Will AI replace Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters?

Not as a job, but it is already doing parts of the work. Across the 51 official task statements scored for Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters (United States, SOC 47-2152), 8% of the importance-weighted core work is made of tasks today's AI could already do most of. The overall exposure score is 12 out of 100 (range 10–18, band: minimal). That is a statement about tasks, not about headcount: this measures what AI could do, not whether any employer adopts it, whether the law allows it, or whether doing the routine parts faster creates more demand for the human parts. Figures are from release 2026-q4.1.

Which tasks in “Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters” can AI already do?

The highest-scoring tasks in release 2026-q4.1 are: “Keep records of work assignments” (93/100, very high); “Estimate time, material, or labor costs for use in project plans” (75/100, high); “Select pipe sizes, types, or related materials, such as supports, hangers, or hydraulic cylinders, according to specifications” (72/100, high). Each score comes from five published 0–4 ratings turned into a number by a published formula, and each carries the model's one-sentence reason on the page.

Which tasks in “Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters” stay human?

About 86% of this job's task weight sits in work that scores low for AI exposure. The lowest-scoring tasks in release 2026-q4.1 are: “Repair or remove and replace system components” (0/100, minimal); “Repair hydraulic or air pumps” (0/100, minimal); “Operate motorized pumps to remove water from flooded manholes, basements, or facility floors” (0/100, minimal). Low scores usually mean the task needs a body in a room, a legally accountable human, or trust built in real time. Those are the three things the scoring rubric treats as gates rather than obstacles.

What should someone working in “Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters” do about AI?

Start from the ledger rather than the headline: 8% of this job's weighted core work is exposed, and roughly 86% is not. The practical move is to spend more of your week on the tasks that score low, the ones above, and to get fluent at directing AI through the tasks that score high, because those are the parts that change whether or not you are ready for them. This page does not predict your job, and nothing here is career advice tailored to you: the score describes the occupation, not the person.

How is the AI exposure score for Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters calculated?

Each official task statement for the occupation is rated on five published 0–4 dimensions (output replicability, physical embodiment, licensed accountability, real-time human trust, and data availability) by claude-opus-5 using scoring prompt task_scoring_v1.0. The model never writes the score; a published formula turns the five ratings into a 0–100 number, so every score can be recomputed by hand. The occupation figure is the importance-weighted mean across 51 scored tasks. The prompt, the rubric, the formula and the full dataset are published at https://futureproof.collab365.com/method and https://futureproof.collab365.com/data/2026-q4.1 under CC BY 4.0.

US dataswitch to UK

Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters

testing operation or functionality, anchoring steel supports from ceiling joists to hold pipes in place and attaching pipes to walls, structures or fixtures. If that's your week, this page is about your job.

The honest answer

AI changes the edges of this job, not the middle: assembling pipe sections, tubing or fittings, using couplings, clamps, screws, bolts, cement, plastic solvent, caulking or soldering brazing or welding equipment is work software can't reach.

Your move: what you can actually do about this ↓

Where the work sits, by task weight

shifting to AI: 8%
changing shape: 6%
staying human: 86%

These bars are tasks changing hands, not people being counted out. The ledger below shows which.

Whole-job exposure score 12 out of 100 (10–18 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, across 51 scored tasks. The number is the support for the sentence above it, not a headline about anyone’s future.

How we know this

What is measured: Every published task statement for plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters is rated on five dimensions: can a model produce the output, does the work need a body in a room, does it need a legally accountable person, does it depend on a person being trusted in the moment, and how much data exists. A published formula turns those five ratings into the score; the model never writes the number.

How the bar is built: Each task’s share of the bar is its published importance weight, so a task you do all day counts for more than one you do twice a year.

Release: 2026-q4.1, scores computed 2026-08-04. Read the full method.

What shifts is keeping records of work assignments. This page scores what today's tools actually do, not headlines.

Your week, as this page understands it

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. The job title says “plumbers”, “pipefitters” or “steamfitters”: officially one job, several names. The real job is the part underneath: assembling pipe sections, tubing or fittings, using couplings, clamps, screws, bolts, cement, plastic solvent, caulking or soldering brazing or welding equipment. That is the thing someone has to be right about.

The exposed part of this job is specific, and we won’t pretend it is coming back. But plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters is not one task. It is 51 scored ones, and they are nowhere near equally exposed. The most durable of them, on this evidence, is assembling pipe sections, tubing or fittings, using couplings, clamps, screws, bolts, cement, plastic solvent, caulking or soldering brazing or welding equipment, and the ledger below shows exactly why.

Where the work sits, by task weight

shifting to AI: 8%
changing shape: 6%
staying human: 86%

These bars are tasks changing hands, not people being counted out. The ledger below shows which.

How we know this

How the bar is built: Each task’s share of the bar is its published importance weight, so a task you do all day counts for more than one you do twice a year.

