Grade, sort, or classify unprocessed food and other agricultural products by size, weight, color, or condition.
SOC: 45-2041.00
Common Job Titles
Apple Sorter
Grader
Potato Grader
Sorter
What You'll Need to Succeed
AI-generated
Key competencies for this occupation at a glance
Hands-onHandle agricultural products during sorting and grading operations using conveyor systems and manual techniques to maintain product integrity.
Proficient
KnowledgeClassify unprocessed food and agricultural products by size, weight, color, and condition applying production standards independently in fast-paced processing environments.
Developing
Hands-onOperate specialized sizing and sorting equipment including weight sorters, color sorters, and diameter sorting machines following established protocols to ensure accurate product classification.
Developing
KnowledgeEvaluate product quality against established standards and specifications using visual inspection and measurement tools such as calipers, firmness testers, and refractometers.
Developing
KnowledgeApply production and processing knowledge to grading decisions in agricultural processing facilities under time constraints.
Developing
Hands-onExecute general physical activities including lifting, moving, and positioning agricultural products maintaining workflow efficiency throughout extended shifts.
Developing
KnowledgeApply monitoring techniques to track processes, materials, and surroundings identifying defects, contamination, or deviations from quality standards.
Developing
MindsetEngage in effective communication with supervisors, peers, and subordinates to coordinate work activities and report quality issues in team-based processing settings.
Developing
KnowledgeEstimate quantifiable characteristics including size, weight, and volume of agricultural products supporting accurate sorting and documentation requirements.
Developing
KnowledgeApply time management and prioritization skills to organize sorting tasks and meet daily production quotas in agricultural facilities.
Developing
Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Annual wage data for Graders and Sorters, Agricultural Products (2024)
Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)
26,870
Wage Distribution by Percentile
Line chart of annual wages by percentile. U.S. is the solid line. 10th percentile: U.S. $30,490. 25th percentile: U.S. $33,550. 50th percentile: U.S. $35,430. 75th percentile: U.S. $38,010. 90th percentile: U.S. $43,280. Use the left and right arrow keys to move between percentiles.
U.S.
Metric
U.S.
10% of workers earn the following or less
$30,490
10% of workers earn the following or more
$43,280
Workers on average earn
$36,080
+ indicates wage is at or above the BLS reporting cap ($239,200/year)
Skills & Requirements
Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance
Production and Processing3.6/5
English Language3.0/5
Mechanical3.0/5
Food Production2.8/5
Education and Training2.7/5
Skills & Requirements: Knowledge
Tools & Technology
Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation
