Graders and Sorters, Agricultural Products: $35,730 Median Salary, Career Path & -5% Job Decline
The median annual wage for graders and sorters of agricultural products is $35,730, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. That works out to roughly $17 per hour, with most earners falling between $29,580 and $44,490. About 25,180 people hold these jobs, and while the work can be routine, the pay varies significantly by state and employer.
How much Graders and Sorters, Agricultural Products earn
The typical grader or sorter earns $35,730 per year at the median, with a mean salary of $36,430. Entry-level workers (10th percentile) make around $29,580, while experienced top earners (90th percentile) can reach $44,490.
Pay is influenced by region, crop type, and whether you work in a packing house or on a farm. Overtime during harvest season can boost annual income.
Pay by state
Colorado leads the nation at $48,740, followed by Minnesota ($47,540), Maine ($45,810), North Dakota ($45,590), and Nebraska ($45,560). These states tend to have high-value crops or strong union presence.
At the low end, Mississippi pays $30,140, Idaho $27,680, and Florida $27,470. Regional cost of living partly explains these differences.
How to become Graders and Sorters, Agricultural Product
Most employers require a high school diploma or equivalent, though some entry-level jobs train on the spot. No formal certification is generally needed, but you may need to pass a vision test or physical exam.
Key skills include attention to detail, color recognition, and the ability to stand for long periods. Experience in farming or food processing is a plus. Advancement to lead grader or quality control supervisor is possible with experience.
- Earn a high school diploma or GED
- Apply to packing houses, farms, or food processing plants
- Complete on-the-job training (usually a few weeks)
- Consider earning a forklift or food safety certificate to improve job prospects
Job outlook
Employment for graders and sorters is projected to decline 5.4% from 2024 to 2034, as automation and machine vision systems replace some manual inspection roles. However, about 5,100 openings per year are expected due to workers leaving the field or retiring. Job opportunities will be best in states with large agricultural economies like California, Florida, and Texas.
Frequently asked questions
What does a grader and sorter of agricultural products do?
They inspect, grade, and sort fruits, vegetables, grains, and other farm products by quality, size, color, and ripeness. Work occurs on farms, in packing houses, or at processing plants.
Is there room for advancement in this career?
Yes, with experience you can move to lead sorter, quality control inspector, or supervisor. Some workers transition to related roles in food safety or logistics.
What states have the highest pay for this job?
Colorado ($48,740), Minnesota ($47,540), and Maine ($45,810) top the list. Lower pay states include Florida ($27,470) and Idaho ($27,680).
Salary figures are U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates (OEWS / Employment Projections). For informational purposes only; not career or financial advice. See the full Graders and Sorters, Agricultural Products data.