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Log Grader/Scaler

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AVG. SALARY

$44,370

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EDUCATION

High school preferred +

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JOB OUTLOOK

Stable

What To Learn

High School

What high school courses should you take if you're interested in this career? Get your answers from the Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources cluster Natural Resource Systems pathway.

Beyond High School

Here's a list of programs that you should consider if you're interested in this career:

Education Level

Education training and experience are required at different levels for success in different occupations.

High school preferred, plus moderate length, on-the-job training

Most logging workers have a high school diploma. They get on-the-job training to become familiar with forest environments and to learn how to operate logging machinery. Some vocational or technical schools and community colleges offer associate's degrees or certificates in forest technology.

Insider Info

Additional Information

Many forestry and logging workers develop their skills through on-the-job training. However, larger logging companies and trade associations such as the Association of Consulting Foresters offer special programs. Safety training is a vital part of instruction for all logging workers, including log scalers and graders.

The need for specialized training is the norm for log scalers. Graduation from a two-year forest technology program is now the usual requirement.

Several states have established certification training programs for log scaling. To be certified, individuals must meet certain training requirements and pass an on-site field inspection that tests their skills.

Related work experience is recommended, and summer employment is often a good way to gain entry into this field. Experience working at a nursery or as a laborer can be useful. Some scalers and graders have worked in sawmills or on family farms with extensive wooded areas.