Also called: Official Grain Inspector, Licensed Grain Sampler
Samples and grades grain at elevators and export terminals so buyers know exactly what they are getting.
Grain inspectors climb onto railcars and barges to pull samples with probes, then test moisture, protein, and damage in a lab. Their certificate travels with every export shipment.
High school diploma, about 0 years after high school. On-the-job training; inspectors are licensed by USDA's Federal Grain Inspection Service.
Ways in: On-the-job training, Certification. Training cost: Get paid while you train.
Majors to look at: Agriculture (2-year), Grain Science.
Growing slowly (about 1% over 10 years). BLS 2025-35 projection band for SOC 45-2011: Slower than average (1% to 2%).
Medium risk in 5 years, high in 10. Imaging and near-infrared machines grade grain faster; licensed inspectors still sample and certify, but fewer will be hired.
Classes: Agriculture science, Chemistry.
Official data: O*NET occupation 45-2011.
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