Helpers--pipelayers, plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters
SOC Code: 47-3015
Helpers--pipelayers, plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters carries a 25% AI exposure score (Medium automation risk), with a median annual wage of $39,270 and +4.9% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 45,300 workers. Full task breakdown, skills, and employer data are below.
Proportion of tasks susceptible to AI automation (O*NET analysis)
At 25% AI exposure, Helpers--pipelayers, plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters sits 12 points below the 37.2% average across 832 U.S. occupations - more exposed than 15% of them. Most of its core tasks still require human judgment.
Where Helpers--pipelayers, plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters sits among all occupations
AI-exposure score distribution across 832 U.S. occupations (O*NET task analysis). This occupation is marked in rose.
Helpers--pipelayers, plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters has ai exposure of 25%. Distribution: 1 occupations at 0-10%; 43 occupations at 10-20%; 184 occupations at 20-30%; 332 occupations at 30-40%; 158 occupations at 40-50%; 64 occupations at 50-60%; 29 occupations at 60-70%; 15 occupations at 70-80%; 5 occupations at 80-90%; 1 occupations at 90-100%.
Source: O*NET task data (U.S. Department of Labor); AI-exposure scores are PlainWorkforce's analysis. As of BLS 2024–2034.
Helpers--pipelayers, plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters vs. its occupational neighbors
AI exposure (horizontal) vs projected 2024–2034 growth (vertical) for occupations in the same SOC group. Helpers--pipelayers, plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters is marked in rose; the top-left corner is the most future-proof.
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034 (growth) and O*NET (AI-exposure analysis by PlainWorkforce).
Employment Projections
Occupation Insight
Helpers--pipelayers, plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters (SOC 47-3015) carries an AI exposure score of 25%, placing it in the Medium automation-risk tier. This score is computed from O*NET Database 30.0 task-level analysis, where each task an occupation performs is evaluated against current generative AI, robotic process automation, and machine-learning capabilities. A score below 40% reflects tasks anchored in physical dexterity, unstructured environments, or high-touch human interaction that current AI cannot reliably replicate.
The economic context matters alongside the risk score. BLS counted approximately 45,300 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a +4.9% change through 2034 - modest growth that keeps the occupation viable even as tasks evolve. Median annual compensation stands at $39,270, reflecting both skill scarcity and the value employers place on the tasks that remain difficult to automate. Entry typically requires High school diploma or equivalent, plus None of related experience.
For career planners, this profile should be read alongside the task, skill, and knowledge breakdowns below and the list of employers whose workforce composition includes Helpers--pipelayers, plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters. Adjacent occupations shown further down offer lateral moves that preserve industry knowledge while potentially reducing exposure. Pair the AI exposure score with the BLS employment projection and wage percentiles above for a complete career assessment.
Education & Entry Requirements
Registered Apprenticeship Pathway Available
Helpers--pipelayers, plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters is a recognized registered apprenticeship occupation under the DOL RAPIDS system. Earn while you train, apprentices typically start at ~$16/hr and reach $28–$46/hr upon completion, depending on the specific trade and region.
Top Tasks (O*NET)
- 1. Measure, cut, thread and assemble new pipe, placing the assembled pipe in hangers or other supports.
- 2. Cut or drill holes in walls or floors to accommodate the passage of pipes.
- 3. Perform rough-ins, repair and replace fixtures and water heaters, and locate, repair, or remove leaking or broken pipes.
- 4. Assist pipe fitters in the layout, assembly, and installation of piping for air, ammonia, gas, and water systems.
- 5. Install gas burners to convert furnaces from wood, coal, or oil.
- 6. Cut pipe and lift up to fitters.
- 7. Fit or assist in fitting valves, couplings, or assemblies to tanks, pumps, or systems, using hand tools.
- 8. Requisition tools and equipment, select type and size of pipe, and collect and transport materials and equipment to work site.
- 9. Mount brackets and hangers on walls and ceilings to hold pipes, and set sleeves or inserts to provide support for pipes.
- 10. Excavate and grade ditches, and lay and join pipe for water and sewer service.
Key Skills Required
- Active Listening
- Critical Thinking
- Monitoring
- Judgment and Decision Making
- Coordination
- Active Learning
- Complex Problem Solving
- Repairing
- Speaking
- Social Perceptiveness
Knowledge Areas
- Building and Construction
- Customer and Personal Service
- Mechanical
- Mathematics
- English Language
- Administration and Management
- Design
- Engineering and Technology
- Education and Training
- Public Safety and Security
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Helpers--pipelayers, plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters?
Helpers--pipelayers, plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters has an AI exposure score of 25%, indicating a medium level of automation risk. The majority of tasks in this role require human judgment, creativity, or physical presence that AI cannot easily replicate.
What is the job outlook for Helpers--pipelayers, plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Helpers--pipelayers, plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters is projected to grow by 4.9% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 45,300 workers.
What skills are needed for Helpers--pipelayers, plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters?
Key skills for Helpers--pipelayers, plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters include Active Listening, Critical Thinking, Monitoring, and others. Typical entry-level education is High school diploma or equivalent.
How much do Helpers--pipelayers, plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters earn?
The median annual wage for Helpers--pipelayers, plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters is $39,270, according to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Actual earnings vary by location, experience, industry, and employer. The BLS publishes detailed wage percentiles by region in its Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program.
What education is required for Helpers--pipelayers, plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters?
The typical entry-level education for Helpers--pipelayers, plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters is High school diploma or equivalent. Employers generally expect None of related work experience. On-the-job training typically involves Short-term on-the-job training. Requirements can vary by employer and specialization.
Which companies employ Helpers--pipelayers, plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters?
Helpers--pipelayers, plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters roles exist across many industries and employers. Workforce composition is estimated from BLS industry-occupation employment distributions matched to SEC-registered public companies.
AI Exposure Rating
Medium automation risk based on 10 analyzed tasks. Most tasks require human judgment and are resistant to automation.
Related Occupations
Career Guides
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Data sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2024–2034 and O*NET Database 30.0. Employment figures are rounded. Wage data from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics (OES).