Release: 2026-q4.1, scores computed 2026-08-04. Read the full method.

Your job, task by task

These are the official task statements for this occupation, in plain English, sorted by what the evidence says is happening to each one. The official wording sits under every line so you can check the rewrite against it.

6 of this occupation's scored task statements carry a score that was measured under a different occupation's context, because the statement is shared between jobs and has only been scored once so far. Each one names the occupation it was measured under in the free routes below; none is presented as a measurement for this job.
Task clusters are not derived in this release, so the task-cluster field is empty and no Collab365 Space routing is attached to this occupation yet.

Shifting to AI

4 tasks

Tasks today’s tools can already do most of. This is the part we will not soften: where these rows are the bulk of your week, the week changes.

Reviewing blueprints, building codes or specifications to determine work details or procedures
This is reading one thing and writing another: blueprints, building codes or specifications in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 4 · Core
Source: “Review blueprints, building codes, or specifications to determine work details or procedures.” (O*NET task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 72 out of 100 (65–79 allowing for uncertainty): high exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Blueprints and plumbing codes are written documents, and checking a job against them is reading work AI does well.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 4/4.
Selecting pipe sizes, types or related materials, such as supports, hangers or hydraulic cylinders, according to specifications
This is reading one thing and writing another: pipe sizes, types or related materials in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 4 · Core
Source: “Select pipe sizes, types, or related materials, such as supports, hangers, or hydraulic cylinders, according to specifications.” (O*NET task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 72 out of 100 (65–79 allowing for uncertainty): high exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Sizing pipe and choosing supports follows published tables and specifications, which software can apply reliably.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 4/4.
Keeping records of work assignments
This is reading one thing and writing another: records of work assignments in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 4 · Core
Source: “Keep records of work assignments.” (O*NET task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 93 out of 100 (89–97 allowing for uncertainty): very high exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Logging who is assigned to which job is simple record keeping that scheduling software already does.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 4/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Estimating time, material or labor costs for use in project plans
This is reading one thing and writing another: time, material or labor costs in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 4 · Core
Source: “Estimate time, material, or labor costs for use in project plans.” (O*NET task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 75 out of 100 (68–82 allowing for uncertainty): high exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Estimating materials, hours and costs from a drawing is calculation work that software and AI handle well.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.

Changing shape

3 tasks

Tasks where the machine takes the producing and a person keeps the checking, the deciding, or the answering-for-it. For most jobs this is the biggest group, and it is where "transformation, not termination" is literally visible.

Planning pipe system layout, installation or repairing according to specifications
The software now makes the first pass at pipe system layout, installation, but the deciding part still needs a person. So the job becomes checking and deciding rather than producing.
importance 4 · Core
Source: “Plan pipe system layout, installation, or repair, according to specifications.” (O*NET task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 49 out of 100 (42–56 allowing for uncertainty): partial exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Working out pipe routes, sizes and sequence follows documented codes and specifications, so software can draft a workable plan.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 1/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Laying out full scale drawings of pipe systems
The software now makes the first pass at full scale drawings of pipe systems, but the deciding part still needs a person. So the job becomes checking and deciding rather than producing.
importance 4 · Core
Source: “Lay out full scale drawings of pipe systems, supports, or related equipment, according to blueprints.” (O*NET task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 56 out of 100 (49–63 allowing for uncertainty): partial exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Producing detailed pipe layout drawings from blueprints is drafting work that design software and AI can largely generate.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 1/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Designing active direct or indirect
The software now makes the first pass at active direct, but the deciding part still needs a person. So the job becomes checking and deciding rather than producing.
importance 4 · Core
Source: “Design active direct or indirect, passive direct or indirect, or pool solar systems.” (O*NET task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 49 out of 100 (42–56 allowing for uncertainty): partial exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Sizing and laying out a solar thermal system follows documented design rules and standard components, so software can produce it.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 1/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.

Staying human

44 tasks

Tasks that stay with a person, because they happen in the physical world, because the rules need someone accountable, or because the value is that a specific person does them.

Assembling pipe sections, tubing or fittings, using couplings, clamps, screws, bolts, cement, plastic solvent, caulking or soldering brazing or welding equipment
This work happens in the physical world: pipe sections, tubing or fittings, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 4 · Core
Source: “Assemble pipe sections, tubing, or fittings, using couplings, clamps, screws, bolts, cement, plastic solvent, caulking, or soldering, brazing, or welding equipment.” (O*NET task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Joining pipes with couplings, solder and welding gear is skilled work done with tools in hand.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Locating and marking the position of pipe installations
This work happens in the physical world: the position of pipe installations, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 4 · Core
Source: “Locate and mark the position of pipe installations, connections, passage holes, or fixtures in structures, using measuring instruments such as rulers or levels.” (O*NET task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–7 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Marking out pipe positions means measuring against the actual walls and floors with a level in hand.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Testing operation or functionality
This work happens in the physical world: operation, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 4 · Core
Source: “Test operation or functionality of mechanical, plumbing, electrical, and control systems.” (O*NET task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 9 out of 100 (2–16 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Commissioning tests are run at the installed system, so someone has to be there operating and checking it.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 1/4 · needs a body in a room 3/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.

