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Lumber Grader Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Lumber Inspector

Piqua, OH · On-site

$23 - $27/hr

If you're an experienced Lumber Grader who takes pride in quality, teamwork, and craftsmanship, we'd love to hear from you! Basic Function: Inspects incoming and outgoing lumber according to NHLA ...

Source lumber products that meet client specifications for grade, species, volume, and delivery timelines. * Negotiate pricing, contracts, freight logistics, and terms to maximize profitability while ...

If you're an experienced Lumber Grader who takes pride in quality, teamwork, and craftsmanship, we'd love to hear from you! Basic Function: Inspects incoming and outgoing lumber according to NHLA ...

Extensive knowledge of lumber species such as SYP, DF, SPF, grades, markets, and industry terminology. Certifications, Education, and Experience: Bachelor's degree preferred but not required. Work ...

Extensive knowledge of lumber species such as SYP, DF, SPF, grades, markets, and industry terminology. Certifications, Education, and Experience: Bachelor's degree preferred but not required. Work ...

Extensive knowledge of lumber species such as SYP, DF, SPF, grades, markets, and industry terminology. Certifications, Education, and Experience: Bachelor's degree preferred but not required. Work ...

Extensive knowledge of lumber species such as SYP, DF, SPF, grades, markets, and industry terminology. Certifications, Education, and Experience: Bachelor's degree preferred but not required. Work ...

Lumber Trader We are looking for a driven and self-motivated Lumber Trader to join our team. This role focuses on cold calling and building strong relationships with manufacturers to source and trade ...

Lumber Piler

Smyrna, NY · On-site

$16.25/hr

Staffwork is hiring for Full-Time Lumber Pilers for a Lumber Company in Smyrna, NY! WHAT'S IN IT FOR YOU?! * Excellent starting pay! * Guaranteed Overtime! * Immediately on a track towards long-term ...

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Lumber Grader information

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$5

$18

$25

How much do lumber grader jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 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.

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 are popular job titles related to Lumber Grader jobs?

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

Infographic showing various Lumber Grader job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 9% 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.

Grader I-Dillard Lumber

Roseburg

Dillard, OR

Full-time

Re-posted 28 days ago


Roseburg Forest Products rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 22 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Roseburg Forest Products owns, sustains and responsibly harvests 600,000 acres of U.S. timberlands that yield the highest-quality building materials and specialty wood products that generate pride for the job and stand the test of time. Founded in 1936, the privately-held company has built its reputation for quality, versatility and reliability with products shipped across North America that include medium density fiberboard, softwood and hardwood plywood, dimension and stud lumber, and LVL and I-Joists. See how Roseburg is building and growing at www.roseburg.com and @Roseburg

Summary: The position will require the employee to do the following duties and be able to proficiently operate all equipment.Job functions include but are not limited to:

  • Ability to work fast paced, straightening lumber and keeping lugs full
  • Responsible for the examining lumber on a moving belt or chain conveyor, marking lumber defects such as knots, stains, decay, splits, wane, bug holes, mold or defective milling.
  • Determines grade and trimming to obtain the highest marketable value
  • Quality Assurance: Providing timely feedback to planer operators regarding planer quality & size issues
  • Must be able to obtain a grader certification
  • Strong mathematical skills
  • Proficiency in use of sawmill electrical controls
  • Preference for certified lumber Graders or those with experience in grading lumber.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER INCLUDING DISABILITY AND VETERANS


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