Nature of the Work

Graders and sorters grade, sort, or classify unprocessed food and other agricultural products by size, weight, color, or condition and discard inferior or defective products.

Education and Training

While some jobs require a high school diploma, simple jobs that need mostly visual inspection might be filled by those with work-related experience.

Job Outlook

Employment change. Little or no change in employment is expected. Increased use of electronic sorters, higher levels of imported agricultural products, and growth of produce with less waste will result in decreased demand for these workers.

Job prospects. Most job openings will arise from the need to replace workers who leave the occupation each year. There may be competition for positions.