All Other Specialty Trade Contractors — Business Survival Rate

An estimated 58% of all other specialty trade contractors businesses survive their first 5 years, based on U.S. Census Bureau Business Dynamics Statistics. The annual business closure rate is 10.4%.

58%
5-Year Survival Rate
+3.1%
Net Growth Rate
68,453
Total Firms
5,825
Annual Firm Deaths

Is All Other Specialty Trade a Good Business to Start?

With a 58% five-year survival rate, all other specialty trade contractors is near the national average (~50%). This means roughly half of new entrants will still be operating after 5 years — typical business risk that rewards solid planning and execution.

The annual exit rate of 10.4% indicates moderate turnover. Success depends on differentiation, location, and operational efficiency rather than inherent industry advantages.

Entry vs. Exit Rates

Annual rate of new businesses opening versus existing businesses closing.

Entry Rate (new businesses)14.2%
Exit Rate (closures)10.4%

Net positive: more businesses opening than closing (+3.7 pp spread).

Job Creation & Destruction

16.2%
Job Creation Rate
13.1%
Job Destruction Rate
+3.1%
Net Job Growth

The industry is adding jobs faster than losing them — a positive sign for both workers and new business owners looking to hire. Total employment: 752,955 workers across 68,453 firms.

Want to know how much all other specialty trade contractors businesses actually make?

See full revenue benchmarks for All Other Specialty Trade Contractors

Frequently Asked Questions

What percentage of all other specialty trade contractors businesses fail?
Approximately 42% of all other specialty trade contractors businesses fail within their first 5 years. The annual closure rate is 10.4%, with 5,825 firms closing permanently in 2023.
Is the all other specialty trade contractors industry growing or shrinking?
The all other specialty trade contractors industry is currently growing with a net job creation rate of +3.1% per year. New businesses are entering at 14.2% while 10.4% close annually.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Business Dynamics Statistics (2023). Survival rate estimated from annual exit rates.