Graders and Sorters Salary by State
The national median pay for graders and sorters is $35,730 a year. By state, it ranges from $27,470 in Florida to $48,740 in Colorado.
Updated October 2026 · Data: BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
U.S. pay range
- Lowest 10%
- $29,580
- 25th percentile
- $34,320
- Median
- $35,730
- 75th percentile
- $38,260
- Top 10%
- $44,490
Annual pay, all U.S. workers in this job. About 25,180 jobs.
Median pay in 37 states
| # | State | Median | vs. U.S. | Lowest 10% | Top 10% | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Colorado | $48,740 | +36% | $30,960 | $55,510 | 230 |
| 2 | Minnesota | $47,540 | +33% | $38,310 | $52,440 | 30 |
| 3 | Maine | $45,810 | +28% | $35,490 | $46,670 | 40 |
| 4 | North Dakota | $45,590 | +28% | $36,720 | $53,970 | 260 |
| 5 | Nebraska | $45,560 | +28% | $34,780 | $62,930 | 330 |
| 6 | Utah | $42,710 | +20% | $37,220 | $44,030 | 100 |
| 7 | Iowa | $42,450 | +19% | $39,240 | $55,740 | 170 |
| 8 | Massachusetts | $41,770 | +17% | $31,200 | $45,500 | 40 |
| 9 | Maryland | $41,740 | +17% | $32,960 | $63,970 | 430 |
| 10 | Illinois | $41,670 | +17% | $36,270 | $46,910 | 220 |
| 11 | South Dakota | $39,900 | +12% | $30,140 | $48,720 | 380 |
| 12 | Michigan | $39,180 | +10% | $30,910 | $63,640 | 100 |
| 13 | Ohio | $38,500 | +8% | $22,260 | $47,020 | 100 |
| 14 | Pennsylvania | $38,430 | +8% | $35,760 | $44,590 | 970 |
| 15 | Kansas | $38,170 | +7% | $24,860 | $54,680 | 160 |
| 16 | New Jersey | $37,880 | +6% | $33,330 | $38,910 | Not published |
| 17 | Kentucky | $37,300 | +4% | $28,490 | $37,400 | 160 |
| 18 | Tennessee | $36,880 | +3% | $34,670 | $41,450 | 640 |
| 19 | California | $36,330 | +2% | $34,320 | $42,170 | 5,750 |
| 20 | Louisiana | $36,090 | +1% | $26,050 | $52,830 | 280 |
| 21 | Texas | $36,090 | +1% | $29,280 | $42,910 | 1,950 |
| 22 | Missouri | $35,800 | 0% | $33,990 | $39,050 | 530 |
| 23 | Georgia | $35,450 | −1% | $25,870 | $42,390 | 1,700 |
| 24 | Alabama | $35,390 | −1% | $30,330 | $36,580 | 840 |
| 25 | Arkansas | $35,310 | −1% | $32,750 | $38,190 | 1,650 |
| 26 | Washington | $34,950 | −2% | $34,650 | $39,360 | 2,830 |
| 27 | Virginia | $34,860 | −2% | $34,600 | $44,110 | 230 |
| 28 | North Carolina | $34,720 | −3% | $23,830 | $40,930 | 450 |
| 29 | Oklahoma | $34,700 | −3% | $26,380 | $46,410 | 260 |
| 30 | Oregon | $34,660 | −3% | $29,650 | $44,200 | 730 |
| 31 | South Carolina | $34,510 | −3% | $30,310 | $40,330 | 230 |
| 32 | Wisconsin | $33,250 | −7% | $23,170 | $46,730 | 110 |
| 33 | Arizona | $31,700 | −11% | $30,770 | $44,020 | 170 |
| 34 | New Mexico | $30,480 | −15% | $27,320 | $35,700 | 90 |
| 35 | Mississippi | $30,140 | −16% | $15,940 | $33,950 | 1,140 |
| 36 | Idaho | $27,680 | −23% | $23,710 | $45,590 | 600 |
| 37 | Florida | $27,470 | −23% | $27,040 | $35,360 | 880 |
BLS OEWS May 2025 state estimates. States without published data are not listed. “Not published”: BLS withheld the value or it is above the highest amount BLS publishes. Pay is not adjusted for living costs.
Graders and Sorters salary questions
Which state pays graders and sorters the most?
Colorado, with a median of $48,740 a year (+36% vs. the national median of $35,730). BLS May 2025.
Which state pays graders and sorters the least?
Florida, with a median of $27,470 a year (−23% vs. national).
Where do most graders and sorters work?
California has the most jobs, about 5,750, with a median of $36,330.
Does a higher salary mean more money left over?
Not always. These are pay figures only. Living costs, taxes and housing differ a lot between states, and this page does not adjust for them.