How to become an inspector or grader
Official title: Inspectors and graders, textile, fabric, fur and leather products manufacturing
Also called: Fur grader, Fur sorter, Hide grader, Wool grader, Cloth grader, Fabric grader, Hat inspector, Fabric sampler, Hat fur sorter, Hide inspector, Hosiery grader, Leather grader
Inspectors and graders in textile, fabric, fur and leather products manufacturing inspect and grade textile, fabric, fur and leather products. They are employed by textile companies, leather tanning and fur dressing establishments and garment, fur and leather products manufacturers.
Main tasks
- Examine natural, synthetic and hybrid textile, fabric, fur and leather garments or products for conformity to quality standards
- Inspect and grade animal hides and pelts according to size, condition and weight
- Verify fit or size of finished garments and products by measuring or comparing products with samples and patterns
- Mark defects, repair minor imperfections, cut excess materiel using scissors, and remove lint and spots using brushes, lint removers and cleaning solutions
- Grade and sort finished products and tag according to size, style and quality
- Record information on products inspected
- May package products
How to become one
Some secondary school education is usually required. On-the-job training is provided. Work experience in the manufacturing of the products inspected is usually required.
Pay · Outlook
- Median pay: $34,125 a year The middle half earn $31,883 to $39,683.
Related jobs
- Textile fibre and yarn, hide and pelt processing machine operators and workers
- Weavers, knitters and other fabric making occupations
- Industrial sewing machine operators
Not sure this is for you? Take the 2-minute career quiz
Questions people ask
How do I become an inspector or grader?
Some secondary school education is usually required. On-the-job training is provided. Work experience in the manufacturing of the products inspected is usually required.
How much does an inspector or grader earn in Canada?
Median full-time pay is $34,125 a year (Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank)). The middle half earn $31,883 to $39,683.
Do you need a degree to become an inspector or grader?
Usually not. Only 17% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher.
Sources
- Statistics Canada: Census 2021: employment by occupation, gender and education (98-10-0449) (2021 Census), Statistics Canada Open Licence, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Statistics Canada: National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 (Version 1.0), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank): Wages by occupation (2025 (revised 2025-11-19)), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
Updated 2026-10-03