ConstructionO*NET: 47-3015.00
Will AI Replace Helpers--Pipelayers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters?
Help plumbers, pipefitters, steamfitters, or pipelayers by performing duties requiring less skill. Duties include using, supplying, or holding materials or tools, and cleaning work area and equipment.
83out of 100
Critical Risk
AI Risk Score
83/100
Risk Level
Critical
Job Zone
2/5
Entry
Total Tasks Analyzed
11
🤖 What AI Can Do
- ▸Requisition tools and equipment, select type and size of pipe, and collect and transport materials and equipment to work site.
👤 What Requires Humans
- ▸Perform rough-ins, repair and replace fixtures and water heaters, and locate, repair, or remove leaking or broken pipes.
- ▸Assist pipe fitters in the layout, assembly, and installation of piping for air, ammonia, gas, and water systems.
- ▸Cut pipe and lift up to fitters.
Task Breakdown
🤖AI Can Automate (1)
- Requisition tools and equipment, select type and size of pipe, and collect and transport materials and equipment to work site.
👤Requires Humans (3)
- Perform rough-ins, repair and replace fixtures and water heaters, and locate, repair, or remove leaking or broken pipes.
- Assist pipe fitters in the layout, assembly, and installation of piping for air, ammonia, gas, and water systems.
- Cut pipe and lift up to fitters.
⚡AI-Assisted (7)
- Measure, cut, thread and assemble new pipe, placing the assembled pipe in hangers or other supports.
- Cut or drill holes in walls or floors to accommodate the passage of pipes.
- Fit or assist in fitting valves, couplings, or assemblies to tanks, pumps, or systems, using hand tools.
- Mount brackets and hangers on walls and ceilings to hold pipes, and set sleeves or inserts to provide support for pipes.
- Excavate and grade ditches, and lay and join pipe for water and sewer service.
- Disassemble and remove damaged or worn pipe.
- Clean shop, work area, and machines, using solvent and rags.
Key Skills Analysis
Active Listening
Importance: 2.88/5.00
Critical ThinkingAI-Resistant
Importance: 2.88/5.00
Monitoring
Importance: 2.88/5.00
Judgment and Decision MakingAI-Resistant
Importance: 2.88/5.00
CoordinationAI-Resistant
Importance: 2.75/5.00
Active LearningAI-Resistant
Importance: 2.62/5.00
Complex Problem SolvingAI-Resistant
Importance: 2.62/5.00
Repairing
Importance: 2.62/5.00
Speaking
Importance: 2.50/5.00
Social PerceptivenessAI-Resistant
Importance: 2.50/5.00
Time ManagementAI-Resistant
Importance: 2.50/5.00
Reading ComprehensionAI-Vulnerable
Importance: 2.38/5.00
Service OrientationAI-Resistant
Importance: 2.38/5.00
Equipment SelectionAI-Vulnerable
Importance: 2.38/5.00
Operation and Control
Importance: 2.38/5.00
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Frequently Asked Questions
Based on our analysis, Helpers--Pipelayers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters have a critical risk of AI replacement with a score of 83/100. Many routine tasks in this role can be automated, but human oversight remains important.
Last updated: 2026-03-28· Data from O*NET 30.2 & Frey/Osborne automation research