track structure. The most important skills for a spreader operator are loaders, OSHA, and CDL.

Tamping machine operator vs spreader operator overview

Tamping Machine OperatorSpreader Operator
Yearly salary$32,069$38,453
Hourly rate$15.42$18.49
Growth rate5%5%
Number of jobs53,71230,111
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 56%Associate Degree, 34%
Average age4545
Years of experience22

Tamping machine operator vs spreader operator salary

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

Tamping Machine OperatorSpreader Operator
Average salary$32,069$38,453
Salary rangeBetween $25,000 And $41,000Between $26,000 And $56,000
Highest paying City--
Highest paying state--
Best paying company--
Best paying industry--

Differences between tamping machine operator and spreader operator education

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

Tamping Machine OperatorSpreader Operator
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 56%Associate Degree, 34%
Most common majorEngineeringBusiness
Most common college--

Tamping machine operator vs spreader operator demographics

Here are the differences between tamping machine operators' and spreader operators' demographics:

Tamping Machine OperatorSpreader Operator
Average age4545
Gender ratioMale, 88.9% Female, 11.1%Male, 75.0% Female, 25.0%
Race ratioBlack 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 Percentage2%2%

Differences between tamping machine operator and spreader operator duties and responsibilities

Tamping machine operator example responsibilities.

  • Record statistics on ISO documentation, and coordinate with machine technicians and electrical technicians to keep machines operating at maximum efficiency.
  • Crane operator, Bidwell paving machine operator and setup.

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.

Tamping machine operator vs spreader operator skills

Common tamping machine operator skills
  • Grade Specifications, 35%
  • CDL, 34%
  • Track Structure, 27%
  • Tampers, 4%
Common spreader operator skills
  • Loaders, 37%
  • OSHA, 30%
  • CDL, 23%
  • Asphalt, 10%

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