SOC 47-3015
Helpers--Pipelayers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters
Risk Score
โ ๏ธ46/100
Elevated
US Employment
๐ฅ43,640
Total workers
Median Wage
๐ฐ$39K
$31K โ $55K
Projected Growth
๐+4.9%
2023-2033 (BLS)
GenAI Exposure
๐ค10/100
Low exposure
๐ก Helpers--Pipelayers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters face a risk score of 46/100 โ 2 points above the national average of 44. With only 10/100 GenAI exposure, most core tasks remain resistant to current AI capabilities. See our methodology โ
๐ก Workers in this field earn $39K. The 3 recommended career transitions all maintain competitive wages while reducing automation exposure. Explore transition paths โ
๐ AI Impact Analysis
With a risk score of 46/100, Helpers--Pipelayers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters faces moderate automation pressure. While tasks like robotic bricklaying and prefabrication automation are increasingly handled by AI, the role retains significant human elements. The 43,640 workers in this occupation should focus on strengthening skills in navigating unpredictable and unstructured job sites and physical work in confined or elevated spaces to stay ahead. The role will likely evolve rather than disappear.
Will AI Replace Helpers--Pipelayers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters?
Read our full analysis with verdict, risk factors, safe tasks, and career transition paths โ
โ ๏ธ Top Risk Factors
Robotic bricklaying and prefabrication automation
Drone-based site surveying and inspection
AI project scheduling and resource optimization
Autonomous heavy equipment operation
๐ก๏ธ Tasks Safe from Automation
Navigating unpredictable and unstructured job sites
Physical work in confined or elevated spaces
Fine motor craftsmanship in custom installations
Real-time safety judgment in hazardous conditions
๐ Task Automation Breakdown
Based on O*NET task analysis and GenAI exposure scoring. Shows the estimated proportion of this occupation's core tasks that are automatable by current AI, augmented by AI tools, or require essential human skills.
๐ O*NET Task Profile
Measure, cut, thread and assemble new pipe, placing the assembled pipe in hangers or other supports.
Cut or drill holes in walls or floors to accommodate the passage of pipes.
Perform rough-ins, repair and replace fixtures and water heaters, and locate, repair, or remove leaking or broken pipes.
Assist pipe fitters in the layout, assembly, and installation of piping for air, ammonia, gas, and water systems.
Cut pipe and lift up to fitters.
๐ป Technology Skills
Spreadsheet software
Office suite software
Word processing software
๐ Key Knowledge Areas
Building and Construction
Customer and Personal Service
Mechanical
Mathematics
English Language
๐ vs National Average
National avg: $46K
National avg: 44/100
National avg: 38/100
National avg: 3.7%
๐ Career Transition Paths
| Occupation | Risk | Wage | Overlap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engineers | 20 | $106K | 57% |
| Extraction Workers | 29 | $56K | 79% |
| Electricians | 32 | $62K | 73% |