Farming, Fishing & Forestry
Log Graders and Scalers
Also called: Log Buyer, Log Check Scaler, Log Grader, Log Scaler
US median pay
$46,330
per year, 2025
Job growth 2025–35
-2.2%
declining
Openings a year (US)
600
4,400 employed
Typical entry education
High school diploma or equivalent
Preparation 2/5 · Some preparation
What this job is
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.
What they do 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.
- Measure log lengths and mark boles for bucking into logs, according to specifications.
- Communicate with coworkers by signals to direct log movement.
Skills and knowledge that matter most
Skills
- Judgment and Decision Making3.0/5
- Coordination3.0/5
- Time Management2.9/5
- Operations Monitoring2.9/5
- Complex Problem Solving2.9/5
- Social Perceptiveness2.8/5
- Persuasion2.8/5
- Operation and Control2.8/5
Knowledge
- 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
Importance rated by people working in the job (1 = not important, 5 = extremely important).
Education and preparation
Preparation level 2 of 5 — Some preparation. Usually a high school diploma; some previous work experience or training helps.
Typical entry education (BLS): High school diploma or equivalent.
Highest education of people in this job:
- High school diploma64%
- Some college12%
- Less than high school11%
Who this job suits
Mostly Conventional
Organising data, details and procedures
Realistic
Hands-on work with tools, machines, plants or animals
Based on the Holland (RIASEC) interest profile for this occupation.