Log Graders and Scalers
Machines can already do 32% of this job's tasks. By 2035 that rises to 69%. The job changes before it disappears.
Share of the work machines can do
Worldwide baseline, 2026 to 2050
Log Graders and Scalers in 2026: the short answer
- Today: machines can do 32% of this job's tasks, and AI use is already seen in 0% of them.
- Forecast: machines can do half of its tasks by 2032, and 69% by 2035, according to the 311 Strategic Intelligence Unit.
- Size: 3,070 people do this job in the United States, on a median pay of $46,330 a year.
- Contact with people: it scores 66% for contact with people.
- Also called: Log Buyer, Log Check Scaler, Log Grader, Log Scaler.
Updated by the 311 Strategic Intelligence Unit. These are worldwide baseline figures; the Workforce Starburst shows them for your country. Go deeper: How ready am I? or an executive briefing.
How the work changes, task by task
The tasks that take up most of the day, with the share of each that machines can do in 2026 (dark) and 2035 (pink). Worldwide baseline.
| Task | Share of the day | Machines can do | 2026 to 2035 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Evaluate log characteristics and determine grades, using established criteria | 23% | 20% to 60% | |
| Measure felled logs or loads of pulpwood to calculate volume, weight, dimensions, and marketable value, using measuring devices and conversion tables | 20% | 30% to 75% | |
| Record data about individual trees or load volumes into tally books or hand-held collection terminals | 14% | 70% to 95% | |
| 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 | 11% | 20% to 60% | |
| Paint identification marks of specified colors on logs to identify grades or species, using spray cans, or call out grades to log markers | 6% | 20% to 60% | |
| Weigh log trucks before and after unloading, and record load weights and supplier identities | 6% | 70% to 95% | |
| Identify logs of substandard or special grade so that they can be returned to shippers, regraded, recut, or transferred for other processing | 5% | 20% to 60% | |
| Drive to sawmills, wharfs, or skids to inspect logs or pulpwood | 5% | 20% to 60% |
The skills this job runs on
The skills log graders and scalers use most, most used first.
Safer jobs nearby
Jobs with a similar skill shape where machines can do less of the work by 2035.
- Stone Cutters and Carvers, Manufacturing61% of tasks by 2035 · US median $46,170
- Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers67% of tasks by 2035 · US median $48,570
- Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians56% of tasks by 2035 · US median $39,460
- Electrical and Electronic Equipment Assemblers63% of tasks by 2035
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Questions
When will machines do half of the tasks of Log Graders and Scalers?
Machines can do half of its tasks by 2032. That is the worldwide baseline from the 311 Workforce Starburst, before adjusting for country.
Will AI take the job of log graders and scalers?
Machines can do 32% of the tasks of log graders and scalers today and 69% by 2035. The job changes before it disappears: the routine tasks move first.
Sources and citing
Tasks and their share of the day: O*NET 31.0, occupation 45-4023.00 (US Department of Labor, CC BY 4.0). Pay and jobs: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025. AI use today: Anthropic Economic Index (CC BY). Scoring and forecast: the 311 Strategic Intelligence Unit; after 2035 the figures extend each trend, with lower confidence. Foresight, not advice.
Cite as: 311 Institute (2026). Log Graders and Scalers: the outlook to 2050. 311 Workforce Starburst. https://www.311institute.com/jobs/log-graders-and-scalers/