Log graders and scalers
SOC Code: 45-4023Also known as:
Check Scaler, Compounding Scaler, Deck Scaler, Deck Specialist, Decker
Median Annual Salary
$46,710
-0.7% growth (2024-2034)
600
Openings/Year
5K
Current Jobs
What 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.
💰 Salary
$46,710
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
-0.7%
Little or no change
🎓 Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
600
Projected average per year
📚 On-the-Job Training
Moderate-term on-the-job training
Expected training period
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
4,600
Projected Employment (2034)
4,600
Related Careers
Weighers, measurers, checkers, and samplers, recordkeeping
$45,650 •
-4.8% growth
Graders and sorters, agricultural products
$35,430 •
-5.4% growth
Logging equipment operators
$49,210 •
-1.4% growth
Inspectors, testers, sorters, samplers, and weighers
$47,460 •
+0.0% growth
Laborers and freight, stock, and material movers, hand
$38,940 •
+1.5% growth
Top Skills Required
Active Listening
Critical Thinking
Speaking
Writing
Active Learning
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- 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.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
High School Diploma
O*NET recommended level
College Rankings
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much do log graders and scalers make?
The median annual salary for log graders and scalers is $46,710.
What education do log graders and scalers need?
Most log graders and scalers positions require a high school diploma or equivalent.
Is becoming log graders and scalers a good career choice?
Log graders and scalers is projected to see -0.7% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which reflects some decline in the field. With approximately 600 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for log graders and scalers?
The best colleges offer strong programs in related fields with experienced faculty and industry connections.
What other job titles are similar to log graders and scalers?
Log graders and scalers may also be known as: Check Scaler, Compounding Scaler, Deck Scaler, Deck Specialist, Decker, Deckman, Landing Scaler, Log Buyer, Log Check Scaler, Log Grader, Log Marker, Log Scaler, Log Sorter, Lumber Grader, Materials Inspector, Pond Scaler, Pondman, Raw Materials Inspector, Scale Technician, Scaler.
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.