Show the other 41 tasks

Determining locations for installing solar subsystem components
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: locations, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 4 · Core
Source: “Determine locations for installing solar subsystem components, including piping, water heaters, valves, and ancillary equipment.” (O*NET task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 29 out of 100 (22–36 allowing for uncertainty): low exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch; work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Component positions can be planned from drawings, but the final call depends on what the building actually allows.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 2/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Assessing collector sites to ensure structural integrity of potential mounting surfaces or the best orientation and tilt for solar collectors
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: collector sites, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 4 · Core
Source: “Assess collector sites to ensure structural integrity of potential mounting surfaces or the best orientation and tilt for solar collectors.” (O*NET task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 25 out of 100 (18–32 allowing for uncertainty): low exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch; work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Best angle and orientation can be calculated from maps and sun data, but checking the roof can take the weight needs a visit.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 2/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Identifying plumbing, electrical, environmental or safety hazards associated with solar thermal installations
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: electrical, environmental or safety hazards, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 4 · Core
Source: “Identify plumbing, electrical, environmental, or safety hazards associated with solar thermal installations.” (O*NET task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 25 out of 100 (18–32 allowing for uncertainty): low exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch; work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Common hazards for these systems are well documented, but confirming them on a particular roof means looking at the site.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 2/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Demonstrating start-up, shut-down, maintenance, diagnostic and safety procedures to thermal system owners
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: start-up, shut-down, maintenance, diagnostic and safety procedures, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 4 · Core
Source: “Demonstrate start-up, shut-down, maintenance, diagnostic, and safety procedures to thermal system owners.” (O*NET task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 20 out of 100 (13–27 allowing for uncertainty): low exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; work that happens in the physical world; the value is that a specific person does it.
The rating behind it: Written guides and videos can explain the procedures, but showing an owner on their own equipment happens in person.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 2/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 2/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Inspecting structures to assess material or equipment needs
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: structures, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 4 · Core
Source: “Inspect structures to assess material or equipment needs, to establish the sequence of pipe installations, or to plan installation around obstructions, such as electrical wiring.” (O*NET task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 13 out of 100 (6–20 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: mistakes that are cheap to catch; work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Planning a route around hidden obstructions depends on walking the building and seeing what is actually there.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 3/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Inspecting, examining or testing installed systems or pipe lines, using pressure gauge, hydrostatic testing, observation or other methods
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: installed systems, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 4 · Core
Source: “Inspect, examine, or test installed systems or pipe lines, using pressure gauge, hydrostatic testing, observation, or other methods.” (O*NET task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 9 out of 100 (2–16 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Testing a finished system means being at the pipework, running the test and seeing what happens.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 1/4 · needs a body in a room 3/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Inspecting work sites for obstructions or holes that could cause structural weakness
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: work sites, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 4 · Supplemental
Source: “Inspect work sites for obstructions or holes that could cause structural weakness.” (O*NET task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 7 out of 100 (0–14 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Spotting holes and weak spots on a site means walking it and looking at the actual structure.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 1/4 · needs a body in a room 3/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Directing helpers engaged in pipe cutting
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: helpers, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 4 · Core
Source: “Direct helpers engaged in pipe cutting, preassembly, or installation of plumbing systems or components.” (O*NET task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 5 out of 100 (0–12 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world; the value is that a specific person does it.
The rating behind it: Directing helpers on a job means being on site to see the work and correct it as it goes.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 1/4 · needs a body in a room 3/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 2/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Performing routine maintenance or repairs to restore solar thermal systems to baseline operating conditions
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: routine maintenance, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 4 · Core
Source: “Perform routine maintenance or repairs to restore solar thermal systems to baseline operating conditions.” (O*NET task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Servicing and repairing an installed system is hands-on work at the equipment.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Applying operation or identification tags or labels to system components
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: operation, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 4 · Core
Source: “Apply operation or identification tags or labels to system components, as required.” (O*NET task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–7 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Label wording can be generated automatically, but attaching tags to the right components is done by hand.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Connecting water heaters and storage tanks to power and water sources
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: water heaters, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 4 · Core
Source: “Connect water heaters and storage tanks to power and water sources.” (O*NET task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Connecting tanks and heaters to power and water is hands-on work.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Filling water tanks and checking tanks
