Log Graders and Scalers salary in the U.S.
Log Graders and Scalers in the U.S. earn a median of $46,330 a year ($22.27 an hour), based on BLS data for 3,070 workers.
Pay ranges from $34,950 for the lowest-paid 10% to $62,400 for the top 10%. The average (mean) salary is $47,770, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for log graders and scalers in the U.S.
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $34,950 | $16.80 |
| 25th percentile | $37,780 | $18.16 |
| Median | $46,330 | $22.27 |
| 75th percentile | $56,250 | $27.04 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $62,400 | $30.00 |
| Average (mean) | $47,770 | $22.97 |
Half of log graders and scalers earn more than the median and half earn less. Percentiles show the spread: 10% earn less than the 10th percentile, and 10% earn more than the 90th.
Median paycheck, before taxes
| Pay period | Amount |
|---|---|
| Monthly | $3,860.83 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $1,930.42 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,781.92 |
| Weekly | $890.96 |
| Hourly | $22.27 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Log Graders and Scalers salary by state
| State | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Washington | $61,580 | 200 |
| Oregon | $60,250 | 50 |
| Idaho | $57,620 | 140 |
| California | $56,670 | 320 |
| Michigan | $51,810 | 50 |
| Maine | $50,180 | 120 |
| Ohio | $49,710 | 30 |
| Mississippi | $48,010 | 130 |
| Louisiana | $47,510 | 90 |
| New Hampshire | $46,530 | 30 |
| Indiana | $46,160 | 60 |
| Wisconsin | $46,150 | 180 |
| Kentucky | $45,330 | 80 |
| Alabama | $44,950 | 100 |
| Pennsylvania | $44,550 | 330 |
| South Carolina | $44,370 | 40 |
| West Virginia | $43,040 | 90 |
| Arkansas | $42,340 | 190 |
| Georgia | $39,830 | 130 |
| Florida | $39,040 | 70 |
| Missouri | $37,440 | 60 |
| North Carolina | $36,850 | 200 |
| Virginia | $36,220 | 80 |
| Texas | $36,100 | 40 |
| Tennessee | $35,920 | 110 |
Best-paying metro areas for log graders and scalers
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Longview-Kelso, WA | $61,030 | 30 |
Metro areas with the most log graders and scalers
| Metro area | Workers | Median salary |
|---|---|---|
| Longview-Kelso, WA | 30 | $61,030 |
Related jobs in the U.S.
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Logging Equipment Operator | $49,740 | $23.91 |
| Forest and Conservation Workers | $43,680 | $21.00 |
| Faller | $52,100 | $25.05 |
| Logging Workers, All Other | $50,840 | $24.44 |
| Farmworkers and Laborers, Crop, Nursery, and Greenhouse | $35,660 | $17.15 |
| Farmworkers, Farm, Ranch, and Aquacultural Animals | $36,670 | $17.63 |
| Agricultural Equipment Operator | $41,730 | $20.06 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Workers | $59,320 | $28.52 |
| Graders and Sorters, Agricultural Products | $35,730 | $17.18 |
| Agricultural Inspector | $49,940 | $24.01 |
| Agricultural Workers, All Other | $39,850 | $19.16 |
| Animal Breeder | $51,130 | $24.58 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 estimates, occupation code 45-4023. Wages include base pay, tips, commissions and shift pay, but not overtime, bonuses or benefits, and exclude the self-employed.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a log graders and scalers make in the U.S.?
The median salary for log graders and scalers in the U.S. is $46,330 a year, or $22.27 an hour. Pay ranges from $34,950 for the lowest-paid 10% to $62,400 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid log graders and scalers make in the U.S.?
The top 10% of log graders and scalers in the U.S. earn at least $62,400 a year. The top 25% earn $56,250 or more.
What is the starting pay for log graders and scalers in the U.S.?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $34,950 a year, and a quarter of log graders and scalers earn $37,780 or less.
How many log graders and scalers work in the U.S.?
About 3,070 log graders and scalers are employed in the U.S., not counting the self-employed.