Log Graders and Scalers in Kentucky
Thinking about a career as a Log Graders and Scalers in Kentucky? Here’s what the data says. 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).
What do Log Graders and Scalers Make in Kentucky?
The log graders and scalers working in Kentucky, the median annual wage is $47,160 per year (or roughly $22.67/hour).Annual wages span from $31,050 at the 10th percentile to $54,940 at the 90th percentile.
| Wage Statistic | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $31,050 | $14.93 |
| 25th percentile | $36,960 | $17.77 |
| Median (50th) | $47,160 | $22.67 |
| 75th percentile | $49,170 | $23.64 |
| 90th percentile | $54,940 | $26.41 |
Location quotient — how concentrated this career is in Kentucky nationwide is 3.73, meaning that log graders and scalers are more concentrated here than the national average.
National Wage Comparison
Nationally, log graders and scalers earn a median of $29,938 per year ($14.39/hour), above the Kentucky median.
Employment Outlook
National employment for 19,825 log graders and scalers nationwide. In Kentucky alone, approximately 160 people work in this role. That’s more than the typical state, which employs around 120 log graders and scalers.
Top States for Log Graders and Scalers Employment
View the states that employ the most log graders and scalers work.
| State | Number Employed |
|---|---|
| California | 420 |
| Pennsylvania | 340 |
| Arkansas | 240 |
| Washington | 190 |
| West Virginia | 190 |
| Oregon | 180 |
| Alabama | 180 |
| Kentucky | 160 |
| Mississippi | 130 |
| Wisconsin | 120 |
| Georgia | 120 |
| North Carolina | 120 |
| Louisiana | 100 |
| Ohio | 90 |
| Virginia | 90 |
| Indiana | 80 |
| Maine | 80 |
| Michigan | 70 |
| Idaho | 70 |
| Florida | 40 |
Highest-Paying States for Log Graders and Scalers
The highest-paying states for log graders and scalers.
| State | Annual Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Oregon | $62,860 |
| Idaho | $62,000 |
| Washington | $59,670 |
| California | $56,570 |
| Maine | $51,650 |
| Michigan | $50,620 |
| Wisconsin | $50,040 |
| South Carolina | $49,990 |
| West Virginia | $47,570 |
| Kentucky | $47,160 |
Skills
The most important log graders and scalers skills, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:
Knowledge Areas
Key knowledge areas for this occupation, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:
Abilities
Top abilities for log graders and scalers, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:
Daily Tasks
Log Graders and Scalers typically:
- 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.
- Identify logs of substandard or special grade so that they can be returned to shippers, regraded, recut, or transferred for other processing.
- Arrange for hauling of logs to appropriate mill sites.
- Weigh log trucks before and after unloading, and record load weights and supplier identities.
- Measure log lengths and mark boles for bucking into logs, according to specifications.
- Communicate with coworkers by signals to direct log movement.
- Drive to sawmills, wharfs, or skids to inspect logs or pulpwood.
- Saw felled trees into lengths.
Work Activities
- Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People
- Documenting/Recording Information
- Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information
- Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
- Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
- Getting Information
- Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
- Processing Information
- Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
- Making Decisions and Solving Problems
- Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment
Tools & Technology
Common tools and software used in this occupation include: Hot technologies: Microsoft Access
Related Careers
Other careers like log graders and scalers include:
- Production, Planning, and Expediting Clerks
- Shipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks
- Weighers, Measurers, Checkers, and Samplers, Recordkeeping
- Graders and Sorters, Agricultural Products
- Fallers
- Logging Equipment Operators
Also Known As
Check Scaler, Compounding Scaler, Deck Scaler, Deck Specialist, Decker, Deckman, Landing Scaler, Log Buyer, Log Check Scaler, Log Grader, Log Marker, Log Scaler, Log Sorter, Lumber Grader, Materials Inspector.
References
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics — https://www.bls.gov/oes/
- O*NET Online — https://www.onetonline.org/
- BLS Employment Projections — https://www.bls.gov/emp/
- O*NET-SOC code: 45-4023.00