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: Check Scaler, Compounding Scaler, Deck Scaler, Deck Specialist, Decker, Deckman
Median pay
$46,330
per year, U.S.
Pay range (10th–90th)
$34,950 – $62,400
People employed
3,070
Holland code
CRI
Conventional · Realistic · Investigative
Updated October 2026 · Data: O*NET 31.0 and BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
Is this career right for you?
These are the things that stand out in this job compared with other U.S. jobs (O*NET 31.0 work context). Answer honestly.
- 1.Are you OK working outdoors in all kinds of weather?
- 2.Do you prefer doing your own work rather than directing others?
- 3.Are you happy working mostly on your own, with little contact with others?
- 4.Are you OK working more than 40 hours a week?
- 5.Are you OK with hours that change?
The hard parts
- Work outdoors in all weather
- Tight deadlines are common
Log Graders and Scalers pay by state
Annual median pay by state (25 states with published data). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025.
What log graders and scalers do
- 01Evaluate log characteristics and determine grades, using established criteria.
- 02Record data about individual trees or load volumes into tally books or hand-held collection terminals.
- 03Measure felled logs or loads of pulpwood to calculate volume, weight, dimensions, and marketable value, using measuring devices and conversion tables.
- 04Paint identification marks of specified colors on logs to identify grades or species, using spray cans, or call out grades to log markers.
- 05Jab 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.
- 06Identify logs of substandard or special grade so that they can be returned to shippers, regraded, recut, or transferred for other processing.
Skills that matter most
- Critical Thinking
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Writing
- Active Learning
- Monitoring
Knowledge
- Production and Processing
- Mathematics
- Customer and Personal Service
- Administration and Management
- Mechanical
Work styles that stand out
- Dependability
- Attention to Detail
Education and first steps
Share of workers by required education, as reported to O*NET.
How people get started
- Usually needs a high school diploma (O*NET Job Zone 2).
- Related work experience: over 1 year, up to and including 2 years.
- On-the-job training: over 1 month, up to and including 3 months.
Most common answers from O*NET 31.0 Education, Training and Experience.
Interest fit (Holland code)
O*NET occupational interest scores, scale 1–7. Take the Free Career Test to compare with your own.
Career changes
Change from log graders and scalers
- Weighers, Measurers, Checkers, and Samplers, Recordkeeping88% · 0%
- Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers85% · +5%
- Shipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks79% · −2%
- Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand79% · −13%
- Machine Feeders and Offbearers76% · −11%
Change into log graders and scalers
Jobs whose skills carry over best (skill match, their median pay).
- Weighers, Measurers, Checkers, and Samplers, Recordkeeping85% · $46,380
- Graders and Sorters, Agricultural Products76% · $35,730
- Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers75% · $48,570
- Shipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks75% · $45,260
- Agricultural Inspectors72% · $49,940