Log Graders and Scalers: Salary, Job Description, How To Become One, and Quiz

Stan T.Career, Overview

Log Graders and Scalers

Log Graders and Scalers 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
$38940
Becoming One
Easy
Education
No degree required
Job Satisfaction
Low
Job Growth

Personality
Interest Match



Job description

Log Graders and Scalers 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.

  • 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.
Read more about what does a Log Grader and Scaler really do at work and what is it like being and working as one.



Salary

Average salary
$39060 per year

Average hourly wage
$19 per hour


Log Graders and Scalers with little to no experience tend to make between $24610 and $29760 while the more experienced ones can earn over $46930 per year.

Top 5 paying states Hourly Annual
WA $23 $47,480
WI $23 $47,130
IN $22 $46,740
MS $22 $45,040
OR $21 $43,890

One of the easiest ways to increase your salary as a Log Grader and Scaler is to move to a higher paying state like WA. Right now, the highest paying states for Log Graders and Scalers are WA, WI, IN, MS and OR.

However, a higher pay at WA doesn’t guarantee that you will make more because the living expenses at WA might be twice as high than where you are currently at now.

Three other factors that can increase your salary as a Log Grader and Scaler is the degree you hold, the industry you work in, and lastly the company you work for.


Requirements

Recommended degree level
No degree required

We asked other Log Graders and Scalers what degree they had when they got the job and most of them said they had a High School Diploma followed by a College Certificate.

Other than that, we also asked them what did they major in and here are the most popular majors that came up.

No degree required
Read more about how to become a Log Grader and Scaler and the degree, training and education you need.

Pros and Cons

Here are some of the pros and cons of being a Log Grader and Scaler.

PROS
Suitable for people who likes practical and hands-on work
Suitable for people who wants independence and likes to work on their own and make decisions
This career is perfect for people who love to work outdoors.
It is not too difficult to get into this career. Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for this career.
CONS
Not suitable for people who likes to help and teach others
One of the lowest paying jobs
Demand for this career is declining
Long working hours (More than 40 hours per week)

What is the job like

Job satisfaction
62%

Is this job meaningful
57%


62% of Log Graders and Scalers said they were satisfied with their job and 57% said they feel like their job is making other people’s lives better.


Is this right for me

Best personality for this career
The Builders and The Organizers

You can read more about these career personality types here.

People who are suitable for this job tends to like work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They like working with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery..

They also like following set procedures and routines. They like working with data and details more than with ideas.



Learn more about Log Graders and Scalers

Summary (You are here)
Job Description
Salary
Requirements
Quiz

Related career information

Log Graders and Scalers job description, Log Graders and Scalers salary, Log Graders and Scalers information, what is the job of a Log Grader and Scaler like, pros and cons about Log Graders and Scalers, colleges and universities for Log Graders and Scalers, is Log Graders and Scalers the right career for me, careers in Agriculture, Fishing and Forestry

Similar careers

Check Scaler, Compounding Scaler, Contract Forester, Deck Scaler, Deck Specialist, Decker, Deckman, Forester, Inspector, Landing Scaler

Additional resources