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: water tanks, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 4 · Core
Source: “Fill water tanks and check tanks, pipes, and fittings for leaks.” (O*NET task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Filling tanks and checking joints for leaks is done physically at the installation.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Installing circulating pumps
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: pumps, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 4 · Core
Source: “Install circulating pumps using pipe, fittings, soldering equipment, electrical supplies, and hand tools.” (O*NET task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Fitting and wiring circulating pumps is hands-on work with pipe, solder and hand tools.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Installing copper or plastic plumbing
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: copper, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 4 · Core
Source: “Install copper or plastic plumbing using pipes, fittings, pipe cutters, acetylene torches, solder, wire brushes, sand cloths, flux, plastic pipe cleaners, or plastic glue.” (O*NET task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Cutting and soldering copper and plastic pipe runs is hands-on plumbing work with tools.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Installing flat-plat, evacuated glass or concentrating solar collectors on mounting devices, using brackets or struts
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: flat-plat, evacuated glass or concentrating solar collectors, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 4 · Core
Source: “Install flat-plat, evacuated glass, or concentrating solar collectors on mounting devices, using brackets or struts.” (O*NET task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Lifting and bolting solar collectors onto their mounts is physical work on the roof.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Installing heat exchangers and heat exchanger fluids according to installation manuals and schematics
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: heat exchangers, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 4 · Core
Source: “Install heat exchangers and heat exchanger fluids according to installation manuals and schematics.” (O*NET task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Fitting heat exchangers and filling fluids is hands-on work.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Installing monitoring system components, such as flow meters, temperature gauges and pressure gauges
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: system components, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 4 · Core
Source: “Install monitoring system components, such as flow meters, temperature gauges, and pressure gauges, according to system design and manufacturer specifications.” (O*NET task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Fitting meters and gauges into a system is physical work.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Installing plumbing, such as dip tubes, port fittings, drain tank valves
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: as dip tubes, port fittings, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 4 · Core
Source: “Install plumbing, such as dip tubes, port fittings, drain tank valves, pressure temperature relief valves, or tanks, according to manufacturer specifications and building codes.” (O*NET task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Fitting dip tubes, valves and tanks to specification is hands-on plumbing work.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Installing solar collector mounting devices on tile
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: solar collector mounting devices, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 4 · Core
Source: “Install solar collector mounting devices on tile, asphalt, shingle, or built-up gravel roofs, using appropriate materials and penetration methods.” (O*NET task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Fixing mountings to a roof is physical work at height.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Installing solar thermal system controllers and sensors
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: solar thermal system controllers, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 4 · Core
Source: “Install solar thermal system controllers and sensors.” (O*NET task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–7 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Mounting and wiring controllers and sensors onto the system is physical installation work.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Applying ultraviolet radiation protection to prevent degradation of plumbing
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: ultraviolet radiation protection, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 4 · Supplemental
Source: “Apply ultraviolet radiation protection to prevent degradation of plumbing.” (O*NET task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Applying protective coatings to exposed pipework is physical work at the installation.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Applying weather seal, such as pipe flashings and sealants, to roof penetrations and structural devices
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: weather seal, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 4 · Core
Source: “Apply weather seal, such as pipe flashings and sealants, to roof penetrations and structural devices.” (O*NET task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Sealing roof penetrations with flashings and sealant is physical work done up on the roof.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Cutting miter and glue piping insulation to insulate plumbing pipes and fittings
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: miter, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 4 · Core
Source: “Cut, miter, and glue piping insulation to insulate plumbing pipes and fittings.” (O*NET task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Cutting and gluing pipe insulation to shape is physical work done at the pipework.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Cutting thread or hammer pipes to specifications, using tools, saws, cutting torches, pipe threaders or pipe benders
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: thread, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 4 · Core
Source: “Cut, thread, or hammer pipes to specifications, using tools such as saws, cutting torches, pipe threaders, or pipe benders.” (O*NET task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Cutting, threading and bending pipe to size is tool work done by hand at the workpiece.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Attaching pipes to walls, structures or fixtures, such as radiators or tanks, using brackets, clamps, tools or welding equipment
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: pipes, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 4 · Core
Source: “Attach pipes to walls, structures, or fixtures, such as radiators or tanks, using brackets, clamps, tools, or welding equipment.” (O*NET task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Fixing pipes to walls with brackets and clamps is manual installation work.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Modifying, cleaning or maintaining pipe systems, units, fittings or related machines or equipment
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: pipe systems, units, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 4 · Core
