Log Graders and Scalers salary in California
Log Graders and Scalers in California earn a median of $56,670 a year ($27.24 an hour), based on BLS data for 320 workers.
Pay ranges from $36,570 for the lowest-paid 10% to $62,780 for the top 10%. That is 22% higher than the national median of $46,330. California ranks 4th of 25 states for log graders and scalers pay, one of the best-paying states for this job. There are 0.02 log graders and scalers per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $53,540, close to the median.
Pay range for log graders and scalers in California
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $36,570 | $17.58 |
| 25th percentile | $49,030 | $23.57 |
| Median | $56,670 | $27.24 |
| 75th percentile | $58,770 | $28.25 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $62,780 | $30.18 |
| Average (mean) | $53,540 | $25.74 |
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 | $4,722.50 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $2,361.25 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $2,179.62 |
| Weekly | $1,089.81 |
| Hourly | $27.24 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $56,670 salary, see how much house you can afford in California at today's mortgage rates, or work out a payment with the mortgage calculator.
Highest-paying states for log graders and scalers
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Washington | $61,580 |
| Oregon | $60,250 |
| Idaho | $57,620 |
| California | $56,670 |
| Michigan | $51,810 |
| Maine | $50,180 |
| Ohio | $49,710 |
| Mississippi | $48,010 |
| Louisiana | $47,510 |
| New Hampshire | $46,530 |
Related jobs in California
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Forest and Conservation Workers | $43,680 | $21.00 |
| Logging Equipment Operator | $61,940 | $29.78 |
| Logging Workers, All Other | $47,490 | $22.83 |
| Faller | $59,590 | $28.65 |
| Farmworkers and Laborers, Crop, Nursery, and Greenhouse | $35,580 | $17.11 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Workers | $56,280 | $27.06 |
| Agricultural Equipment Operator | $38,820 | $18.66 |
| Graders and Sorters, Agricultural Products | $36,330 | $17.47 |
| Farmworkers, Farm, Ranch, and Aquacultural Animals | $38,640 | $18.58 |
| Agricultural Inspector | $53,620 | $25.78 |
| Agricultural Workers, All Other | $53,090 | $25.52 |
| Animal Breeder | $59,280 | $28.50 |
More: Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations · all salaries in California
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 California?
The median salary for log graders and scalers in California is $56,670 a year, or $27.24 an hour. Pay ranges from $36,570 for the lowest-paid 10% to $62,780 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid log graders and scalers make in California?
The top 10% of log graders and scalers in California earn at least $62,780 a year. The top 25% earn $58,770 or more.
What is the starting pay for log graders and scalers in California?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $36,570 a year, and a quarter of log graders and scalers earn $49,030 or less.
How many log graders and scalers work in California?
About 320 log graders and scalers are employed in California, not counting the self-employed.