Log Graders and Scaler

Explore This Path

Ideal for those who love working outdoors and assessing natural resources.
Ensure the quality and value of timber, impacting industries and economies.
Use specialized tools to measure and grade logs, ensuring optimal market value.

💰 Earn $41K-$56K

📚 High School Diploma or GED

⏱️ 6–12 MONTH TRAINING

📈 -1.5% JOB GROWTH

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What You’ll Do

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.

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.

Scoop

Minimum Education

High School Diploma or GED

Career Prospects

Shaky (Decreasing by 1-5%)

Training Time

6 months to 1 year

Job Openings

700 Annually

Median Earnings

$49,550 in California

$45,600 Nationally

$25K

$50K

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$250K

Best For You If...

YOU Like 💕

Using data or completing tasks
Working with my hands

You are skilled in 💫

Active Listening
Equipment Maintenance
Monitoring
Operation and Control
Operations Monitoring
Troubleshooting

You value 🙏

Having support
Having freedom
Job security

Deep Dive

Log Graders and Scaler

Explore career pathways, key skills, and what each role has to offer.

Pathways to this Career

Learn about the education and training paths that can lead to this career — and what to expect from each one.

Strategic Employment

Strategic employment provides individuals with valuable work experience, opportunities for professional growth and networking, and exposure to an industry where they may want to pursue advancement.

🎓 Paid Work

⏱️ FINISH IN 1-3 years

Vocational School

A vocational school typically equips students with specialized skills and practical training in specific trades or occupations, enhancing their employability and providing direct pathways to relevant careers.

🎓 Skills-Focused

⏱️ FINISH IN 6 months - 2 years

Workforce Development Program

A workforce development program typically enhances participants' opportunities to succeed in the workforce through employment skill-building, career counseling, connections to employers, and pathways to high-demand and high-wage jobs.

🎓 Skills-Focused

⏱️ FINISH IN 6 months - 2 years

Apprenticeship

An apprenticeship typically offers a combination of hands-on training and classroom instruction, leading to practical skills, industry-specific knowledge, and the potential for long-term employment in a specific trade or profession.

🎓 Paid Work

⏱️ FINISH IN 2-5 years