SOC 47-2151
Pipelayers
Risk Score
⚠️54/100
Elevated
US Employment
👥33,580
Total workers
Median Wage
💰$49K
$37K – $81K
Projected Growth
📈-4.1%
2023-2033 (BLS)
GenAI Exposure
🤖27/100
Low exposure
💡 Pipelayers face a risk score of 54/100 — 10 points above the national average of 44. With only 27/100 GenAI exposure, most core tasks remain resistant to current AI capabilities. See our methodology →
💡 Workers in this field earn $49K ($2K above the national median). The 3 recommended career transitions all maintain competitive wages while reducing automation exposure. Explore transition paths →
🔍 AI Impact Analysis
With a risk score of 54/100, Pipelayers faces moderate automation pressure. While tasks like ai project scheduling and resource optimization are increasingly handled by AI, the role retains significant human elements. The 33,580 workers in this occupation should focus on strengthening skills in navigating unpredictable and unstructured job sites and adapting to unique building configurations on-site to stay ahead. The role will likely evolve rather than disappear.
Will AI Replace Pipelayers?
Read our full analysis with verdict, risk factors, safe tasks, and career transition paths →
⚠️ Top Risk Factors
AI project scheduling and resource optimization
Autonomous heavy equipment operation
Drone-based site surveying and inspection
Robotic bricklaying and prefabrication automation
🛡️ Tasks Safe from Automation
Navigating unpredictable and unstructured job sites
Adapting to unique building configurations on-site
Client-facing consultation on custom project needs
Physical work in confined or elevated spaces
📊 vs National Average
National avg: $46K
National avg: 44/100
National avg: 38/100
National avg: 3.7%
🔄 Career Transition Paths
| Occupation | Risk | Wage | Overlap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engineers | 20 | $106K | 53% |
| Extraction Workers | 29 | $56K | 80% |
| Electricians | 32 | $62K | 74% |