Final answer:
Irish immigrants to the United States in the initial waves typically worked as domestic servants, construction workers, day laborers, and saloon owners, but not as coopers. Therefore, the correct option is D.
Step-by-step explanation:
The initial waves of Irish immigrants typically worked in all of the following occupations except coopers. The Irish immigrants, who arrived in significant numbers after the Irish Potato Famine of 1845, settled predominantly in East Coast cities in the United States where their occupational roles were generally as laborers due to discrimination and their economic status. They worked mainly as domestic servants, construction workers, day laborers, and in some cases, became saloon owners. The act of making barrels, which is the job of a cooper, was not a common occupation among these immigrants, especially when considering their need for immediate employment in unskilled or semi-skilled jobs to support themselves financially.