How much does a log grader make?
a year · about $22 an hour
A typical log grader in the United States makes $46,330 a year, about $22 an hour, about the same as a typical US worker (median, May 2025, US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
What do they do?
They walk through log yards or mill ponds, checking logs for knots, splits, rot, and bends. They measure logs, estimate usable volume and value, record grades, and mark logs so crews can sort them.
Did you know? Log graders may jab logs with the metal end of a scale stick to check for defects such as rot, splits, knots, or twists.
Is that a lot?
Compared with jobs you knowIf 100 people had this job
Most earn between $34,950 and $62,400How do you become one?
Most US log graders finish high school or earn a GED, then learn the work on the job; training can last up to a year. Some private scaling-bureau graders must pass a test and earn certification in the scaling rules for their region.
School needed: High school plus some training
Good for people who like keeping things organized and building and doing
Why does pay differ?
In the United States, experience and useful certification can affect pay: seasoned graders may be valued more, and some regional scaling work requires a test. Pay can also differ by employer, location, and how complex the work is.
Where does it pay most?
Highest in Washington ($61,580), lowest in Tennessee ($35,920).
See every state
Top 5 and bottom 3 states, typical (median) yearly pay.
Jobs like this
Data table and sources
| Lower earner (10th from bottom) | Typical person (median) | Higher earner (10th from top) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|---|
| $34,950 | $46,330 | $62,400 | about 3,000 |
| State | Typical person (median) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| Washington | $61,580 | about 200 |
| Oregon | $60,250 | about 50 |
| Idaho | $57,620 | about 140 |
| California | $56,670 | about 320 |
| Michigan | $51,810 | about 50 |
Official definition: 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. Excludes “Buyers and Purchasing Agents, Farm Products” (13-1021).
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025 (bls.gov); descriptions and related jobs from O*NET 31.0. Figures as of May 2025, full-time yearly pay (hourly × 2,080 hours). bls.gov/oes · O*NET OnLine
Pages used for the text
- www.bls.gov/ooh/farming-fishing-and-forestry/logging-workers.htm
- www.onetonline.org/link/summary/45-4023.00
- apps.illinoisworknet.com/cis/Clusters/OccupationDetails/100364?parentId=110100&s
- www.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2015/article/wage-differences.htm
- www.bls.gov/oes/2023/May/oes454023.htm
Data: US BLS OEWS, May 2025 · 1 USD = 150 JPY