π‘ Pipelayers have a composite risk score of 54/100 (Frey-Osborne probability: 62%, GenAI exposure: 27/100). With 33,580 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 33,580 workers and a median wage of $49K,pipelayers represent a significant portion of the US workforce. Their GenAI exposure index is 27%, meaning a minority of their core tasks overlap with current generative AI capabilities.
Risk Score
54/100
Employment
33,580
Median Wage
$49K
GenAI Exposure
27%
β οΈ Top Risk Factors
AI project scheduling and resource optimization
Autonomous heavy equipment operation
Drone-based site surveying and inspection
Robotic bricklaying and prefabrication automation
π‘οΈ Tasks AI Can't Easily Replace
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
π Career Transition Paths
Related occupations with lower AI risk and high skills overlap:
Engineers
53% skills overlap Β· $106K median wage
Extraction Workers
80% skills overlap Β· $56K median wage
Electricians
74% skills overlap Β· $62K median wage
β Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI completely replace pipelayers?
Possible. Significant task automation is underway β workers should actively upskill.
What is the AI risk score for pipelayers?
Pipelayers have a composite AI automation risk score of 54 out of 100, classified as "Elevated".
How many pipelayers are there in the US?
There are approximately 33,580 pipelayers employed in the United States.
What do pipelayers earn?
The median annual wage for pipelayers is $49K.
What skills should pipelayers develop?
Focus on tasks AI can't easily replicate: 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. These human-centric skills will become more valuable as routine tasks are automated.