Grade D Trades, Below Average (2024)
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 | Mason (Bricklayer) | Construction | $68,974 | 47 | +-2% | 23,930 |
| 2 | Tool and Die Maker | Metalwork | $67,268 | 44 | +-3% | 19,270 |
| 3 | Plasterer | Construction | $63,149 | 42 | +-1% | 8,110 |
| 4 | Drywall Installer | Construction | $58,184 | 43 | +-2% | 35,190 |
| 5 | Machinist | Metalwork | $57,590 | 44 | +-1% | 113,790 |
| 6 | Roofer | Construction | $56,189 | 48 | +2% | 54,380 |
| 7 | Tile Setter | Construction | $55,563 | 42 | +-2% | 16,140 |
| 8 | Floor Layer | Construction | $54,675 | 41 | +-2% | 10,430 |
| 9 | Auto Mechanic | Automotive | $53,986 | 48 | +2% | 269,550 |
| 10 | Septic Tank Servicer | Plumbing | $52,193 | 43 | +2% | 8,860 |
| 11 | Locksmith | Specialty | $52,024 | 48 | +7% | 7,020 |
| 12 | Painter (Construction) | Construction | $51,605 | 40 | +-1% | 98,760 |
| 13 | Insulation Worker | Construction | $50,860 | 48 | +3% | 15,840 |
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 13 trades with a Grade D Trade Pay Score, representing approximately 681,270 total jobs. The average median salary for Grade D trades is $57,097.
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 2024. Trade Pay Scores are a composite of median wage vs. metro income, wage growth, job demand, and COL-adjusted pay.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OES, 2026.