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.
How AI Impacts Each Task
15 tasks analyzed
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.
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.
Install gas burners to convert furnaces from wood, coal, or oil.
Cut pipe and lift up to fitters.
Fit or assist in fitting valves, couplings, or assemblies to tanks, pumps, or systems, using hand tools.
Requisition tools and equipment, select type and size of pipe, and collect and transport materials and equipment to work site.
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.
Fill pipes with sand or resin to prevent distortion, and hold pipes during bending and installation.
Disassemble and remove damaged or worn pipe.
Immerse pipe in chemical solution to remove dirt, oil, and scale.
Clean shop, work area, and machines, using solvent and rags.
Clean and renew steam traps.
| Task | AI Capability | Risk | Time % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Measure, cut, thread and assemble new pipe, placing the assembled pipe in hangers or other supports. | 0Estimated | 9.0% | 10% | |
| Cut or drill holes in walls or floors to accommodate the passage of pipes. | 0Estimated | 9.0% | 8% | |
| Perform rough-ins, repair and replace fixtures and water heaters, and locate, repair, or remove leaking or broken pipes. | 59.38Observed | 32.8% | 10% | |
| Assist pipe fitters in the layout, assembly, and installation of piping for air, ammonia, gas, and water systems. | 0Estimated | 9.0% | 10% | |
| Install gas burners to convert furnaces from wood, coal, or oil. | 0Estimated | 9.0% | 3% | |
| Cut pipe and lift up to fitters. | 20Estimated | 41.0% | 10% | |
| Fit or assist in fitting valves, couplings, or assemblies to tanks, pumps, or systems, using hand tools. | 0Estimated | 9.0% | 8% | |
| Requisition tools and equipment, select type and size of pipe, and collect and transport materials and equipment to work site. | 48.32Observed | 68.5% | 8% | |
| Mount brackets and hangers on walls and ceilings to hold pipes, and set sleeves or inserts to provide support for pipes. | 0Estimated | 9.0% | 8% | |
| Excavate and grade ditches, and lay and join pipe for water and sewer service. | 5Estimated | 11.0% | 8% | |
| Fill pipes with sand or resin to prevent distortion, and hold pipes during bending and installation. | 20Estimated | 41.0% | 3% | |
| Disassemble and remove damaged or worn pipe. | 0Estimated | 9.0% | 5% | |
| Immerse pipe in chemical solution to remove dirt, oil, and scale. | 35Estimated | 47.0% | 3% | |
| Clean shop, work area, and machines, using solvent and rags. | 20Estimated | 41.0% | 4% | |
| Clean and renew steam traps. | 20Estimated | 41.0% | 2% |
Skill Impact Analysis
AI-Vulnerable Skills (6)
High reliance on Mathematics is a risk area. Consider developing complementary AI-resistant skills to maintain value.
Information Ordering is AI-vulnerable but has moderate importance in this role. AI tools may handle this; focus on higher-value skills.
Reading Comprehension is AI-vulnerable but has moderate importance in this role. AI tools may handle this; focus on higher-value skills.
Mathematics is AI-vulnerable but has moderate importance in this role. AI tools may handle this; focus on higher-value skills.
Memorization is AI-vulnerable but has moderate importance in this role. AI tools may handle this; focus on higher-value skills.
Programming is AI-vulnerable but has moderate importance in this role. AI tools may handle this; focus on higher-value skills.
AI-Resistant Skills (11)
Adaptability/Flexibility is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Manual Dexterity is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Leadership is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Coordination is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Complex Problem Solving is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Social Perceptiveness is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Service Orientation is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Equipment Maintenance is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Recommended Courses
Courses matched to Helpers--Pipelayers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters skill gaps, ranked by relevance to your displacement risk profile.
Get personalized recommendations. Answer a few questions about your experience and skills to get course suggestions tailored specifically to you.
Upskill to Reduce Risk
Courses addressing your most AI-vulnerable skills
SQL Fundamentals Skill Track
by DataCamp
Estimated Impact
AI-Augmentation Tools
Learn to work alongside AI and boost your productivity
Cybersecurity Fundamentals Path
by Pluralsight
Estimated Impact
Strengthen Your Edge
Double down on skills AI can't replicate
Leading People and Teams Specialization
by University of Michigan
Estimated Impact
We may earn a commission when you enroll through our links, at no extra cost to you. This helps fund the Takeover Tracker.
Risk reduction and salary impact are estimates based on skill gap analysis, course relevance, and labor market data. Actual results vary by individual circumstance.
Alternate Career Paths
See all transitionsBrickmasons and Blockmasons
20%Median salary: $60,800
Higher risk than 7% of other occupations
Carpet Installers
15%Median salary: $49,850
Higher risk than 1% of other occupations
Cement Masons and Concrete Finishers
17%Median salary: $54,660
Higher risk than 3% of other occupations
Chief Executives
26%Higher risk than 23% of other occupations
Computer and Information Systems Managers
31%Higher risk than 45% of other occupations
Construction Carpenters
21%Median salary: $59,310
Higher risk than 8% of other occupations
Financial Managers
General and Operations Managers
28%Higher risk than 29% of other occupations
Helpers--Carpenters
24%Median salary: $41,600
Higher risk than 16% of other occupations
Helpers--Electricians
20%Median salary: $39,890
Higher risk than 8% of other occupations
Marketing Managers
30%Higher risk than 38% of other occupations
Rail-Track Laying and Maintenance Equipment Operators
30%Median salary: $67,370
Higher risk than 38% of other occupations
Sales Managers
25%Higher risk than 20% of other occupations
Sheet Metal Workers
24%Median salary: $60,850
Higher risk than 17% of other occupations
Terrazzo Workers and Finishers
21%Median salary: $57,260
Higher risk than 9% of other occupations
Tile and Marble Setters
26%Median salary: $52,240
Higher risk than 23% of other occupations
Score History
Risk score over 2 scoring runs
overall change
Education & Training
Percentage of workers at each education and training level
Education Level
Prior Experience Needed
Work experience required to enter this job
Training Provided After Hiring
How long it typically takes to learn on the job
Last scored March 14, 2026 · Based on BLS employment data and O*NET task analysis