Graders and sorters inspect and classify agricultural products by quality, size, and condition. The work is hands-on, physical, and in demand. You can start without a four-year degree. Here is what the work involves, what skills matter, and how to get in.
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You inspect, handle, and sort agricultural products as they move through processing. You identify quality issues, size variations, and defects, then direct items to the right bins or conveyor lines. You monitor equipment and materials, communicate with supervisors and coworkers about problems or changes, and keep detailed records. The work is fast-paced and requires attention to detail. You stand for long periods, lift and move products repeatedly, and work in temperature-controlled environments. Knowledge of food production standards and mechanical systems helps you catch problems early.
Core work activities
Career video courtesy of CareerOneStop.
Graders and Sorters, Agricultural Products earn a median of $35,730 a year, based on 2025 data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and location.
The outlook is softer here. Employment is projected to fall 5 percent from 2024 to 2034, though there are still about 5,100 openings a year from turnover.
Top skills
Knowledge areas
Most positions require no formal degree, though some employers prefer high school completion or equivalent. You learn on the job through hands-on training, typically lasting weeks to a few months. Employers teach you their grading standards, equipment operation, and safety protocols. Strong communication skills and the ability to follow detailed instructions speed up your training. Some facilities offer formal orientation programs. Starting as a sorter or general laborer and moving into grading roles is common. Bilingual skills are valued in many agricultural processing settings.
Entry routes include direct hire into sorting or grading roles, or starting in general agricultural labor and moving up. If you are exploring options and want to map out a realistic timeline, Pathly can map the grader and sorter, agricultural products path that fits you with your school counselor or career advisor to build a step-by-step plan.
You are practical and hands-on, comfortable with physical work and repetitive tasks. You notice details, follow procedures carefully, and work well as part of a team.
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Last updated July 1, 2026.
Data sources. Career details from the O*NET 30.3 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under CC BY 4.0. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. Salary and outlook figures from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2025 wages; 2024–2034 projections), delivered via the CareerOneStop API. Certification, licensing, wage, and outlook data from CareerOneStop, sponsored by USDOL/ETA and the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED).