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Average Log Graders and Scalers Salary in Pennsylvania

In Pennsylvania, Log Graders and Scalers earn an average annual salary of $41,940, which is notably below the national average of $48,180. This disparity is often influenced by regional economic factors, the specific demand within the state's timber industry, and the overall supply of skilled professionals in the area.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $41,940 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 3.2% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $54,000.
  • Outlook: Pennsylvania's market for Log Graders and Scalers shows a significant concentration, with a Location Quotient of 2.64, indicating a demand nearly three times the national average relative to its workforce size. Despite a modest total local workforce of 340, this high concentration suggests robust job opportunities and a specialized need for these professionals within the state's timber and lumber sectors.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$41,940

The average Log Graders and Scalers in Pennsylvania earns-13.0%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$20.2

Weekly

$807

Monthly

$3,495

Log Graders and Scalers Salary Distribution in Pennsylvania

Career progression for Log Graders and Scalers typically involves a salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with extensive knowledge of wood grading standards and operational efficiency can command significantly higher salaries, reflecting their expertise and value to employers. The percentile gaps in salary data would signify clear career advancement opportunities.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT.10% (Entry)$36,090$17.4
JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks.25% (Junior)$31,455$15.1
Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting.50% (Median)$38,900$18.7
Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance.75% (Senior)$52,425$25.2
SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman.90% (Expert)$54,000$26

Detailed Log Graders and Scalers Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$41,940

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$42,364

Adjusted for COL (99)

The nominal average salary of $41,940 in Pennsylvania for Log Graders and Scalers aligns closely with the national average cost of living, which stands at an index of 99. This suggests that the purchasing power of this salary is relatively stable compared to the national standard, meaning that while the salary is lower than the national average, the cost of essential goods and services is comparable, mitigating some of the impact of the lower nominal wage.

Job Market Context

340

Total Jobs

0.057

Per 1K Jobs

2.64

Location Quotient

Major Hub

Pennsylvania has 2.6x the national concentration of Log Graders and Scalers jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.

Pennsylvania's Location Quotient of 2.64 for Log Graders and Scalers signifies a highly concentrated market, meaning the state employs a disproportionately larger number of these professionals compared to the national average. This suggests a strong, specialized demand within the state's timber industry, potentially leading to more competitive hiring conditions for employers and greater job availability for qualified individuals.

Nearby Job Markets

Hiring Log Graders and Scalerss?

Frequently Asked Questions

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

The median annual salary for a Log Graders and Scalers in Pennsylvania is $41,940. This typically ranges from $36,090 for entry-level positions to $54,000 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Pennsylvania is 13.0% lower than the national median of $48,180.

Is Pennsylvania a lucrative place for Log Graders and Scalers?

No, not comparatively lucrative.While Pennsylvania has a high concentration of Log Graders and Scalers, the average salary of $41,940 is below the national average. However, the cost of living is also at the national average, making the real wage comparable.

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

With a Cost of Living Index of 99 (lower than the national average of 100), your salary goes further here.

How does Pennsylvania's salary for Log Graders compare to the national average?

The average annual salary for Log Graders and Scalers in Pennsylvania is $41,940, which is approximately $6,240 less than the national average of $48,180.

What does the Location Quotient of 2.64 mean for Log Graders and Scalers in PA?

A Location Quotient of 2.64 indicates that Log Graders and Scalers are 2.64 times more concentrated in Pennsylvania than in the average U.S. state, suggesting a higher demand and specialized industry presence.

How does the cost of living in Pennsylvania affect the salary?

With a Cost of Living Index of 99, Pennsylvania is very close to the national average. This means the $41,940 salary has purchasing power similar to the national average, despite being lower in nominal terms.

What is the total number of Log Graders and Scalers in Pennsylvania?

There are approximately 340 Log Graders and Scalers employed in Pennsylvania, representing a small but highly concentrated segment of the state's workforce.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 340 employees in the Pennsylvania area with a job density of 0.057 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.