O*NET-SOC 47-2152.00 / model V11 rated-task engine

Will AI replace
Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters?

Assemble, install, alter, and repair pipelines or pipe systems that carry water, steam, air, or other liquids or gases. May install heating and cooling equipment and mechanical control systems. Includes sprinkler fitters.

Estimated AI task exposure

Low exposure

V11 weights occupation tasks using O*NET Importance, Relevance and Frequency ratings instead of treating every task equally.

30 tasks have usable Task Rating records; weighted-task coverage is 100%.

Digital/info work

26/100

Physical moat

84/100

Human moat

15/100

Rating coverage

100%

30 task statements / 30 rated

Highest-weighted occupation tasks

Locate and mark the position of pipe installations, connections, passage holes, or fixtures in structures, using measuring instruments such as rulers or levels.

Importance 78/100Relevance 100/100Frequency 72/100Weight 0.85

Cut, thread, or hammer pipes to specifications, using tools such as saws, cutting torches, pipe threaders, or pipe benders.

Importance 78/100Relevance 99/100Frequency 73/100Weight 0.85

Assemble pipe sections, tubing, or fittings, using couplings, clamps, screws, bolts, cement, plastic solvent, caulking, or soldering, brazing, or welding equipment.

Importance 79/100Relevance 100/100Frequency 68/100Weight 0.84

Install pipe assemblies, fittings, valves, appliances such as dishwashers or water heaters, or fixtures such as sinks or toilets, using hand or power tools.

Importance 75/100Relevance 100/100Frequency 60/100Weight 0.81

Direct helpers engaged in pipe cutting, preassembly, or installation of plumbing systems or components.

Importance 75/100Relevance 95/100Frequency 66/100Weight 0.80

Review blueprints, building codes, or specifications to determine work details or procedures.

Importance 76/100Relevance 100/100Frequency 57/100Weight 0.80

Select pipe sizes, types, or related materials, such as supports, hangers, or hydraulic cylinders, according to specifications.

Importance 76/100Relevance 91/100Frequency 66/100Weight 0.79

Anchor steel supports from ceiling joists to hold pipes in place.

Importance 73/100Relevance 93/100Frequency 59/100Weight 0.77

Plan pipe system layout, installation, or repair, according to specifications.

Importance 77/100Relevance 91/100Frequency 56/100Weight 0.77

Install underground storm, sanitary, or water piping systems, extending piping as needed to connect fixtures and plumbing.

Importance 80/100Relevance 96/100Frequency 44/100Weight 0.77

Task weighting

Each rated task receives a composite weight: 38% relevance, 37% importance and 25% frequency. Core tasks receive a small additional multiplier. Low-precision rows flagged by O*NET for suppression are excluded.

Occupation scoring

When rating coverage is strong, rated tasks contribute 60% of the digital, physical and human task signals and Work Activities contribute 40%. Lower-coverage occupations automatically rely more on Work Activities.

U.S. labor market

BLS Wage & Employment Outlook

Median annual wage

$63,800

BLS OEWS May 2025

National employment

465,840

BLS OEWS May 2025

Projected growth

+6.8%

BLS Employment Projections 2025–2035

Average annual openings

42

BLS Employment Projections 2025–2035

BLS labor-market figures are separate from the site's AI-exposure model. Missing values mean a compatible detailed BLS occupation estimate was not published or could not be mapped.

Career pivot radar

Safer Career Alternatives

These options are selected from the same 923-occupation model. They favor a similar task/work profile with meaningfully lower estimated AI exposure. They are suggestions for exploration, not guarantees of job fit.

SAFER ALTERNATIVE