Log Graders and Scalers
SOC code 45-4023 · O*NET-SOC 45-4023.00 · Little to some preparation needed
Log Graders and Scalers pay
U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number
Median pay
$46,330
a year
Hourly
$22.27
per hour
The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.
Average pay
$47,770
$22.97 per hour
Middle 50%
$37,780 – $56,250
25th to 75th percentile
Full spread
$34,950 – $62,400
10th to 90th percentile
People employed
3,070
nationwide
National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.
- 10th percentile
- $34,950
- $16.80/hr
- 25th percentile
- $37,780
- $18.16/hr
- Median percentile
- $46,330
- $22.27/hr
- 75th percentile
- $56,250
- $27.04/hr
- 90th percentile
- $62,400
- $30.00/hr
What do log graders and scalers do?
Grade logs or estimate the marketable content or value of logs or pulpwood in sorting yards, millpond, log deck, or similar locations. Inspect logs for defects or measure logs to determine volume.
The tasks that matter most day to day
- Evaluate log characteristics and determine grades, using established criteria.
- Record data about individual trees or load volumes into tally books or hand-held collection terminals.
- Measure felled logs or loads of pulpwood to calculate volume, weight, dimensions, and marketable value, using measuring devices and conversion tables.
- Paint identification marks of specified colors on logs to identify grades or species, using spray cans, or call out grades to log markers.
- Jab logs with metal ends of scale sticks, and inspect logs to ascertain characteristics or defects such as water damage, splits, knots, broken ends, rotten areas, twists, and curves.
- Identify logs of substandard or special grade so that they can be returned to shippers, regraded, recut, or transferred for other processing.
- Arrange for hauling of logs to appropriate mill sites.
- Weigh log trucks before and after unloading, and record load weights and supplier identities.
How to qualify for this work
Most people in this role hold high school diploma or the equivalent (such as a ged) — 64% of workers surveyed reported it as their level of education.
Preparation level: zone 2 — Little to some preparation needed
- Education
- Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.
- Experience
- Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training.
- Training
- Ranges from a few days to one year of on-the-job training.
Education reported by people doing this job
- High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)64%
- Some College Courses12%
- Less than a High School Diploma11%
- Post-Secondary Certificate11%
Common questions
How much does a log graders and scalers earn?
The national median is $46,330 a year. The full range runs from $34,950 at the 10th percentile to $62,400 at the 90th — entry pay sits closer to the lower figure, and experience, licensing and specialisation move you up the range.
Can you become a log graders and scalers without a degree?
Yes — this occupation sits in preparation zone 2, meaning the typical entry route is usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not. A four-year degree is not the standard requirement, though licensing or certification may still apply.
Skills and knowledge you need
Core skills
- Active Listening3.3/5
- Critical Thinking3.3/5
- Speaking3.1/5
- Writing3.0/5
- Active Learning3.0/5
- Monitoring3.0/5
- Reading Comprehension2.9/5
Knowledge areas
- Production and Processing3.8/5
- Mathematics3.3/5
- Customer and Personal Service3.1/5
- Administration and Management3.0/5
- Mechanical2.7/5
- Education and Training2.7/5
- Transportation2.6/5
- English Language2.5/5
Transferable strengths: Coordination, Judgment and Decision Making, Complex Problem Solving.