Takeover Tracker
18%low risk

Pipe Fitters and Steamfitters

Lay out, assemble, install, or maintain pipe systems, pipe supports, or related hydraulic or pneumatic equipment for steam, hot water, heating, cooling, lubricating, sprinkling, or industrial production or processing systems.

Higher risk than 3% of occupations
Checking for existing plan...

How AI Impacts Each Task

22 tasks analyzed

Cut, thread, or hammer pipes to specifications, using tools such as saws, cutting torches, pipe threaders, or pipe benders.

Risk: 11.0%AI: 5EstimatedTime: 10%

Lay out full scale drawings of pipe systems, supports, or related equipment, according to blueprints.

Risk: 55.0%AI: 70EstimatedTime: 5%

Assemble or secure pipes, tubes, fittings, or related equipment, according to specifications, by welding, brazing, cementing, soldering, or threading joints.

Risk: 11.0%AI: 5EstimatedTime: 12%

Measure and mark pipes for cutting or threading.

Risk: 37.0%AI: 10EstimatedTime: 8%

Inspect, examine, or test installed systems or pipe lines, using pressure gauge, hydrostatic testing, observation, or other methods.

Risk: 39.0%AI: 30EstimatedTime: 6%

Plan pipe system layout, installation, or repair, according to specifications.

Risk: 50.8%AI: 59.38ObservedTime: 6%

Attach pipes to walls, structures, or fixtures, such as radiators or tanks, using brackets, clamps, tools, or welding equipment.

Risk: 9.0%AI: 0EstimatedTime: 8%

Modify, clean, or maintain pipe systems, units, fittings, or related machines or equipment, using hand or power tools.

Risk: 9.0%AI: 0EstimatedTime: 6%

Select pipe sizes, types, or related materials, such as supports, hangers, or hydraulic cylinders, according to specifications.

Risk: 86.0%AI: 92EstimatedTime: 4%

Cut or bore holes in structures, such as bulkheads, decks, walls, or mains, prior to pipe installation, using hand or power tools.

Risk: 9.0%AI: 0EstimatedTime: 5%

Install automatic controls to regulate pipe systems.

Risk: 9.0%AI: 0EstimatedTime: 3%

Shut off steam, water, or other gases or liquids from pipe sections, using valve keys or wrenches.

Risk: 37.0%AI: 10EstimatedTime: 2%

Inspect work sites for obstructions or holes that could cause structural weakness.

Risk: 43.0%AI: 40EstimatedTime: 3%

Remove and replace worn components.

Risk: 9.0%AI: 0EstimatedTime: 4%

Install fixtures, appliances, or equipment designed to reduce water or energy consumption.

Risk: 9.0%AI: 0EstimatedTime: 2%

Install pipe systems to support alternative energy-fueled systems, such as geothermal heating or cooling systems.

Risk: 9.0%AI: 0EstimatedTime: 2%

Install or test gray water systems, such as recycling, treatment, or irrigation systems.

Risk: 9.0%AI: 0EstimatedTime: 2%

Prepare cost estimates for clients.

Risk: 71.7%AI: 56.2ObservedTime: 2%

Operate motorized pumps to remove water from flooded manholes, basements, or facility floors.

Risk: 41.0%AI: 20EstimatedTime: 2%

Dip nonferrous piping materials in a mixture of molten tin and lead to obtain a coating that prevents erosion or galvanic or electrolytic action.

Risk: 45.0%AI: 30EstimatedTime: 2%

Repair hydraulic or air pumps.

Risk: 9.0%AI: 0EstimatedTime: 2%

Repair or remove and replace system components.

Risk: 9.0%AI: 0EstimatedTime: 2%

Skill Impact Analysis

AI-Vulnerable Skills (6)

Mathematics10%

High reliance on Mathematics is a risk area. Consider developing complementary AI-resistant skills to maintain value.

Reading Comprehension10%

High reliance on Reading Comprehension is a risk area. Consider developing complementary AI-resistant skills to maintain value.

Information Ordering5%

High reliance on Information Ordering is a risk area. Consider developing complementary AI-resistant skills to maintain value.

Mathematics10%

Mathematics is AI-vulnerable but has moderate importance in this role. AI tools may handle this; focus on higher-value skills.

Memorization5%

Memorization is AI-vulnerable but has moderate importance in this role. AI tools may handle this; focus on higher-value skills.

Programming15%

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)

Leadership88%

Leadership is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.

Manual Dexterity80%

Manual Dexterity is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.

Adaptability/Flexibility85%

Adaptability/Flexibility is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.

Complex Problem Solving75%

Complex Problem Solving is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.

Coordination70%

Coordination is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.

Service Orientation82%

Service Orientation is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.

Instructing75%

Instructing is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.

Social Perceptiveness90%

Social Perceptiveness is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.

Recommended Courses

Courses matched to Pipe Fitters 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

DataCampbeginner

SQL Fundamentals Skill Track

by DataCamp

21 hours$25/mo4.7Certificate
Addresses vulnerability: Information Ordering

Estimated Impact

-6.8pt risk+$3K/yr salary

AI-Augmentation Tools

Learn to work alongside AI and boost your productivity

Courseraintermediate

Systems Thinking In Practice

by The Open University

20 hours$49/mo4.5Certificate
Enhances AI augmentation: Systems Analysis

Estimated Impact

-4.9pt risk+$3K/yr salary

Strengthen Your Edge

Double down on skills AI can't replicate

Courseraintermediate

Leading People and Teams Specialization

by University of Michigan

~6 weeks$49/mo4.7Certificate
Strengthens resilience: Leadership

Estimated Impact

-3.9pt risk+$4K/yr salary

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.

Score History

Risk score over 2 scoring runs

-0.9

overall change

Education & Training

Percentage of workers at each education and training level

Education Level

Less than High School16%
High School Diploma37%
Some College44%
Post-Secondary Certificate4%

Prior Experience Needed

Work experience required to enter this job

None34%
1-3 months3%
3-6 months8%
6 months - 1 year1%
1-2 years4%
2-4 years15%
4-6 years29%
6-8 years3%
Over 10 years4%

Training Provided After Hiring

How long it typically takes to learn on the job

None1%
Up to 1 month8%
1-3 months9%
6 months - 1 year1%
1-2 years17%
2-4 years30%
4-6 years34%

Last scored March 14, 2026 · Based on BLS employment data and O*NET task analysis