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.
Log Graders and Scalers
SOC: 45-4023 O*NET: 45-4023.00
Median Salary
$46,710
per year
Job Growth
📉 -0.7%
Slower (2024-2034)
Annual Openings
0.6
projected jobs/year
Education Level
High school diploma or equivalent
Job Zone 2
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 does a Log Graders and Scalers do?
How much can you earn?
Entry Level
$35,050
10th percentile
Early Career
$38,390
25th percentile
Median
$46,710
50th percentile
Experienced
$56,200
75th percentile
Top Earners
$63,370
90th percentile
National Salary Distribution
10th
$35,050
25th
$38,390
Middle 50%
MEDIAN
$46,710
Mean: $48,130
75th
$56,200
90th
$63,370
Middle 50% of earners
Median salary
Mean (average)
Key Insights
- •Salary range spans $28,320 from entry level to top earners
- •Middle 50% earn between $38,390 and $56,200
- •Salary spread is 38.1% around the median, showing moderate variation
- •Total national employment: 3,310 professionals
What's the job outlook?
Job Market Intelligence
Low Demand
Market demand
Medium Risk
Automation risk
Current Employment
National Employment:4,600
Top Industries
Manufacturing84.6%
Wood Product Manufacturing83.4%
Sawmills and Wood Preservation50.8%
10-Year Outlook
Growth Rate:-0.7%
Annual Openings:600
Employment Projections
2024 (Current)4,600
Current
2034 (Projected)4,600
-0.7%
0
Employment Change
-0.7%
Growth Rate
10
Year Projection
Growth Category: More slowly than average
Geographic Salary & Employment Data
Explore where Log Graders and Scalers professionals work across the United States
Showing 15 of 23 locations
California
420 jobs$56,5701.08x
Pennsylvania
340 jobs$38,9002.64x
Arkansas
240 jobs$42,3608.69x
Washington
190 jobs$59,6702.54x
West Virginia
190 jobs$47,57012.34x
Oregon
180 jobs$62,8604.30x
Alabama
180 jobs$44,8004.06x
Kentucky
160 jobs$47,1603.73x
Mississippi
130 jobs$43,9705.03x
Wisconsin
120 jobs$50,0401.95x
North Carolina
120 jobs$46,8701.12x
Georgia
120 jobs$43,5101.16x
Louisiana
100 jobs$47,1402.37x
Ohio
90 jobs$43,6800.72x
Virginia
90 jobs$34,7201.03x
Understanding the Data
Location Quotient (LQ):
- • LQ > 1.0: More jobs than national average
- • LQ = 1.0: Same as national average
- • LQ < 1.0: Fewer jobs than national average
Data Source:
Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024
Key Growth Factors
- •Employment decline projected
What skills do you need?
Top 10 Most Important Skills
#1
Critical Thinking
100%
#2
Active Listening
92%
#3
Speaking
82%
#4
Active Learning
74%
#5
Judgment and Decision Making
66%
#6
Writing
58%
#7
Monitoring
48%
#8
Coordination
40%
Skills Overview
Critical Thinking
advanced5.0
100%
Active Listening
advanced4.6
92%
Speaking
intermediate4.1
82%
Active Learning
intermediate3.7
74%
Judgment and Decision Making
intermediate3.3
66%
Writing
basic2.9
58%
Monitoring
basic2.4
48%
Coordination
basic2.0
40%
Skills are rated on a scale of 0-5, with 5 being the most important. The complexity level indicates how advanced the skill typically needs to be.
Filter:
Sort by:
Critical Thinking
advancedImportance100%
abilities
5.0/5.0
Active Listening
advancedImportance92%
skills
4.6/5.0
Speaking
intermediateImportance82%
skills
4.1/5.0
Active Learning
intermediateImportance74%
abilities
3.7/5.0
Judgment and Decision Making
intermediateImportance66%
abilities
3.3/5.0
Writing
basicImportance58%
skills
2.9/5.0
Monitoring
basicImportance48%
skills
2.4/5.0
Coordination
basicImportance40%
skills
2.0/5.0
Highly Transferable Skills
These skills are valuable across multiple career paths, making career transitions easier:
Sustainability Specialists80%
5 shared skills
Cartographers and Photogrammetrists80%
5 shared skills
Environmental Engineers80%
5 shared skills
Music Directors and Composers80%
5 shared skills
Retail Loss Prevention Specialists80%
5 shared skills
Psychiatrists80%
5 shared skills
Skills by Career Stage
Entry Level
Must Have:
- ✓Active Listening
- ✓Speaking
Learn on the Job:
- →Writing
- →Judgment and Decision Making
Mid Career
Expected:
- ✓Active Listening
- ✓Speaking
- ✓Critical Thinking
Senior Level
Mastery Required:
- ★Active Listening
- ★Speaking
- ★Critical Thinking
- ★Active Learning
Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on developing the top 5 skills first - they have the highest impact on career success
- •Transferable skills open doors to related careers and provide flexibility
- •Balance technical skills with soft skills for well-rounded professional development
- •Entry-level positions prioritize foundational skills that can be built upon over time
What technology will you use?
