SalaryNode

Average Log Graders and Scalers Salary in California

Log Graders and Scalers in California earn an average annual salary of $53,290, notably higher than the national average of $48,180. This elevated compensation is often a reflection of California's robust economy and the specialized nature of the timber industry within the state, which may necessitate higher pay to attract and retain skilled professionals.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $53,290 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 23.1% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $63,840.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of 420 Log Graders and Scalers, California demonstrates a moderate concentration of this profession, indicated by a Location Quotient of 1.08. This suggests that the demand for these roles is slightly above the national average, implying a stable job market for individuals in this field within the state.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$53,290

The average Log Graders and Scalers in California earns+10.6%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$25.6

Weekly

$1,025

Monthly

$4,441

Log Graders and Scalers Salary Distribution in California

Career progression for Log Graders and Scalers typically involves a salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with extensive knowledge of wood grading and scaling techniques can command significantly higher salaries, reflecting their expertise and value to employers.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT.10% (Entry)$36,970$17.8
JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks.25% (Junior)$39,968$19.2
Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting.50% (Median)$56,570$27.2
Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance.75% (Senior)$66,613$32
SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman.90% (Expert)$63,840$30.7

Detailed Log Graders and Scalers Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$53,290

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$38,477

Adjusted for COL (138.5)

The average annual salary of $53,290 in California needs to be considered alongside its Cost of Living Index of 138.5. While the nominal salary is higher than the national average, the increased cost of living in California means that the purchasing power of this salary may be somewhat diminished compared to lower-cost states.

Job Market Context

420

Total Jobs

0.023

Per 1K Jobs

1.08

Location Quotient

Above Average

With a location quotient of 1.08, California has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Log Graders and Scalers roles compared to the national norm.

California's Location Quotient of 1.08 for Log Graders and Scalers indicates a job market that is slightly more concentrated than the national average. This suggests that while the profession is present and slightly more prevalent than elsewhere, the market is not oversaturated, offering a competitive but accessible environment for skilled workers.

Nearby Job Markets

Hiring Log Graders and Scalerss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Log Graders and Scalers make in California?

The median annual salary for a Log Graders and Scalers in California is $53,290. This typically ranges from $36,970 for entry-level positions to $63,840 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in California is 10.6% higher than the national median of $48,180.

Is California a lucrative place for Log Graders and Scalers?

Yes, California offers a more lucrative environment for Log Graders and Scalers compared to the national average.The average salary in California is $53,290, exceeding the national average by over $5,000. However, this is balanced by a significantly higher cost of living.

Is California a good place to live for Log Graders and Scalers?

The Cost of Living Index in California is 138.5. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

What is the average salary for a Log Grader and Scaler in California?

The average annual salary for a Log Grader and Scaler in California is $53,290.

How does California's salary for this role compare to the national average?

California's average salary of $53,290 is higher than the national average of $48,180.

What is the Cost of Living Index in California?

The Cost of Living Index in California is 138.5, which is 38.5% higher than the national average.

How concentrated is the Log Grader and Scaler job market in California?

California has a Location Quotient of 1.08 for Log Graders and Scalers, indicating a slightly higher concentration of these jobs compared to the national average.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 420 employees in the California area with a job density of 0.023 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Semantic Salary Analysis for Log Graders and Scalers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in California