Skilled Trades
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.
Median salary
$46,710
Typical range
$35k – $63k
Job outlook
See national outlook
AI exposure
Plan a path to Log Graders and Scalers
Education
Typical entry: No degree required
Plan my path to this →Typical progression
Junior Log Graders and Scalers
Entry / Junior
$35,050
~2 yrs to advance
Log Graders and Scalers
Established
$46,710
~3 yrs to advance
Senior Log Graders and Scalers
Senior
$55,040
Key skills
A typical 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.
Fields of study
Any field
Top colleges for Skilled Trades
Explore all- Purdue University50% admit · $78,000 grad pay
- Ohio State University53% admit · $68,000 grad pay
- Pennsylvania State University55% admit · $70,000 grad pay
Reputation-based selection; stats shown are outcome data per school.