Technology & Digital Skills
Essential technology proficiencies for Log Graders and Scalers
Technology Intensity
High
Digital Literacy Requirements
This career requires advanced digital literacy
1
Basic
2
Intermediate
3
Advanced
4
Expert
Key Digital Competencies:
Proficiency with specialized softwareTechnical documentationData analysis toolsSystem integration
🔥
Hot Technologies in Demand
These technologies are currently trending and highly sought after in this field
Microsoft Access
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Outlook
🔥 Hot TechSAP software
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Office software
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Windows
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft PowerPoint
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Excel
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Word
🔥 Hot TechTechnology Stack
Technology Stack Overview
Key technologies used in this career
Microsoft Access
Microsoft Outlook
SAP software
Microsoft Office software
Microsoft Windows
Microsoft PowerPoint
Microsoft Excel
Microsoft Word
📚 Technology Learning Resources
Recommended Certifications
- •Vendor-specific software certifications
- •Industry-recognized technology credentials
- •Professional development courses
Online Learning Platforms
- •LinkedIn Learning - Comprehensive technology courses
- •Coursera - University-level programs
- •Udemy - Practical skills training
💡 Technology Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on mastering hot technologies first - they're currently most in-demand
- •Build a portfolio demonstrating your proficiency with key tools and software
- •Stay current through continuous learning - technology evolves rapidly
- •Consider vendor certifications to validate your skills to employers
What's the work environment like?
🏢
Location
MOSTLY INDOOR
💪
Physical Demand
MODERATE
👥
Team Orientation
SOME TEAM
🤝
Customer Interaction
OCCASIONAL
💡Is This Work Environment Right for You?
Consider these factors when evaluating if you'll thrive in this work environment:
- •Are you comfortable working in mostly indoor environments?
- •Can you meet moderate physical demands?
- •Do you enjoy some team team environments?
- •Are you comfortable working with safety protocols and protective equipment?
What are the key tasks?
Tasks & Responsibilities
12
Core Tasks
8
Daily Tasks
20
Work Activities
0
Emerging Tasks
Filter:
Sort by:
Analysis & Evaluation (1)Documentation & Record-Keeping (2)General Responsibilities (8)Communication & Coordination (1)
1
Evaluate log characteristics and determine grades, using established criteria.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Analysis & Evaluation100% perform100%
2
Record data about individual trees or load volumes into tally books or hand-held collection terminals.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Documentation & Record-Keeping97% perform98%
3
Paint identification marks of specified colors on logs to identify grades or species, using spray cans, or call out grades to log markers.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities94% perform96%
4
Measure felled logs or loads of pulpwood to calculate volume, weight, dimensions, and marketable value, using measuring devices and conversion tables.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities91% perform94%
5
Measure log lengths and mark boles for bucking into logs, according to specifications.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities88% perform92%
6
Identify logs of substandard or special grade so that they can be returned to shippers, regraded, recut, or transferred for other processing.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities85% perform90%
7
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.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities82% perform88%
8
Drive to sawmills, wharfs, or skids to inspect logs or pulpwood.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities79% perform86%
9
Communicate with coworkers by signals to direct log movement.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
Communication & Coordination76% perform84%
10
Weigh log trucks before and after unloading, and record load weights and supplier identities.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
Documentation & Record-Keeping73% perform82%
💡 Key Takeaways
- •Daily tasks focus primarily on analysis & evaluation activities
- •58% of tasks are performed by most workers in this occupation
- •Career advancement brings increased leadership and strategic responsibilities
What career paths are available?
Career Pathways
0
Advancement Opportunities
0
Lateral Move Options
0%
Avg. Salary Increase
Advancement Opportunities
Typical career progression paths from Log Graders and Scalers
💡 Career Planning Tips
- •Most successful advancement happens after 3-5 years of experience
- •Lateral moves can provide valuable cross-functional experience for future leadership roles
- •Focus on developing skills that are transferable across multiple career paths
- •Consider industry trends when planning long-term career moves
Is this career right for you?
Personality & Values Fit
Is This Career Right for You?
Log Graders and Scalers professionals typically have a CRI Holland code and highly value independence
CConventional
RRealistic
IInvestigative
Important Personality Traits
Work styles that contribute to success as a Log Graders and Scalers
Dependability
CriticalDependability
Importance Level4.52
Attention to Detail
Very ImportantAttention to Detail
Importance Level4.40
Integrity
Very ImportantIntegrity
Importance Level4.37
Independence
Very ImportantIndependence
Importance Level4.27
Initiative
Very ImportantInitiative
Importance Level4.05
Cooperation
ImportantCooperation
Importance Level3.85
Complete Work Styles Profile
Dependability
4.5
Attention to Detail
4.4
Integrity
4.4
Independence
4.3
Initiative
4.0
Cooperation
3.9
Self-Control
3.8
Stress Tolerance
3.8
Adaptability/Flexibility
3.7
Persistence
3.7
💡 Tips for Career Fit Success
- •While personality fit is important, skills can be developed with practice and training
- •Consider informational interviews to better understand the day-to-day personality requirements
- •Work environments vary by employer - research specific companies for cultural fit
- •Your interests and values may evolve - reassess periodically throughout your career
What education is required?
Education Level
High school diploma or equivalent
Typical duration: High school diploma or GED
Preparation Level
Job Zone 2
Some Preparation Needed
Experience Needed
Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience may be helpful
📚 Education Requirement
Required Level:High school diploma or equivalent
These occupations usually require a high school diploma and may require some vocational training or job-related course work.
Training:
Training of a few months to a year
💼 Experience Requirement
Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience may be helpful
Common pathways to gain experience:
- • Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience
- • Vocational school programs (6 months to 2 years)
- • Industry certifications helpful
2
Job Zone Two: Some Preparation Needed
These occupations usually require a high school diploma and may require some vocational training or job-related course work.
Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experienceVocational school programs (6 months to 2 years)Industry certifications helpful
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