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.
Also called: Log Buyer · Log Check Scaler · Log Grader · Log Scaler · Lumber Grader · Scaler
Median pay (national)
$46,710
$35,050–$63,370 (10th–90th)
Employed (US)
3,310
BLS OEWS, May 2024
Outlook 2024–34
-0.7%
~600 openings/yr
Typical entry
High school diploma or equivalent
What the numbers say
Refit analysis ·Pay for log graders and scalers shows a broad range: the top 10% earn $63,370 versus $35,050 at the bottom 10% — 1.8x. The median of $46,710 leaves roughly 36% of headroom to the 90th percentile, which is where seniority, specialization, and the skills below tend to pay off.
Refit analysis ·Employment is projected to change -0.7% from 2024 to 2034 — a projected decline, against +3% across all occupations. Even so, BLS projects about 600 openings a year, mostly to replace workers who retire or change careers.
Refit analysis ·Where you work moves the number a lot. Across the 23 states with released data, Oregon pays the most for this role (median $62,860, +35% vs the national median), while Tennessee sits lowest at $29,120 — a 116% spread for the same job title.
Refit analysis ·O*NET rates Active Listening, Critical Thinking, Speaking as the highest-importance skills here — so a resume aimed at this role should lead with evidence of those, not a generic skills list.
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Top skills employers ask for
Ranked by O*NET importance for this occupation.
- Active Listening
- Critical Thinking
- Speaking
- Writing
- Active Learning
- Monitoring
- Reading Comprehension
- Mathematics
- Learning Strategies
- Science
What they actually do
Core O*NET tasks for this role.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Measure log lengths and mark boles for bucking into logs, according to specifications.
- Communicate with coworkers by signals to direct log movement.
- Drive to sawmills, wharfs, or skids to inspect logs or pulpwood.
Tools & technology
- Microsoft Windows
- SAP software
- AS/400 Database
- Atterbury Consultants SuperACE/FLIPS
- Microsoft Access
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Word
Knowledge areas
- Production and Processing
- Mathematics
- Customer and Personal Service
- Administration and Management
- Mechanical
- Education and Training
- Transportation
- English Language