Torch operator vs mechanical spreader operator

The differences between torch 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 torch 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 $38,691 average annual salary of a torch operator.

The top three skills for a torch operator include rail cars, torches and plate steel. The most important skills for a mechanical spreader operator are hand tools, plumbing, and preventive maintenance.

Torch operator vs mechanical spreader operator overview

	Torch Operator	Mechanical Spreader Operator
Yearly salary	$38,691	$42,262
Hourly rate	$18.60	$20.32
Growth rate	7%	-7%
Number of jobs	42,306	60,297
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 44%	High School Diploma, 36%
Average age	43	47
Years of experience	4	12

Torch operator vs mechanical spreader operator salary

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

	Torch Operator	Mechanical Spreader Operator
Average salary	$38,691	$42,262
Salary range	Between $31,000 And $47,000	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 torch operator and mechanical spreader operator education

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

	Torch Operator	Mechanical Spreader Operator
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 44%	High School Diploma, 36%
Most common major	Precision Metal Working	Automotive Technology
Most common college	-	-

Torch operator vs mechanical spreader operator demographics

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

	Torch Operator	Mechanical Spreader Operator
Average age	43	47
Gender ratio	Male, 94.5% Female, 5.5%	Male, 95.7% Female, 4.3%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 14.4% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 15.8% Asian, 2.2% White, 62.5% 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 torch operator and mechanical spreader operator duties and responsibilities

Torch operator example responsibilities.

Use automate systems and RF units to pull, put away and load customer product, in addition to managing inventory
Enter all data in AS400 for shipping.
Operate various plasma equipment and hand torches to create items detail in blueprints.
Perform specialized production line and quality control duties in a professional production environment specializing in plastic extrusion.
Operate material handling equipment, overhead crane, electric truck and forklift
Used crane to unload flat bed trucks and rail cars of sheets of steel.

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.

Torch operator vs mechanical spreader operator skills

Common torch operator skills

Rail Cars, 47%
Torches, 38%
Plate Steel, 10%
CAD, 6%

Common mechanical spreader operator skills

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

Torch Operator vs. similar jobs

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Transportation Industry
Torch Operator
Torch Operator vs Mechanical Spreader Operator

Updated January 8, 2025

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