Takeover Tracker
17%low risk
Helpers--Pipelayers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters
vs

50 shared · 19 different

core competencies

24%low risk
Sheet Metal Workers

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricHelpers--Pipelayers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and SteamfittersSheet Metal Workers
Risk Score17.2%24.2%
Risk TierLow RiskLow Risk
Risk Percentile2th17th
Tasks at Risk (>50%)1 / 157 / 15
Median Salary$39,270$60,850
Employment44K117K

Skill Comparison

|

Sorted by largest difference

Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment
Thinking Creatively
Judging the Qualities of Things, Services, or People
Customer and Personal Service
MathematicsAI-Vulnerable
Building and Construction
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards
Developing Objectives and Strategies
Training and Teaching Others
Performing for or Working Directly with the Public

Protective Factors

Higher values indicate stronger protection against AI displacement

Helpers--Pipelayers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters

27%

total discount

Sheet Metal Workers

27%

total discount

Task Risk Comparison

Tasks sorted by AI automation risk — higher means more automatable

Helpers--Pipelayers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters

1 of 15 at risk
69%Requisition tools and equipment, select type and size of pipe, and collect and transport materials and equipment to work site.
47%Immerse pipe in chemical solution to remove dirt, oil, and scale.
41%Cut pipe and lift up to fitters.
41%Fill pipes with sand or resin to prevent distortion, and hold pipes during bending and installation.
41%Clean shop, work area, and machines, using solvent and rags.

Sheet Metal Workers

7 of 15 at risk
86%Develop or lay out patterns, using computerized metalworking equipment.
86%Verify that heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems are designed, installed, and calibrated in accordance with green certification standards, such as those of Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED).
85%Select gauges or types of sheet metal or nonmetallic material, according to product specifications.
84%Convert blueprints into shop drawings to be followed in the construction or assembly of sheet metal products.
63%Inspect individual parts, assemblies, or installations, using measuring instruments, such as calipers, scales, or micrometers.

Wage Comparison

Sheet Metal Workers earns +$21,580(+55%) vs Helpers--Pipelayers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters
Helpers--Pipelayers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and SteamfittersSheet Metal Workers
10th
$31,050$38,030
25th
$35,750$47,290
Median
$39,270$60,850
75th
$46,550$79,620
90th
$54,860$102,680

Premium Head-to-Head Analysis

Displacement Timeline Comparison

Helpers--Pipelayers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters2028–2035
Sheet Metal Workers2028–2035
20242030203520402045

Helpers--Pipelayers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters has a longer runway before significant displacement, projected 0 years later than Sheet Metal Workers.

Risk-Adjusted Salary

Salary weighted by displacement risk: salary × (1 − risk%)

Helpers--Pipelayers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters

$32,519

from $39,270

Sheet Metal Workers

$46,112

from $60,850

After adjusting for AI risk, Sheet Metal Workers offers $13,593 more in risk-adjusted pay.

Transition Feasibility

1%

Skill Overlap

Low overlap — significant retraining needed for transition

0

Unique to Helpers--Pipelayers,

0

Unique to Sheet

Combined Protection Strategy

Regardless of which path you choose, focus on these protective factors

Regulatory Barriers
Decision Complexity
Fine Manipulation
Creativity
Helpers--Pipelayers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and SteamfittersSheet Metal Workers
Find transitions from Helpers--Pipelayers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and SteamfittersFind transitions from Sheet Metal Workers