Airman is just above the Coast Guard rank of airman apprentice , Seaman Apprentice , fireman apprentice which is the E-2 pay grade .
Pay grade is just below the rank of Petty Officer Third Class , E-4 pay grade .
Airman is just above the Coast Guard rank of airman apprentice , Seaman Apprentice , fireman apprentice which is the E-2 pay grade , but it is just below the rank of Petty Officer Third Class , E-4 pay grade .