ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Lumber Grader Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Baillie Lumber Co.

Lumber Grader

Galion, OH · On-site

Hardwood Lumber Grader / Inspector Summary Our St. James facility (Galion, OH) is hiring for a hardwood lumber grader / inspector. This is a full-time opportunity working for a world class hardwood ...

The Lumber Manufactory

Lumber Grader

New Albany, MS · On-site

The Lumber Manufactory (TLM) is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Lumber Grader to be responsible for inspecting, grading, and sorting lumber based on industry standards and company ...

baillielumberco

Lumber Grader

Galion, OH

Hardwood Lumber Grader / Inspector Summary Our St. James facility (Galion, OH) is hiring for a hardwood lumber grader / inspector. This is a full-time opportunity working for a world class hardwood ...

Baillie Lumber Co.

Hardwood Lumber Grader

West Point, VA · On-site

$18 - $23/hr

Hardwood Lumber Grader / Inspector Summary AHI, a member of The Baillie Group, is hiring for a hardwood lumber grader / inspector for their West Point, VA location. This is a great opportunity for an ...

Smartlam NA Dothan LLC

Lumber Grader

Dothan, AL · On-site

Description The Grader is accountable for sorting and grading incoming lumber according to SmartLam production needs and standards. He/she works with a team to maintain lumber flow, communication and ...

Northwest Hardwoods

Lumber Grader

Hamden, OH · On-site

$18.47 - $23.92/hr

Lumber Grader works at a lumber yard, or commercial establishment grading lumber. As a lumber grader you will inspect hardwood and softwood species to determine dimension, grade and other qualities.

RSG Forest Products

Lumber Grader - Swing Shift

Kalama, WA · On-site

$20 - $29/hr

Lumber Grader Location: Kalama, WA Shift: 4-10 hr shifts We are seeking a diligent and detail-oriented Lumber Grader to join our team. The Lumber Grader will be responsible for evaluating lumber to ...

Northwest Hardwoods Inc

Lumber Grader

Hamden, OH

$18.47 - $23.92/hr

Description Lumber Grader works at a lumber yard, or commercial establishment grading lumber. As a lumber grader you will inspect hardwood and softwood species to determine dimension, grade and other ...

Openwork, LLC

Lumber Grader

Austin, TX

$16 - $18/hr

The lumber grader will be responsible for the safe and efficient movement of materials and products within the warehouse. The primary function will involve operating a sit-down forklift to load ...

Baillie Lumber Co.

Lumber Inspector

Leitchfield, KY · On-site

Hardwood Lumber Grader / Inspector Summary Our Leitchfield, KY facility is hiring for a hardwood lumber grader / inspector. This person would work to ensure the quality of the product we send out of ...

baillielumberco

Lumber Inspector

Leitchfield, KY

Hardwood Lumber Grader / Inspector Summary Our Leitchfield, KY facility is hiring for a hardwood lumber grader / inspector. This person would work to ensure the quality of the product we send out of ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsConstruction JobsHeavy Equipment JobsYard Worker JobsLumber Grader Jobs

Lumber Grader information

See salary details

$5

$18

$25

How much do lumber grader jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for lumber grader in the United States is $18.14, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.35 and $21.15 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a lumber grader?

Lumber Graders are skilled professionals responsible for inspecting and assessing pieces of lumber to determine their quality, grade, and usability based on industry standards. They look for defects such as knots, splits, or warping, and classify lumber accordingly to ensure it meets the requirements for different construction or manufacturing purposes. Their work helps maintain safety and quality in wood products by ensuring only appropriate materials are used for each application.

What does a lumber grader do?

A lumber grader works at a sawmill, lumber yard, or commercial establishment grading lumber. As a lumber grader, you inspect hardwood and softwood species to determine dimension, grade, and other qualities. Your responsibilities include working with inspectors and other mill workers to ascertain whether logs become pulp or lumber. Other duties involve scanning lumber for defects and imperfections, labeling them for appropriate sale. You have skills in visually assessing minute details in wood grain and a thorough working knowledge of all typical hardwood and softwood lumber species. Travel is sometimes part of your job, as you travel to mills to grade lumber.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a lumber grader?

