Okay, so Gerald has been with Ford Motor Company for over 50 years, which is a long time. His experience in the automotive industry, combined with his specific certification as a vibration specialist, suggests he's highly skilled in his field. However, his title is 'skilled trades,' which might imply a more generalist role rather than a specialized one. Location is Royal Oak, Michigan, which is not a hub for high-paying industries. Considering his longevity and industry experience, I'd estimate his rate to be on the lower side of the scale. Let’s look at some benchmarks. Skilled trades professionals with similar experience might average $50-$100 per hour. Given Gerald's certification and industry, I'll estimate around $75 per hour.