Rankings β Will AI Replaceβ¦
Will AI Replace Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters?
π‘ Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters have a composite risk score of 41/100 (Frey-Osborne probability: 35%, GenAI exposure: 40/100). With 455,940 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 455,940 workers and a median wage of $63K,plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters represent a significant portion of the US workforce. Their GenAI exposure index is 40%, meaning a minority of their core tasks overlap with current generative AI capabilities.
Risk Score
41/100
Employment
455,940
Median Wage
$63K
GenAI Exposure
40%
β οΈ Top Risk Factors
Robotic bricklaying and prefabrication automation
Autonomous heavy equipment operation
Drone-based site surveying and inspection
AI project scheduling and resource optimization
π‘οΈ Tasks AI Can't Easily Replace
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
π Career Transition Paths
Related occupations with lower AI risk and high skills overlap:
Engineers
67% skills overlap Β· $106K median wage
Supervisors of Construction and Extraction Workers
76% skills overlap Β· $79K median wage
Extraction Workers
74% skills overlap Β· $56K median wage
β Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI completely replace plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters?
Possible. Significant task automation is underway β workers should actively upskill.
What is the AI risk score for plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters?
Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters have a composite AI automation risk score of 41 out of 100, classified as "Elevated".
How many plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters are there in the US?
There are approximately 455,940 plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters employed in the United States.
What do plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters earn?
The median annual wage for plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters is $63K.
What skills should plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters develop?
Focus on tasks AI can't easily replicate: 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. These human-centric skills will become more valuable as routine tasks are automated.