Source: “Modify, clean, or maintain pipe systems, units, fittings, or related machines or equipment, using hand or power tools.” (O*NET task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Maintaining and modifying pipework is done with hand and power tools at the equipment itself.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Installing pipe assemblies, fittings, valves, appliances, dishwashers or water heaters or fixtures
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: pipe assemblies, fittings, valves, appliances, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 4 · Core
Source: “Install pipe assemblies, fittings, valves, appliances such as dishwashers or water heaters, or fixtures such as sinks or toilets, using hand or power tools.” (O*NET task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Fitting sinks, toilets, water heaters and valves is physical installation work with tools.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Installing automatic controls to regulate pipe systems
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: automatic controls, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 4 · Core
Source: “Install automatic controls to regulate pipe systems.” (O*NET task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–7 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Fitting automatic control devices onto a pipe system is physical installation work at the plant.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Shutting off steam, water or other gases or liquids from pipe sections, using valve keys or wrenches
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: steam, water or other gases or liquids, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 4 · Core
Source: “Shut off steam, water, or other gases or liquids from pipe sections, using valve keys or wrenches.” (O*NET task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Shutting off supply with valve keys and wrenches is hands-on work at the pipework.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Filling pipes or plumbing fixtures with water or air and observing pressure gauges to detect and locate leaks
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: pipes, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 4 · Core
Source: “Fill pipes or plumbing fixtures with water or air and observe pressure gauges to detect and locate leaks.” (O*NET task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Pressure testing means physically filling the system and watching the gauges on site.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Maintaining or repairing plumbing by replacing defective washers
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: replacing defective washers, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 4 · Core
Source: “Maintain or repair plumbing by replacing defective washers, replacing or mending broken pipes, or opening clogged drains.” (O*NET task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Replacing washers, mending broken pipes and clearing blocked drains is hands-on repair work.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Anchoring steel supports from ceiling joists to hold pipes in place
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: steel supports, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 4 · Core
Source: “Anchor steel supports from ceiling joists to hold pipes in place.” (O*NET task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Fixing steel supports to ceiling joists is physical work up at the structure.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Installing underground storm, sanitary or water piping systems, extending piping as needed to connect fixtures and plumbing
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: underground storm, sanitary or water piping systems, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 4 · Core
Source: “Install underground storm, sanitary, or water piping systems, extending piping as needed to connect fixtures and plumbing.” (O*NET task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Laying and connecting underground pipe is physical installation work in the ground.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Installing green plumbing equipment, such as faucet flow restrictors
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: green plumbing equipment, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 3 · Core
Source: “Install green plumbing equipment, such as faucet flow restrictors, dual-flush or pressure-assisted flush toilets, or tankless hot water heaters.” (O*NET task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Fitting water-saving taps, toilets and tankless heaters is physical installation work.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Cutting openings in structures to accommodate pipes or pipe fittings
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: openings, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 4 · Core
Source: “Cut openings in structures to accommodate pipes or pipe fittings, using hand or power tools.” (O*NET task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Cutting openings through walls and floors for pipework is physical work with power tools.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Installing fixtures, appliances or equipment designed to reduce water or energy consumption
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: fixtures, appliances or equipment, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 3 · Supplemental
Source: “Install fixtures, appliances, or equipment designed to reduce water or energy consumption.” (O*NET task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Fitting water and energy saving appliances and fixtures is hands-on installation work.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Installing pipe systems to support alternative energy-fueled systems
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: pipe systems, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 3 · Supplemental
Source: “Install pipe systems to support alternative energy-fueled systems, such as geothermal heating or cooling systems.” (O*NET task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Installing pipework for geothermal heating and cooling is physical construction work on site.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Welding small pipes or special piping
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: small pipes, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 3 · Supplemental
Source: “Weld small pipes or special piping, using specialized techniques, equipment, or materials, such as computer-assisted welding or microchip fabrication.” (O*NET task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Welding pipe is a hands-on skill performed at the workpiece, even where the welding gear is computer-assisted.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Operating motorized pumps to remove water from flooded manholes
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: motorized pumps, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 3 · Supplemental
Source: “Operate motorized pumps to remove water from flooded manholes, basements, or facility floors.” (O*NET task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Setting up and running pumps to clear flooded spaces is physical work at the site.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Repairing hydraulic or air pumps
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: hydraulic, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 3 · Supplemental
Source: “Repair hydraulic or air pumps.” (O*NET task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Repairing pumps requires hands on the machine.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Repairing or removing and replacing system components
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: system components, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 4 · Core
Source: “Repair or remove and replace system components.” (O*NET task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Taking out and fitting replacement components is physical work at the system.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.

