Log graders and scalers
SOC Code: 45-4023
Log graders and scalers carries a 38% AI exposure score (Medium automation risk), with a median annual wage of $46,710 and -0.7% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 4,600 workers. Full task breakdown, skills, and employer data are below.
Proportion of tasks susceptible to AI automation (O*NET analysis)
AI Exposure vs Industry Growth
Total occupations tracked
832
Covering all SOC major groups
Data currency
2024
BLS Employment Projections
AI exposure avg
40%
Fleet-wide median across all roles
Composite score weighing O*NET task data completeness, BLS projection methodology, and cross-validation with employer risk grades.
Employment Projections
Occupation Insight
Log graders and scalers (SOC 45-4023) carries an AI exposure score of 38%, placing it in the Medium automation-risk tier. This score is computed from O*NET Database 30.0 task-level analysis, where each task an occupation performs is evaluated against current generative AI, robotic process automation, and machine-learning capabilities. A score below 40% reflects tasks anchored in physical dexterity, unstructured environments, or high-touch human interaction that current AI cannot reliably replicate.
The economic context matters alongside the risk score. BLS counted approximately 4,600 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a -0.7% change through 2034 — a decline that often compounds with high AI exposure to create displacement headwinds. Median annual compensation stands at $46,710, reflecting both skill scarcity and the value employers place on the tasks that remain difficult to automate. Entry typically requires High school diploma or equivalent, plus None of related experience.
For career planners, this profile should be read alongside the task, skill, and knowledge breakdowns below and the list of employers whose workforce composition includes Log graders and scalers. Adjacent occupations shown further down offer lateral moves that preserve industry knowledge while potentially reducing exposure. Pair the AI exposure score with the BLS employment projection and wage percentiles above for a complete career assessment.
Education & Entry Requirements
Top Tasks (O*NET)
- 1. Evaluate log characteristics and determine grades, using established criteria.
- 2. Record data about individual trees or load volumes into tally books or hand-held collection terminals.
- 3. Measure felled logs or loads of pulpwood to calculate volume, weight, dimensions, and marketable value, using measuring devices and conversion tables.
- 4. Paint identification marks of specified colors on logs to identify grades or species, using spray cans, or call out grades to log markers.
- 5. 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.
- 6. Identify logs of substandard or special grade so that they can be returned to shippers, regraded, recut, or transferred for other processing.
- 7. Arrange for hauling of logs to appropriate mill sites.
- 8. Weigh log trucks before and after unloading, and record load weights and supplier identities.
- 9. Measure log lengths and mark boles for bucking into logs, according to specifications.
- 10. Communicate with coworkers by signals to direct log movement.
Key Skills Required
- Active Listening
- Critical Thinking
- Speaking
- Writing
- Active Learning
- Monitoring
- Coordination
- Judgment and Decision Making
- Reading Comprehension
- Complex Problem Solving
Knowledge Areas
- Production and Processing
- Mathematics
- Customer and Personal Service
- Administration and Management
- Mechanical
- Education and Training
- Transportation
- English Language
- Sales and Marketing
- Computers and Electronics
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Log graders and scalers?
Log graders and scalers has an AI exposure score of 38%, indicating a medium level of automation risk. The majority of tasks in this role require human judgment, creativity, or physical presence that AI cannot easily replicate.
What is the job outlook for Log graders and scalers?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Log graders and scalers is projected to decline by 0.7% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 4,600 workers.
What skills are needed for Log graders and scalers?
Key skills for Log graders and scalers include Active Listening, Critical Thinking, Speaking, and others. Typical entry-level education is High school diploma or equivalent.
How much do Log graders and scalers earn?
The median annual wage for Log graders and scalers is $46,710, according to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Actual earnings vary by location, experience, industry, and employer. The BLS publishes detailed wage percentiles by region in its Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program.
What education is required for Log graders and scalers?
The typical entry-level education for Log graders and scalers is High school diploma or equivalent. Employers generally expect None of related work experience. On-the-job training typically involves Moderate-term on-the-job training. Requirements can vary by employer and specialization.
Which companies employ Log graders and scalers?
Log graders and scalers roles exist across many industries and employers. Workforce composition is estimated from BLS industry-occupation employment distributions matched to SEC-registered public companies.
AI Exposure Rating
Medium automation risk based on 10 analyzed tasks. Most tasks require human judgment and are resistant to automation.
Related Occupations
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Data sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2024–2034 and O*NET Database 30.0. Employment figures are rounded. Wage data from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics (OES).