To thrive as a Lumber Grader, you need a solid understanding of wood types, grading standards, and defect identification, often supported by on-the-job training or certification programs. Familiarity with lumber grading rules, calipers, moisture meters, and computerized grading systems is typically required. Attention to detail, strong observational skills, and effective communication are crucial soft skills in this role. These abilities ensure accurate grading, maximize product value, and maintain safety and efficiency in lumber production operations.

What are some common challenges faced by lumber graders on the job?

Lumber Graders often face challenges such as maintaining accuracy and consistency while inspecting large volumes of lumber in fast-paced environments. They need to quickly identify defects, such as knots or splits, and classify wood according to stringent industry standards, which requires sharp attention to detail. Working conditions may include exposure to sawdust, noise, and varying temperatures, so adaptability and adherence to safety protocols are important. Collaboration with sawmill operators and other production staff is also essential to ensure quality and meet production goals.

What is the difference between Lumber Grader vs Lumber Inspector?

AspectLumber GraderLumber Inspector
CertificationsOften requires grading certifications and trainingMay require inspection certifications, depending on jurisdiction
Work EnvironmentIndoor grading facilities, lumber yardsInspection sites, lumber mills, construction sites
Industry UsageUsed primarily in lumber processing and manufacturingUsed in quality control and compliance checks
Job FocusAssessing lumber quality and grading according to standardsInspecting lumber for defects, compliance, and safety

While both roles involve evaluating lumber quality, Lumber Graders focus on grading lumber based on standards, whereas Lumber Inspectors primarily verify compliance and defect identification. The roles often overlap but serve distinct functions within the lumber industry.

More about Lumber Grader jobs

What cities are hiring for Lumber Grader jobs?

Cities with the most Lumber Grader job openings:

Who are the top companies hiring for Lumber Grader jobs?

The top employers for Lumber Grader jobs are:

What states have the most Lumber Grader jobs?

States with the most job openings for Lumber Grader jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Lumber Grader jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Lumber Grader jobs are:

What are popular job titles related to Lumber Grader jobs?

For Lumber Grader jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Lumber Grader jobs near you
Infographic showing various Lumber Grader job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $37,741 per year, or $18.1 per hour.

Lumber Grader

Baillie Lumber Co.

Galion, OH • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 29 days ago

Job description

The Baillie Group is a cohesive, unified group of hardwood producers working cooperatively together with each retaining their distinctive and valued cultural identities.
Hardwood Lumber Grader / Inspector Summary
Our St. James facility (Galion, OH) is hiring for a hardwood lumber grader / inspector. This is a full-time opportunity working for a world class hardwood lumber manufacturer.
Hardwood Lumber Grader / Inspector Responsibilities:
  • Visually inspects green and/or dry hardwood lumber according to species, grade and dimension
  • Grade at production rates, while maintaining the required grading accuracy
  • Uses NHLA lumber grading rules to inspect lumber
  • Work safely and help maintain a safe work environment

Hardwood Lumber Grader / Inspector Qualifications:
  • NHLA certified or equivalent experience
  • Possess ability to accurately apply NHLA rules
  • Minimum of one (1) year experience grading green and kiln dried domestic lumber

Hardwood Lumber Grader / Inspector Pay & Benefits:
  • Competitive Pay
  • Full Time Hours
  • Overtime Hours and Pay
  • Full Plan of Benefits
  • Monday-Friday
  • First Shift

By submitting this application, I certify that all information on this application is true and correct to the best of my knowledge. I understand that, should this application contain any false or misleading information, my application may be rejected or, if I have already been hired, my employment with the Company may be terminated, regardless of when the false or misleading information is discovered."

Apply