At the global level, Scaled Antpitta is considered to be a species of Least Concern, due to its large distribution (1,160,000 km²; BirdLife International 2012). Similarly, Freile et al. (2010) found this species to be under little threat in Ecuador. Scaled Antpitta is, however, considered threatened in Mexico (NOM-059 SEMARNAT 2010), where it could become endangered if modification of its habitat continues, and in El Salvador (Komar 1998, 2002). Additionally, due to its limited range, subspecies aripoensis sometimes is considered at risk of extinction (IUCN 1986). Scaled Antpitta also is a species of high concern to Partners in Flight (Berlanga et al. 2010). Based on determinations of habitat loss, Berlanga et al. (2010) estimated that 50% or more of its population has been lost in Mexico during the last century.

There are no data published for Scaled Antpitta, but it is obvious that they are tolerant of at least some human habitat alteration, as they were found breeding abundantly in southwestern Ecuador in relatively small, isolated patches of forest surrounded by cattle pastures (Dobbs et al. 2001, 2003).