Septic tank servicers and sewer pipe cleaners
SOC Code: 47-4071
Septic tank servicers and sewer pipe cleaners carries a 25% AI exposure score (Medium automation risk), with a median annual wage of $49,140 and +7.6% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 30,400 workers. Full task breakdown, skills, and employer data are below.
Proportion of tasks susceptible to AI automation (O*NET analysis)
At 25% AI exposure, Septic tank servicers and sewer pipe cleaners 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 Septic tank servicers and sewer pipe cleaners sits among all occupations
AI-exposure score distribution across 832 U.S. occupations (O*NET task analysis). This occupation is marked in rose.
Septic tank servicers and sewer pipe cleaners 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.
Septic tank servicers and sewer pipe cleaners vs. its occupational neighbors
AI exposure (horizontal) vs projected 2024–2034 growth (vertical) for occupations in the same SOC group. Septic tank servicers and sewer pipe cleaners 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
Septic tank servicers and sewer pipe cleaners (SOC 47-4071) 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 30,400 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a +7.6% change through 2034 - modest growth that keeps the occupation viable even as tasks evolve. Median annual compensation stands at $49,140, 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 Septic tank servicers and sewer pipe cleaners. 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
Top Tasks (O*NET)
- 1. Communicate with supervisors and other workers, using equipment such as wireless phones, pagers, or radio telephones.
- 2. Drive trucks to transport crews, materials, and equipment.
- 3. Inspect manholes to locate sewer line stoppages.
- 4. Operate sewer cleaning equipment, including power rodders, high-velocity water jets, sewer flushers, bucket machines, wayne balls, and vac-alls.
- 5. Prepare and keep records of actions taken, including maintenance and repair work.
- 6. Clean and repair septic tanks, sewer lines, or related structures such as manholes, culverts, and catch basins.
- 7. Measure excavation sites, using plumbers' snakes, tapelines, or lengths of cutting heads within sewers, and mark areas for digging.
- 8. Service, adjust, and make minor repairs to equipment, machines, and attachments.
- 9. Clean and disinfect domestic basements and other areas flooded by sewer stoppages.
- 10. Locate problems, using specially designed equipment, and mark where digging must occur to reach damaged tanks or pipes.
Key Skills Required
- Operation and Control
- Operations Monitoring
- Critical Thinking
- Active Listening
- Equipment Maintenance
- Troubleshooting
- Repairing
- Quality Control Analysis
- Time Management
- Monitoring
Knowledge Areas
- Customer and Personal Service
- Transportation
- Mechanical
- English Language
- Public Safety and Security
- Mathematics
- Administration and Management
- Education and Training
- Building and Construction
- Law and Government
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Septic tank servicers and sewer pipe cleaners?
Septic tank servicers and sewer pipe cleaners 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 Septic tank servicers and sewer pipe cleaners?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Septic tank servicers and sewer pipe cleaners is projected to grow by 7.6% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 30,400 workers.
What skills are needed for Septic tank servicers and sewer pipe cleaners?
Key skills for Septic tank servicers and sewer pipe cleaners include Operation and Control, Operations Monitoring, Critical Thinking, and others. Typical entry-level education is High school diploma or equivalent.
How much do Septic tank servicers and sewer pipe cleaners earn?
The median annual wage for Septic tank servicers and sewer pipe cleaners is $49,140, 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 Septic tank servicers and sewer pipe cleaners?
The typical entry-level education for Septic tank servicers and sewer pipe cleaners is High school diploma or equivalent. Employers generally expect None of related work experience. On-the-job training typically involves Moderate-term on-the-job training. Requirements can vary by employer and specialization.
Which companies employ Septic tank servicers and sewer pipe cleaners?
Septic tank servicers and sewer pipe cleaners 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).