What this job pays, and how many people do it

Median pay: $63,800a year, the middle of the range, so half earn more and half earn less.bls-oews, 2025 · May 2025 estimates (national_M2025_dl.xlsx)
How we know this
Source: bls-oews
Reference period: May 2025 estimates (national_M2025_dl.xlsx)
Rounding: Shown as published.
People doing this job: 465,840in the US, 2025.bls-oews · May 2025 estimates (national_M2025_dl.xlsx)

What is deliberately not here: a forecast of how many of these jobs exist in ten years. Where an official projection exists for a market we publish it with its vintage; where it does not, we leave the space empty rather than borrow the other country’s number.

Why this is shifting

The reason is boringly specific. Most of what is shifting here is reading one thing and writing another: records of work assignments in, a record out. The rows above are exactly that shape: keeping records of work assignments and reviewing blueprints, building codes or specifications to determine work details or procedures. What it cannot do is be there in the room, and that is still where pipe sections, tubing or fittings get done. Which is why this page talks about your tasks changing, not your job ending.

Your move

Over a pint: what I’d tell you if you were my friend

Start with what does not change: assembling pipe sections, tubing or fittings, using couplings, clamps, screws, bolts, cement, plastic solvent, caulking or soldering brazing or welding equipment is the middle of this job, and the evidence on this page says it stays with a person.

So, given all that: 8% of this job's task weight sits in rows the software is already learning, 6% in rows that change shape rather than disappear, and 86% in rows it is nowhere near. That is the position, measured across 51 scored tasks. It is not a forecast about you.

So the thing worth your attention is not the job going away. It is the layer around it. Keeping records of work assignments is the part turning into software, and being the person who understands that layer is worth money.

This week: one thing

Ask the one question. Find whoever is bringing new software into your workplace (the manager, the office, whoever runs the system) and ask them what it is meant to do to records of work assignments, and what it is not meant to touch. Ten minutes, this week, before anyone decides it for you.

What you end up holding: a straight answer about what is actually being rolled out, and when
How long it takes: ten minutes

If there’s nobody obvious to ask, or you’d rather not ask your manager: Put the same question to your union rep, your shift lead or the person who has been there longest, in person, over a break. Same ten minutes, same answer, and you will usually get a straighter one. Write down what they say. The note is the artifact, and it tells you whether pipe sections, tubing or fittings are in scope or not. Nothing to log into, no license needed.

Over the next 90 days

Get inside the tool rollout rather than waiting for it. Over the next ninety days, ask to be in the group that tests, checks or signs off whatever new system arrives near planning pipe system layout, installation or repairing according to specifications. It is usually an unglamorous seat that nobody fights for, and it is the one that decides how the software is used on your job rather than to it.

Over the next 12 months

On this evidence I would not retrain out of this job, and I will say that plainly rather than hedge it. The task list here is dominated by work that stays with a person. What I would do with a year is get formally recognised for the layer around it (the systems, the compliance, the planning), so you are the one who understands the software instead of the one it is done to. Before you pay for anything, use CareerOneStop - Find local training. It is free, it is the Labor Department's own service, and it is listed below with the rest of the free routes.

The roads out of here, and why I am not sending you down them

I looked at the obvious moves out of this job, and here is what I found.

I checked the 12 nearest US occupations to plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters (nearest by the work that AI is not taking, not by job title), and none of them survived. The closest was first-line supervisors of construction trades and extraction workers: only about 5% of its durable work is work you already do. And on the numbers you do not need one. This job scores 12/100 here, with only 8% of the task list in the top band, and “assemble pipe sections, tubing, or fittings, using couplings, clamps, screws, bolts, cement…” is not work that hands over cleanly. None of them beats deepening what you already have.

How that was checked: this job was compared against all 830 US occupations in this release on their official task statements, and the 12 nearest were examined one by one. A move that turns on an industry, an employer or a qualification rather than on the work itself will not show up in a check like that. And this release carries no licence register, so anything you are weighing needs that looked up separately.

3 moves I checked and rejected

These are the obvious-looking jumps. They are here with their reasons rather than quietly dropped, because the ones that fail are worth knowing about. It is one less thing to turn over at night.

First-Line Supervisors of Construction Trades and Extraction Workers
Why it looked obvious: It came up as a near neighbour on the work AI is not taking: you already locate and mark the position of pipe installations, connections, passage holes, or fixtures…, and their equivalent is to locate, measure, and mark site locations or placement of structures or equipment, using…. Across both published task lists that is about 5% of the durable work in that job.
Why I am not recommending it: Almost none of it is work you already do: about 5% of the durable side of that job. That is a different job, not a next step.
Look at that job’s page anyway →
Solar Photovoltaic Installers
Why it looked obvious: It came up as a near neighbour on the work AI is not taking: you already identify plumbing, electrical, environmental, or safety hazards associated with solar thermal installations, and their equivalent is to identify electrical, environmental, and safety hazards associated with photovoltaic (PV) installations. Across both published task lists that is about 4% of the durable work in that job.
Why I am not recommending it: Almost none of it is work you already do: about 4% of the durable side of that job. That is a different job, not a next step. It is a pay cut, in those words: $53,140 against your $63,800, 16.7% less (OEWS May 2025 (both)). Retraining to earn less is a decision, not advice. And it is a narrow door: about 31,350 of those jobs against 465,840 of yours (OEWS May 2025), 7% as many seats.
Look at that job’s page anyway →
Helpers--Pipelayers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters
Why it looked obvious: It came up as a near neighbour on the work AI is not taking: you already select pipe sizes, types, or related materials, and their equivalent is to measure, cut, thread and assemble new pipe, placing the assembled pipe in hangers…. Across both published task lists that is about 4% of the durable work in that job.
Why I am not recommending it: Almost none of it is work you already do: about 4% of the durable side of that job. That is a different job, not a next step. It is a pay cut, in those words: $42,360 against your $63,800, 33.6% less (OEWS May 2025 (both)). Retraining to earn less is a decision, not advice. And it is a narrow door: about 44,330 of those jobs against 465,840 of yours (OEWS May 2025), 10% as many seats.
Look at that job’s page anyway →

What I’d stop worrying about

A friend tells you what not to spend fear on. This is that list.

