Graders and Sorters, Agricultural Products
Grade, sort, or classify unprocessed food and other agricultural products by size, weight, color, or condition.
SOC: 45-2041.00
Common Job Titles
Apple SorterGraderPotato GraderSorter
What You'll Need to Succeed
AI-generatedKey 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
| 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
Tools & Technology
Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation
In-Demand Technology
Frequently requested by employers in job postings
Microsoft AccessMicrosoft Active Server Pages ASPMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft OutlookMicrosoft PowerPointMicrosoft Word
Technology Skills
Word processing software
Tools & Equipment
12-inch aluminum Kemper calipers6-inch plastic calipersApple corersBelt conveyorsBinocular light compound microscopesCherry sizersColor sortersCrate openers