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Log Scaler
In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.
The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used.
Here is how this occupation has been classified over time.
2006 NOC
2006 NOC-S
2011 NOC
2016 NOC
2021 NOC
2023 OaSIS
Timber scalers measure the volume of sample truckloads of timber, decked trees or single trees to provide reliable estimates of harvested wood. Volume measurements are done to report to the government on what was delivered to a mill and to determine how much the company owes to loggers (for cutting the timber) and to the provincial government (for timber dues). Most mills have a timber quality program in place to grade the loggers on the utilization of the timber logged.
Duties and responsibilities vary somewhat from one job to another. For example, some companies expect scalers to buck (cut) tree length logs into usable lengths before scaling them. Other companies, the wood is delivered as cut to length by the loggers. In general, however, scalers:
Industry timber scalers are subject to periodic checks by the provincial government to ensure measurements are accurate.
Timber scalers work outdoors generally for an 8-hour day, with some overtime required when there is sufficient daylight. Depending on the mill, scalers can be busy most of the year except for spring break up. However, busy season for some mills is only during fall and winter months.
Most scaling is done in mill yards. However, some bush scaling is required to determine volumes in logging cut blocks.
This work requires standing and bending for long periods of time. Safety precautions and safety equipment are required to reduce the risk of injury when working around large equipment, possibly operating a chainsaw and working on decks of logs, particularly when they are slippery.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2006 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Interest in supervising the construction of access routes, forest roads and forest tree nursery operations; and in implementing and supervising technical functions in silviculture and forest harvesting operations and in co-ordinating activities such as timber scaling, forest fire suppression, disease and insect control and pre-commercial thinning of forest stands
Interest in compiling information to monitor activities of logging companies and contractors, to enforce regulations, such as those concerning environmental protection, resource use, fire safety and accident prevention
Interest in precision working to provide technical support to forestry research programs in areas such as tree improvement, seed orchard operations, insect and disease surveys and experimental forestry and forest engineering research
To identify or change your interest codes, complete the Interests Exercise in CAREERinsite.
The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation.
It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective, and Social.
Each set of 3 interest codes for this NOC group is listed in order of importance.
A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.
A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.
To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Exercise in CAREERinsite.
A Quick Guide
You are born with abilities that help you process certain types of information and turn it into action. These abilities influence which skills you can learn more easily.
The abilities or aptitudes shown for this NOC group come from the General Aptitude Test Battery (GATB). The GATB measures 9 aptitudes. It groups them into 3 categories: mental, visual, and physical.
The abilities scores range from 1 to 5, with 5 being stronger.
Timber scalers need:
They should enjoy taking responsibility for projects that require planning and decision making, having clear rules and organized methods for their work and performing precision tasks.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 17 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Jun 17, 2022 and Apr 13, 2024.
Review these skills to learn:
| Attention to detail | 14 |
|---|---|
| Construction Specialization: Team player | 11 |
| Work under pressure | 9 |
| Construction Specialization: Organized | 8 |
| Tasks: Conduct and supervise forest inventory cruises, surveys and field measurement | 8 |
| Tasks: Enforce environmental, fire safety and accident prevention regulation | 8 |
| Tasks: Develop and maintain computer databases | 8 |
| Construction Specialization: Excellent oral communication | 6 |
| Work Setting: Consulting firm | 6 |
| Construction Specialization: Initiative | 5 |
There are no standard minimum educational requirements for timber scalers. However, they must be able to recognize different tree species and may be required to have a minimum Grade 10 education in order to attend training courses. Those who are self-employed need business management skills.
Employers generally prefer to hire people who have experience in the logging industry or related post-secondary education in forestry.
Scalers must be certified by the provincial government. The Hinton Training Centre offers 5-day provincial certification courses for timber scalers at the centre, and through Portage College in Lac La Biche. The college may also offer 10-day courses, which will cover the same course content but allow more time for hands-on experience. Graduates who pass an exam are certified as Alberta permitted scalers.
For information about longer forestry certificate and diploma programs that include instruction for Alberta scaler certification, see the Forest Technician and Forest Technologist profiles.
To expand or narrow your search for programs related to this occupation, visit Post-Secondary Programs.
Completing a program does not guarantee entrance into an occupation. Before enrolling in an education program, prospective students should look into various sources for education options and employment possibilities. For example, contact associations and employers in this field.
Timber scalers measure logs or trees to determine volume and quality of wood to be used for manufacturing.
Under Alberta's Forests Act [pdf] and Forests (Ministerial) Regulation [pdf], scalers who provide harvest information to the Government of Alberta must follow procedures set out in the Regulation and hold a valid scaler's permit.
For information on what you need and other details, visit the certification profile Timber Scaler.
Source: 2019-2023 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Timber scalers are employed by wood processing facilities such as sawmills and woodland contractors.
Experienced scalers can move into other positions in mills, advance to supervisory positions or become self-employed contractors. Post-secondary education in forestry may improve advancement opportunities.
This section shows the industries where the majority of people in this occupation work. The data is based on the 2016 Census.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
In the 2223: Forestry technologists and technicians occupational group, 82.0% of people work in:
Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
In Alberta, the 2223: Forestry technologists and technicians occupational group is expected to have a below-average annual growth of 1.1% from 2019 to 2023. In addition to job openings created by employment turnover, 20 new positions are forecasted to be created within this occupational group each year.
Note
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For example, only some of the new positions to be created will be for this occupation. It also applies to other data for the NOC group such as number of people employed.
Source: 2019-2023 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
Timber scalers working on a contract basis may be paid by volume (m3 or tonne) or a set rate per load. Load rates range from $250 to $350 per load, but contractors paid per load must pay their own costs.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Unless otherwise noted, the data shown here is for all industries and all regions in Alberta.
All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production), and other forms of compensation.
To see the full survey data for this NOC group, visit the wage profile.
Other wage sources
To make an informed wage and salary decision, research other wage sources [pdf] to supplement this data.
Lower Reliability, represents a CV of between 15.01% and 33.00% and/or if fewer than 20 survey observations and/or if survey observations represent less than 33% of all estimated employment for the occupation.
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | $17.00 | $39.54 | $30.85 | $30.91 |
| Overall | $17.00 | $48.10 | $36.28 | $35.38 |
| Top | $17.00 | $48.10 | $40.33 | $43.27 |
Swipe left and right to view all data. Scroll left and right to view all data.
* All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production) and other forms of compensation.
Pay brackets for hourly wages
| ALL INDUSTRIES | $68,069 |
|---|---|
| Public Administration | $78,238 |
Government of Alberta Agriculture and Training website, Hinton Training Centre: alberta.ca/hinton-training-centre.aspx
Alberta Agriculture and Forestry website: www.alberta.ca/forestry.aspx
Work Wild website: www.workwild.ca
Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.
Updated Mar 05, 2021. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.
