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The differences between utility operators and mechanical spreader operators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 6-12 months to become both a utility operator and a mechanical spreader operator. Additionally, a mechanical spreader operator has an average salary of $42,262, which is higher than the $38,693 average annual salary of a utility operator.
The top three skills for a utility operator include safety standards, safety procedures and hand tools. The most important skills for a mechanical spreader operator are hand tools, plumbing, and preventive maintenance.
| Utility Operator | Mechanical Spreader Operator | |
| Yearly salary | $38,693 | $42,262 |
| Hourly rate | $18.60 | $20.32 |
| Growth rate | -7% | -7% |
| Number of jobs | 67,565 | 60,297 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 39% | High School Diploma, 36% |
| Average age | 47 | 47 |
| Years of experience | 12 | 12 |
Utility Operators are skilled employees who work with different machines, fixtures, and equipment. They operate a number of machines related to the maintenance of office facilities. Such machines include wastewater filtration systems, manufacturing equipment, and cabling works, among others. They also manage water pipes, machine gauges, and electrical cables. Utility Operators manage the fabrication, installation, and maintenance of industrial machines. They should know how to check whether the machines or equipment are working properly. When equipped with the proper tools and knowledge, they may also conduct repairs on the different machines they handle.
A mechanical spreader operators manage and operate all equipment in various industries where they perform their jobs. The operators work as general mechanics in building HVAC, general building maintenance, and pump station operations. They test electro-mechanical subsystems for operational reliability and circuit integrity. Their job includes promoting quality assurance and performance improvement programs within the organization. Also, they perform an energy audit to improve the efficiency of HVAC energy.
Utility operators and mechanical spreader operators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Utility Operator | Mechanical Spreader Operator | |
| Average salary | $38,693 | $42,262 |
| Salary range | Between $29,000 And $50,000 | Between $30,000 And $58,000 |
| Highest paying City | Portland, ME | Milwaukee, WI |
| Highest paying state | Idaho | Idaho |
| Best paying company | Dignity Health | Baptist Health South Florida |
| Best paying industry | Finance | Energy |
There are a few differences between a utility operator and a mechanical spreader operator in terms of educational background:
| Utility Operator | Mechanical Spreader Operator | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 39% | High School Diploma, 36% |
| Most common major | Business | Automotive Technology |
| Most common college | Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute | - |
Here are the differences between utility operators' and mechanical spreader operators' demographics:
| Utility Operator | Mechanical Spreader Operator | |
| Average age | 47 | 47 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 83.4% Female, 16.6% | Male, 95.7% Female, 4.3% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 7.8% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 12.6% Asian, 1.8% White, 71.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 2.3% | 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 | 5% | 5% |