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Log Grader or Scaler

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What Do Log Grader or Scaler Do?

Job Description: 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.

Life As a Log Grader or Scaler: What Do They Do?

  • Evaluate log characteristics and determine grades, using established criteria.
  • Communicate with coworkers by using signals to direct log movement.
  • Saw felled trees into lengths.
  • Tend conveyor chains that move logs to and from scaling stations.
  • Record data about individual trees or load volumes into tally books or hand-held collection terminals.
  • Identify logs of substandard or special grade so that they can be returned to shippers, regraded, recut, or transferred for other processing.

What a Log Grader or Scaler Should Know

These are the skills Log Graders and Scalers say are the most useful in their careers:

Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Writing: Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

Active Learning: Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.

Monitoring: Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

  • Compounding Scaler
  • Log Grader
  • Wood Procurement Forester
  • Timber Estimator
  • Log Check Scaler

Log Grader or Scaler Job Outlook

There were about 4,200 jobs for Log Grader or Scaler in 2016 (in the United States). There is little to no growth in job opportunities for Log Grader or Scaler. The BLS estimates 500 yearly job openings in this field.

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The states with the most job growth for Log Grader or Scaler are Idaho, Kentucky, and Pennsylvania. Watch out if you plan on working in Vermont, Maine, or North Carolina. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.

What is the Average Salary of a Log Grader or Scaler

The typical yearly salary for Log Graders and Scalers is somewhere between $24,610 and $53,230.

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Log Graders and Scalers who work in Washington, Oregon, or Wisconsin, make the highest salaries.

How much do Log Graders and Scalers make in each U.S. state?

State Annual Mean Salary
Alabama $39,350
Arkansas $38,100
California $40,480
Florida $30,530
Georgia $37,410
Idaho $43,020
Indiana $46,740
Kentucky $31,410
Louisiana $35,900
Maine $39,170
Michigan $43,390
Mississippi $45,040
Missouri $30,460
Montana $40,560
New Hampshire $40,480
New York $40,060
North Carolina $41,610
Ohio $35,750
Oregon $43,890
Pennsylvania $36,670
South Carolina $39,250
Tennessee $34,330
Texas $32,640
Vermont $41,150
Virginia $35,680
Washington $47,480
West Virginia $35,780
Wisconsin $47,130

What Tools do Log Graders and Scalers Use?

Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Log Graders and Scalers may use on a daily basis:

  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Word

Becoming a Log Grader or Scaler

What education or degrees do I need to become a Log Grader or Scaler?

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What work experience do I need to become a Log Grader or Scaler?

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Where do Log Graders and Scalers Work?

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The table below shows some of the most common industries where those employed in this career field work.

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References:

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More about our data sources and methodologies.

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