SOC 47-2152
Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters
Risk Score
โ ๏ธ41/100
Elevated
US Employment
๐ฅ455,940
Total workers
Median Wage
๐ฐ$63K
$41K โ $105K
Projected Growth
๐+4.5%
2023-2033 (BLS)
GenAI Exposure
๐ค40/100
Moderate exposure
๐ก Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters face a risk score of 41/100 โ 3 points below the national average of 44. With only 40/100 GenAI exposure, most core tasks remain resistant to current AI capabilities. See our methodology โ
๐ก Workers in this field earn $63K ($17K above the national median). 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 41/100, 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 455,940 workers in this occupation should focus on strengthening skills in fine motor craftsmanship in custom installations and adapting to unique building configurations on-site to stay ahead. The role will likely evolve rather than disappear.
Will AI Replace 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
Autonomous heavy equipment operation
Drone-based site surveying and inspection
AI project scheduling and resource optimization
๐ก๏ธ Tasks Safe from Automation
Fine motor craftsmanship in custom installations
Adapting to unique building configurations on-site
Physical work in confined or elevated spaces
Navigating unpredictable and unstructured job sites
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
Shut off steam, water, or other gases or liquids from pipe sections, using valve keys or wrenches.
Install underground storm, sanitary, or water piping systems, extending piping as needed to connect fixtures and plumbing.
Assemble pipe sections, tubing, or fittings, using couplings, clamps, screws, bolts, cement, plastic solvent, caulking, or soldering, brazing, or welding equipment.
Locate and mark the position of pipe installations, connections, passage holes, or fixtures in structures, using measuring instruments such as rulers or levels.
Cut, thread, or hammer pipes to specifications, using tools such as saws, cutting torches, pipe threaders, or pipe benders.
๐ป Technology Skills
Computer aided design CAD software
Word processing software
Analytical or scientific software
Accounting software
Data base user interface and query software
๐ Key Knowledge Areas
Mechanical
Building and Construction
Customer and Personal Service
English Language
Engineering and Technology
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 | 67% |
| Supervisors of Construction and Extraction Workers | 33 | $79K | 76% |
| Extraction Workers | 29 | $56K | 74% |