Grade D Trades — Below Average (2025)
Below-average trades with lower pay or weak growth. May still be viable in the right market.
Grade D Trades
| Rank | Trade | Category | Median | Score | 5yr Growth | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tool and Die Maker | Metalwork | $61,514 | 47 | +2% | 80,906 |
| 2 | Mason (Bricklayer) | Construction | $56,904 | 49 | +5% | 96,521 |
| 3 | Drywall Installer | Construction | $54,480 | 47 | +4% | 103,408 |
| 4 | Machinist | Metalwork | $52,141 | 51 | +6% | 123,979 |
| 5 | Plasterer | Construction | $52,094 | 41 | +2% | 71,947 |
| 6 | Tile Setter | Construction | $52,089 | 46 | +5% | 97,041 |
| 7 | Well Driller | Specialty | $52,055 | 47 | +5% | 101,825 |
| 8 | Glazier | Construction | $51,634 | 50 | +6% | 119,948 |
| 9 | Welder | Welding | $50,902 | 54 | +8% | 144,671 |
| 10 | Concrete Finisher | Construction | $50,675 | 50 | +7% | 123,805 |
| 11 | Auto Mechanic | Automotive | $50,517 | 44 | +4% | 98,452 |
| 12 | Maintenance Mechanic | Industrial | $50,342 | 53 | +7% | 159,448 |
| 13 | Insulation Worker | Construction | $50,148 | 53 | +8% | 151,085 |
| 14 | Roofer | Construction | $50,049 | 48 | +5% | 124,662 |
| 15 | Floor Layer | Construction | $49,886 | 45 | +5% | 102,893 |
| 16 | Locksmith | Specialty | $49,571 | 41 | +3% | 74,612 |
| 17 | Painter (Construction) | Construction | $47,431 | 40 | +3% | 68,867 |
| 18 | Septic Tank Servicer | Plumbing | $47,006 | 42 | +4% | 99,146 |
| 19 | CNC Machine Operator | Metalwork | $45,680 | 43 | +5% | 96,955 |
| 20 | Scaffold Builder | Construction | $44,652 | 42 | +5% | 95,863 |
Frequently Asked Questions
A Grade D (Below Average) Trade Pay Score indicates below-average trades with lower pay or weak growth. may still be viable in the right market. The score is a composite of median wage vs. metro income, 5-year wage growth, job demand, and cost-of-living-adjusted pay.
There are 20 trades with a Grade D Trade Pay Score, representing approximately 2,136,034 total jobs. The average median salary for Grade D trades is $50,989.
Grade D trades may have limited earning potential or growth. However, local market conditions can vary significantly — a low-scoring trade nationally may still pay well in specific high-demand areas.
Wage data from BLS OEWS 2025. Trade Pay Scores are a composite of median wage vs. metro income, wage growth, job demand, and COL-adjusted pay.