Unloader operator vs mechanical spreader operator

The differences between unloader 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 an unloader 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 $37,270 average annual salary of an unloader operator.

The top three skills for an unloader operator include rail cars, storage tanks and unload trucks. The most important skills for a mechanical spreader operator are hand tools, plumbing, and preventive maintenance.

Unloader operator vs mechanical spreader operator overview

	Unloader Operator	Mechanical Spreader Operator
Yearly salary	$37,270	$42,262
Hourly rate	$17.92	$20.32
Growth rate	7%	-7%
Number of jobs	49,366	60,297
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 61%	High School Diploma, 36%
Average age	43	47
Years of experience	4	12

Unloader operator vs mechanical spreader operator salary

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

	Unloader Operator	Mechanical Spreader Operator
Average salary	$37,270	$42,262
Salary range	Between $29,000 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 unloader operator and mechanical spreader operator education

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

	Unloader Operator	Mechanical Spreader Operator
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 61%	High School Diploma, 36%
Most common major	Business	Automotive Technology
Most common college	-	-

Unloader operator vs mechanical spreader operator demographics

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

	Unloader Operator	Mechanical Spreader Operator
Average age	43	47
Gender ratio	Male, 86.0% Female, 14.0%	Male, 95.7% Female, 4.3%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 16.0% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 17.7% Asian, 2.2% White, 59.0% 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 unloader operator and mechanical spreader operator duties and responsibilities

Unloader operator example responsibilities.

Use automate systems and RF units to pull, put away and load customer product, in addition to managing inventory
Perform specialized production line and quality control duties in a professional production environment specializing in plastic extrusion.
Recycle used materials -cleane assigned areas -Assist in other warehouse areas as needed

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.

Unloader operator vs mechanical spreader operator skills

Common unloader operator skills

Rail Cars, 84%
Storage Tanks, 8%
Unload Trucks, 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
Unloader Operator
Unloader Operator vs Mechanical Spreader Operator

Updated January 8, 2025

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