Graders and Sorters, Agricultural Products
Graders and sorters examine unprocessed agricultural products and organize them by size, weight, color, or condition. They work in facilities that handle crops, produce, and other farm products, using visual inspection and sometimes scales or sorting equipment to classify items for sale or further processing.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against graders and sorters, agricultural products and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
Work typically involves standing at sorting stations or moving through storage areas, examining products and placing them into appropriate categories or containers. Tasks include operating basic equipment, keeping records of sorted quantities, and maintaining clean work areas. Physical demands are steady throughout shifts, with repetitive motions and attention to quality standards required consistently.
Who this work suits
Holland code RCI. Realistic work is hands-on, practical work with tools, machines or the outdoors. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You tend to prefer hands-on, practical work over abstract problem-solving and like having clear procedures to follow. You're detail-oriented and comfortable with routine tasks, and you work well when standards are straightforward and measurable.
What it takes
Preparation: Some preparation (usually high school; some on-the-job training). Most people in this occupation hold no formal education requirement.
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Colorado | $34,300 | $48,740 | $52,790 | 230 |
| Minnesota | $47,440 | $47,540 | $48,260 | 30 |
| Maine | $40,420 | $45,810 | $45,860 | 40 |
| North Dakota | $38,710 | $45,590 | $47,840 | 260 |
| Nebraska | $43,430 | $45,560 | $54,960 | 330 |
| Utah | $42,710 | $42,710 | $44,030 | 100 |
| Iowa | $41,460 | $42,450 | $49,200 | 170 |
| Massachusetts | $34,110 | $41,770 | $41,960 | 40 |
| Maryland | $35,000 | $41,740 | $60,460 | 430 |
| Illinois | $37,390 | $41,670 | $45,780 | 220 |
| South Dakota | $37,490 | $39,900 | $47,860 | 380 |
| Michigan | $34,910 | $39,180 | $47,210 | 100 |
All 37 states
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Job titles in this occupation
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against graders and sorters, agricultural products and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 45-2041.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.