Shigoto Zukan
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How to become log graders and scalerseducation, training, experience and the steps to enter

United States Agriculture Confidence ★★★★★

Median annual pay
$46,330
25th–75th pct. $37,780–$56,250
Top pay (est.)
$81,100
Top 10% $62,400
Pay in 5 years
$53,100est.
2031
Pay in 10 years
$60,900est.
$52,400–$70,700
Outlook score
44/100
★★☆☆☆ Below average
AI replacement risk
39%
Low
Job growth (10 yr)
−2.2%
600 openings / yr

How to become log graders and scalers

Typical education
High school diploma or equivalent
BLS
Related experience
None
On-the-job training
Moderate-term on-the-job training

A step-by-step guide for this occupation is being prepared. The education, training and experience data above show the typical path.

Skills, education and requirements for Log Graders and Scalers

Key skills

Coordination
3.0
Writing
3.0
Critical Thinking
3.0
Judgment and Decision Making
3.0
Monitoring
3.0
Active Listening
2.9
Reading Comprehension
2.9
Time Management
2.9

O*NET skill level ratings (0–7).

Key knowledge areas

Production and Processing
4.0
Mathematics
3.3
Customer and Personal Service
2.9
Education and Training
2.8
Administration and Management
2.8
Mechanical
2.7
Computers and Electronics
2.5
Transportation
2.4

What the work involves

Handling and Moving ObjectsMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkMonitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsJudging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesEstimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationPerforming General Physical Activities

Important abilities

Near VisionCategory FlexibilityOral ExpressionOral ComprehensionFlexibility of ClosureFar Vision

Education of workers

High school diploma
64%
Some college
12%
Less than high school
11%
Post-secondary certificate
11%
Associate's degree
2%

Training before entry

Up to 1 month
44%
3–6 months
17%
1–3 months
15%
6–12 months
10%
None / short demo
8%
2–4 years
4%
4–10 years
2%
1–2 years
1%

Related work experience

1–2 years
26%
3–6 months
21%
1–3 months
18%
2–4 years
14%
4–6 years
9%
None
7%
Up to 1 month
4%
6–8 years
2%

Job Zone 2 — some preparation needed (O*NET)

Difficulty of entry: ★★☆☆☆ Fairly easy (from education, training, experience and Job Zone)

Career path and how to earn more as log graders and scalers

Career-path guidance is being prepared. Pay by percentile is shown in the Pay section.

Pay and employment figures are national statistics. Projected pay, outlook scores and AI replacement risk are estimates from the Shigoto Zukan model, not guarantees. To request a correction, use the contact form. How to read the data
Sources: BLS OEWS May 2025; BLS Employment Projections 2025–35; O*NET 31.0 Database by USDOL/ETA (CC BY 4.0), modified by Shigoto Zukan. Pay ranges, projections and scores are Shigoto Zukan estimates.