The headline number you read somewhere
The big “X% of jobs” figures are about the whole economy, not about you. The number that describes your job is on this page: 8% of its task weight, across 51 scored tasks. Every row behind it is printed above with the source. Check ours; ignore theirs.
The headlines about your trade disappearing
They are usually about the technology, not the timetable. Changes to work like assembling pipe sections, tubing or fittings, using couplings, clamps, screws, bolts, cement, plastic solvent, caulking or soldering brazing or welding equipment arrive through rules, insurance and money, slowly and visibly. This page tracks the task evidence and will move when it moves.
Retraining out of a job that is holding up
On this evidence I would not spend money leaving. Spend it on the layer around the job instead: the tools, the paperwork, the planning. That is where the change actually is.
The “obvious” next job everyone suggests
I checked the obvious moves and most of them did not survive. The reasons are printed with the routes above, including the pay and the gate. A move that fails on the numbers is worth knowing about so you can stop turning it over at night.

You are reading the United States figures

The United Kingdom splits this work across more than one official group, of which Pipe fitters is the closest. The pay and employment figures are not directly comparable, and we do not average them together.

Switch to the United Kingdom page →partial match

The other groups this work is counted across:

Plumbers and heating and ventilating installers and repairers

In UK official statistics this job is counted as Pipe fitters and Plumbers and heating and ventilating installers and repairers. Pay is shown separately for each of those groups (medians cannot be averaged together), while the task list and the scores on this page are for this group only.

Your route through this

Where to go next, and what it costs

Free, and complete

The moves above cost nothing. These are the real services that go with them: public, government-funded, and free at the point of use. Nothing on this page is behind an email address or a payment.

Anywhere in the US:
CareerOneStop - Find local training
Search what's running near you, from the Labor Department's own database, before anyone sells you a course.
Free to search; individual programs vary, and some are funded
Anywhere in the US:
American Job Center locator
An American Job Center will sit down with you for free. Find yours by ZIP code.
Free
- CareerOneStop local help hub
Anywhere in the US:
CareerOneStop - Licensed occupations finder
Check what your state actually requires before you pay for anything.
Free
Anywhere in the US:
CareerOneStop
Free

No Space for this job, but one for what is happening to it

Nothing Collab365 runs is built for plumbers / pipefitters / steamfitters, and we are not going to point you at the nearest one and call it a fit.

There is one that is not about a job title at all. The AI Authority is about being the person who directs these tools at work rather than the person they get compared to. That is worth saying here, because 8% of the work on this page is already inside what they can do.

Try The AI Authority free →

7 days free, no card needed. Explore up to 2 Spaces before you choose a plan: you pick a plan later, not now.

The AI Authority is a general community about working with AI, not a course for plumbers / pipefitters / steamfitters. You do not need it to act on anything here: the moves above cost nothing and stand on their own. The data on this page is the same either way.

Noted, and thank you. We’ll email you if a Space for plumbers / pipefitters / steamfitters launches. Nothing else.

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No Space for plumbers / pipefitters / steamfitters yet. Should there be one?

Collab365 Spaces is built by the same people as this site. We find the problems that AI and automation are creating inside one kind of work, then solve them as short courses, briefings and Blueprints. Each Space is the community too, so the research and the people doing your job are in the same place.

What a Space actually is, in full

Collab365 launches new communities where the need is real. If one for plumbers / pipefitters / steamfitters existed, with researched problems, courses and people in the same boat, would you want in?

Your email

We use your email address for one thing: to tell you if a Space for plumbers / pipefitters / steamfitters launches. We never sell it, never use it for unrelated marketing, and every email has a one-click unsubscribe. Our privacy policy has the full version.

This unlocks nothing. Every figure, every row and every step on this page is already yours, whether you fill this in or not.

No deadline on any of this. The page will still be here, and the data is refreshed on a published schedule rather than when someone wants a headline.

