Plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters
SOC Code: 47-2152
Plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters carries a 27% AI exposure score (Medium automation risk), with a median annual wage of $62,970 and +4.5% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 504,500 workers. Full task breakdown, skills, and employer data are below.
Proportion of tasks susceptible to AI automation (O*NET analysis)
AI Exposure vs Industry Growth
Total occupations tracked
832
Covering all SOC major groups
Data currency
2024
BLS Employment Projections
AI exposure avg
40%
Fleet-wide median across all roles
Composite score weighing O*NET task data completeness, BLS projection methodology, and cross-validation with employer risk grades.
Employment Projections
Occupation Insight
Plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters (SOC 47-2152) carries an AI exposure score of 27%, 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 504,500 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a +4.5% change through 2034 — modest growth that keeps the occupation viable even as tasks evolve. Median annual compensation stands at $62,970, 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 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
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. Test operation or functionality of mechanical, plumbing, electrical, and control systems.
- 2. Apply weather seal, such as pipe flashings and sealants, to roof penetrations and structural devices.
- 3. Install solar collector mounting devices on tile, asphalt, shingle, or built-up gravel roofs, using appropriate materials and penetration methods.
- 4. Install copper or plastic plumbing using pipes, fittings, pipe cutters, acetylene torches, solder, wire brushes, sand cloths, flux, plastic pipe cleaners, or plastic glue.
- 5. Identify plumbing, electrical, environmental, or safety hazards associated with solar thermal installations.
- 6. Demonstrate start-up, shut-down, maintenance, diagnostic, and safety procedures to thermal system owners.
- 7. Install circulating pumps using pipe, fittings, soldering equipment, electrical supplies, and hand tools.
- 8. Install flat-plat, evacuated glass, or concentrating solar collectors on mounting devices, using brackets or struts.
- 9. Install solar thermal system controllers and sensors.
- 10. Shut off steam, water, or other gases or liquids from pipe sections, using valve keys or wrenches.
Key Skills Required
- Installation
- Reading Comprehension
- Quality Control Analysis
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Critical Thinking
- Monitoring
- Operations Monitoring
- Troubleshooting
- Judgment and Decision Making
Knowledge Areas
- Mechanical
- Building and Construction
- Customer and Personal Service
- English Language
- Engineering and Technology
- Education and Training
- Design
- Public Safety and Security
- Computers and Electronics
- Production and Processing
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters?
Plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters has an AI exposure score of 27%, 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 Plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters is projected to grow by 4.5% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 504,500 workers.
What skills are needed for Plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters?
Key skills for Plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters include Installation, Reading Comprehension, Quality Control Analysis, and others. Typical entry-level education is High school diploma or equivalent.
How much do Plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters earn?
The median annual wage for Plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters is $62,970, 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 Plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters?
The typical entry-level education for Plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters is High school diploma or equivalent. Employers generally expect None of related work experience. On-the-job training typically involves Apprenticeship. Requirements can vary by employer and specialization.
Which companies employ Plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters?
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.
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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).