Rankings β Will AI Replaceβ¦
Will AI Replace Helpers--Pipelayers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters?
π‘ Helpers--Pipelayers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters have a composite risk score of 46/100 (Frey-Osborne probability: 57%, GenAI exposure: 10/100). With 43,640 workers in the US, this occupation faces moderate but manageable AI pressure. Full occupation profile β
π― The Verdict
Possible. Significant task automation is underway β workers should actively upskill.
With 43,640 workers and a median wage of $39K,helpers--pipelayers, plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters represent a significant portion of the US workforce. Their GenAI exposure index is 10%, meaning a minority of their core tasks overlap with current generative AI capabilities.
Risk Score
46/100
Employment
43,640
Median Wage
$39K
GenAI Exposure
10%
β οΈ Top Risk Factors
Robotic bricklaying and prefabrication automation
Drone-based site surveying and inspection
AI project scheduling and resource optimization
Autonomous heavy equipment operation
π‘οΈ Tasks AI Can't Easily Replace
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
π 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.
π Career Transition Paths
Related occupations with lower AI risk and high skills overlap:
Engineers
57% skills overlap Β· $106K median wage
Extraction Workers
79% skills overlap Β· $56K median wage
Electricians
73% skills overlap Β· $62K median wage
β Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI completely replace helpers--pipelayers, plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters?
Possible. Significant task automation is underway β workers should actively upskill.
What is the AI risk score for helpers--pipelayers, plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters?
Helpers--Pipelayers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters have a composite AI automation risk score of 46 out of 100, classified as "Elevated".
How many helpers--pipelayers, plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters are there in the US?
There are approximately 43,640 helpers--pipelayers, plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters employed in the United States.
What do helpers--pipelayers, plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters earn?
The median annual wage for helpers--pipelayers, plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters is $39K.
What skills should helpers--pipelayers, plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters develop?
Focus on tasks AI can't easily replicate: 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. These human-centric skills will become more valuable as routine tasks are automated.