Log Grader and Scaler Salary
Log Graders and Scalers earn a median $46,330 a year nationally. Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations
What log graders and scalers 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.
- Typical education
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Work experience
- None required
- On-the-job training
- Moderate-term on-the-job training
- Job outlook, 2025–35
- -2.2% (declining)
- Openings per year
- 600
- Self-employed
- 30%
Employment of log graders and scalers is projected to shrink 2.2% from 2025 to 2035, slower than the 3.5% average for all occupations. About 600 openings are expected each year, on average, including jobs left by workers who retire or switch careers.
Source: BLS Standard Occupational Classification and Employment Projections, 2025–35.
Log Grader and Scaler take-home pay calculator
Starts at the national median. Pick your state to see your real paycheck.
- Federal income tax$3,380
- Social Security (6.2%)$2,872
- Medicare (1.45%)$672
- Texas income tax$0
- Take-home pay$39,406
Marginal rate: 12% federal + 0.00% state
Pay by experience
| Percentile | Salary | Hourly | Take-home (no state tax) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $34,950 | $16.80 | $30,262 |
| 25th percentile | $37,780 | $18.16 | $32,536 |
| Median (50th) | $46,330 | $22.27 | $39,406 |
| 75th percentile | $56,250 | $27.04 | $47,377 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $62,400 | $30.00 | $52,318 |
Log Grader and Scaler salary by state
| State | Median | 1-yr change | Take-home | Range | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Washington | $61,580 | +3.2% | $51,660 | $50,240 – $82,300 | 200 |
| Oregon | $60,250 | −4.2% | $46,149 | $51,560 – $63,720 | 50 |
| Idaho | $57,620 | −7.1% | $46,532 | $48,010 – $62,780 | 140 |
| California | $56,670 | +0.2% | $45,528 | $36,570 – $62,780 | 320 |
| Michigan | $51,810 | +2.4% | $41,858 | $44,130 – $62,600 | 50 |
| Maine | $50,180 | −2.8% | $40,294 | $41,770 – $76,670 | 120 |
| Ohio | $49,710 | +13.8% | $41,537 | $38,030 – $80,290 | 30 |
| Mississippi | $48,010 | +9.2% | $39,568 | $31,850 – $54,960 | 130 |
| Louisiana | $47,510 | +0.8% | $39,315 | $21,960 – $52,000 | 90 |
| New Hampshire | $46,530 | — | $39,567 | $42,820 – $62,830 | 30 |
| Indiana | $46,160 | −0.3% | $37,937 | $37,320 – $65,510 | 60 |
| Wisconsin | $46,150 | −7.8% | $38,012 | $42,260 – $58,590 | 180 |
| Kentucky | $45,330 | −3.9% | $37,134 | $36,740 – $54,450 | 80 |
| Alabama | $44,950 | +0.3% | $36,315 | $35,270 – $58,880 | 100 |
| Pennsylvania | $44,550 | +14.5% | $36,608 | $36,880 – $60,760 | 330 |
| South Carolina | $44,370 | −11.2% | $36,326 | $30,750 – $51,250 | 40 |
| West Virginia | $43,040 | −9.5% | $35,551 | $36,750 – $48,360 | 90 |
| Arkansas | $42,340 | −0.0% | $34,762 | $27,050 – $52,830 | 190 |
| Georgia | $39,830 | −8.5% | $32,739 | $20,810 – $49,930 | 130 |
| Florida | $39,040 | +0.9% | $33,549 | $31,850 – $59,070 | 70 |
| Missouri | $37,440 | — | $31,441 | $37,170 – $37,440 | 60 |
| North Carolina | $36,850 | −21.4% | $30,827 | $33,660 – $63,820 | 200 |
| Virginia | $36,220 | +4.3% | $30,014 | $30,610 – $50,730 | 80 |
| Texas | $36,100 | — | $31,186 | $34,990 – $40,670 | 40 |
| Tennessee | $35,920 | +23.4% | $31,042 | $28,730 – $56,160 | 110 |
Related jobs
| Job | Median salary | Education | Growth 2025–35 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Logging Equipment Operator | $49,740 | High school diploma or equivalent | -3.8% |
| Logging Workers, All Other | $50,840 | High school diploma or equivalent | -7.6% |
| Faller | $52,100 | High school diploma or equivalent | -9.9% |
| Forest and Conservation Worker | $43,680 | High school diploma or equivalent | -1.5% |
| Agricultural Inspector | $49,940 | Bachelor's degree | +2.3% |
| Agricultural Equipment Operator | $41,730 | No formal educational credential | +8.6% |
| Animal Breeder | $51,130 | High school diploma or equivalent | +3.0% |
| Agricultural Workers, All Other | $39,850 | No formal educational credential | +3.8% |
| Farmworkers, Farm, Ranch, and Aquacultural Animals | $36,670 | No formal educational credential | -3.2% |
| Graders and Sorters, Agricultural Products | $35,730 | No formal educational credential | -3.4% |
Frequently asked questions
How much does a log grader and scaler make?
The national median salary for log graders and scalers is $46,330 a year ($22.27 an hour). The lowest-paid 10% earn under $34,950 and the top 10% earn over $62,400. Source: BLS, May 2025.
Which state pays log graders and scalers the most?
Washington has the highest median pay at $61,580.
How many log graders and scalers are there in the U.S.?
About 3,070 people work as log graders and scalers nationwide.