Questions people ask about this job

Will AI replace Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters?: Not as a job, but it is already doing parts of the work. Across the 51 official task statements scored for Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters (United States, SOC 47-2152), 8% of the importance-weighted core work is made of tasks today's AI could already do most of. The overall exposure score is 12 out of 100 (range 10–18, band: minimal). That is a statement about tasks, not about headcount: this measures what AI could do, not whether any employer adopts it, whether the law allows it, or whether doing the routine parts faster creates more demand for the human parts. Figures are from release 2026-q4.1.
Which tasks in “Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters” can AI already do?: The highest-scoring tasks in release 2026-q4.1 are: “Keep records of work assignments” (93/100, very high); “Estimate time, material, or labor costs for use in project plans” (75/100, high); “Select pipe sizes, types, or related materials, such as supports, hangers, or hydraulic cylinders, according to specifications” (72/100, high). Each score comes from five published 0–4 ratings turned into a number by a published formula, and each carries the model's one-sentence reason on the page.
Which tasks in “Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters” stay human?: About 86% of this job's task weight sits in work that scores low for AI exposure. The lowest-scoring tasks in release 2026-q4.1 are: “Repair or remove and replace system components” (0/100, minimal); “Repair hydraulic or air pumps” (0/100, minimal); “Operate motorized pumps to remove water from flooded manholes, basements, or facility floors” (0/100, minimal). Low scores usually mean the task needs a body in a room, a legally accountable human, or trust built in real time. Those are the three things the scoring rubric treats as gates rather than obstacles.
What should someone working in “Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters” do about AI?: Start from the ledger rather than the headline: 8% of this job's weighted core work is exposed, and roughly 86% is not. The practical move is to spend more of your week on the tasks that score low, the ones above, and to get fluent at directing AI through the tasks that score high, because those are the parts that change whether or not you are ready for them. This page does not predict your job, and nothing here is career advice tailored to you: the score describes the occupation, not the person.
How is the AI exposure score for Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters calculated?: Each official task statement for the occupation is rated on five published 0–4 dimensions (output replicability, physical embodiment, licensed accountability, real-time human trust, and data availability) by claude-opus-5 using scoring prompt task_scoring_v1.0. The model never writes the score; a published formula turns the five ratings into a 0–100 number, so every score can be recomputed by hand. The occupation figure is the importance-weighted mean across 51 scored tasks. The prompt, the rubric, the formula and the full dataset are published at https://futureproof.collab365.com/method and https://futureproof.collab365.com/data/2026-q4.1 under CC BY 4.0.

Where these numbers come from

Worth knowing about these figures

The match between this job and its counterpart in the other country is partial, so the two pages count slightly different groups of people.
6 of this occupation's scored task statements carry a score that was measured under a different occupation's context, because the statement is shared between jobs and has only been scored once so far. Each one names the occupation it was measured under in the free routes below; none is presented as a measurement for this job.
Task clusters are not derived in this release, so the task-cluster field is empty and no Collab365 Space routing is attached to this occupation yet.

Task statements: onet-dbProcessing: catalogue-bridge → onet-im-rt-weighting → task-scoring → score-aggregation
Task weights: onet-db (im-rt)
Scores: Rubric task_scoring_v1.0, model claude-opus-5, computed 2026-08-04.
Pay and employment: bls-oews (May 2025 estimates (national_M2025_dl.xlsx))bls-oews (May 2025 estimates (national_M2025_dl.xlsx))

Figures on this page come from release 2026-q4.1, published 2026-08-05. Every release keeps its own permanent address, so a figure you cite in March is still there, unchanged, in November.

The plain-English wording on this page is assembled directly from the task statements and the published ratings, not written by hand for this occupation. That is why it is specific, and it is also why we say so.

The routes and free resources further up are today’s, not the release’s (last reviewed 2026-08-05). A route is an offer, not a historical fact, so it moves on its own clock.

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Everything on this site is published under CC BY 4.0. Quote it, chart it, sell something built on it. Just say where it came from, and cite the dated release rather than the site, so the figure you quote stays checkable.

Plain text

Collab365 (2026). Collab365 Futureproof: task-level AI exposure for US and UK occupations, release 2026-q4.1 (methodVersion 2.0.0, promptVersion task_scoring_v1.0). https://futureproof.collab365.com/data/2026-q4.1. Licensed CC BY 4.0. Built with O*NET data (USDOL/ETA, CC BY 4.0); ONS data (Open Government Licence v3.0); GAISI task framework (arXiv:2507.22748, MIT); BLS data (public domain).

BibTeX

@misc{collab365futureproof2026q41,
  title        = {Collab365 Futureproof: task-level AI exposure for US and UK occupations, release 2026-q4.1},
  author       = {{Collab365}},
  year         = {2026},
  url          = {https://futureproof.collab365.com/data/2026-q4.1},
  note         = {Release 2026-q4.1, methodVersion 2.0.0, promptVersion task_scoring_v1.0, CC BY 4.0}
}

Permalink

https://futureproof.collab365.com/data/2026-q4.1

Data as of release 2026-q4.1, published 2026-08-05. Releases never change after publication; when the figures move, a new dated release is published beside this one and this one stays exactly where it is.