Log Graders and Scalers Salary in Tuscaloosa, AL
Log Graders and Scalers in Tuscaloosa, AL make a median of $46,540 a year, or about $22.38 an hour. The range runs from $36K at the entry level to $59K for experienced workers. Cost of living is below average (RPP 87.72), which stretches that salary to about $53,055 in buying power. A 2-bedroom apartment runs $1,169/month — about 36.8% of take-home, which is tight.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $47K get you in Tuscaloosa?
About log graders and scalers
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, Tuscaloosa, AL
Entry-level log graders and scalers (10th percentile) start around $36K. Mid-career wages sit at $47K.Top earners bring in $59K or more - a $22K spread from bottom to top.
Log Graders and Scalers pay across states
Median income ranked highest to lowest, compared to the national figure
| State | Median salary | vs. national | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oregon | $63K | +35% | 180 |
| Idaho | $62K | +33% | 70 |
| Washington | $60K | +28% | 190 |
| California | $57K | +21% | 420 |
| Maine | $52K | +11% | 80 |
| Michigan | $51K | +8% | 70 |
| Wisconsin | $50K | +7% | 120 |
| South Carolina | $50K | +7% | 40 |
| West Virginia | $48K | +2% | 190 |
| Kentucky | $47K | +1% | 160 |
| Louisiana | $47K | +1% | 100 |
| North Carolina | $47K | +0% | 120 |
| Indiana | $46K | -1% | 80 |
| Alabama | $45K | -4% | 180 |
| Mississippi | $44K | -6% | 130 |
Track log graders and scalers salary changes
BLS updates this data quarterly. We'll email you when Tuscaloosa numbers change.
Related careers in Farming & Fishing
Frequently asked questions
How much do log graders and scalers make in Tuscaloosa, AL?
The median is $46,540 a year - that works out to about $22.38 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $36,470, and experienced log graders and scalers can clear $58,700. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $47K enough to live in Tuscaloosa?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $3,106/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $1,169/month (HUD Fair Market Rent), which eats 37.6% of your paycheck. That's above the 30% rule of thumb - housing will be a stretch at the median salary, though you can manage with roommates or a smaller place.
How far does a log graders and scalers salary go in Tuscaloosa?
Tuscaloosa has a Regional Price Parity of 87.72 (100 is the national average). That's below average - your money stretches further here than the raw salary number suggests. After cost-of-living adjustment, the median log graders and scalers salary is worth about $53,055 in national-average purchasing power.
Where do log graders and scalers get paid the most?
The table above ranks every state by median pay for this role. Keep in mind that the highest-paying states tend to have the highest costs of living, so the top salary doesn't always mean the most money in your pocket.