Pipelayers
Lay pipe for storm or sanitation sewers, drains, and water mains. Perform any combination of the following tasks: grade trenches or culverts, position pipe, or seal joints.
How AI Impacts Each Task
14 tasks analyzed
Install or use instruments such as lasers, grade rods, or transit levels.
Cut pipes to required lengths.
Connect pipe pieces and seal joints, using welding equipment, cement, or glue.
Cover pipes with earth or other materials.
Install or repair sanitary or stormwater sewer structures or pipe systems.
Align and position pipes to prepare them for welding or sealing.
Check slopes for conformance to requirements, using levels or lasers.
Lay out pipe routes, following written instructions or blueprints and coordinating layouts with supervisors.
Operate mechanized equipment, such as pickup trucks, rollers, tandem dump trucks, front-end loaders, or backhoes.
Grade or level trench bases, using tamping machines or hand tools.
Dig trenches to desired or required depths, by hand or using trenching tools.
Tap and drill holes into pipes to introduce auxiliary lines or devices.
Locate existing pipes needing repair or replacement, using magnetic or radio indicators.
Train or supervise others in laying pipe.
| Task | AI Capability | Risk | Time % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Install or use instruments such as lasers, grade rods, or transit levels. | 5Estimated | 11.0% | 5% | |
| Cut pipes to required lengths. | 35Estimated | 47.0% | 8% | |
| Connect pipe pieces and seal joints, using welding equipment, cement, or glue. | 5Estimated | 11.0% | 15% | |
| Cover pipes with earth or other materials. | 40Estimated | 49.0% | 8% | |
| Install or repair sanitary or stormwater sewer structures or pipe systems. | 5Estimated | 11.0% | 10% | |
| Align and position pipes to prepare them for welding or sealing. | 5Estimated | 11.0% | 12% | |
| Check slopes for conformance to requirements, using levels or lasers. | 62Estimated | 74.0% | 5% | |
| Lay out pipe routes, following written instructions or blueprints and coordinating layouts with supervisors. | 87Estimated | 84.0% | 5% | |
| Operate mechanized equipment, such as pickup trucks, rollers, tandem dump trucks, front-end loaders, or backhoes. | 25Estimated | 19.0% | 10% | |
| Grade or level trench bases, using tamping machines or hand tools. | 5Estimated | 11.0% | 8% | |
| Dig trenches to desired or required depths, by hand or using trenching tools. | 40Estimated | 49.0% | 6% | |
| Tap and drill holes into pipes to introduce auxiliary lines or devices. | 35Estimated | 47.0% | 3% | |
| Locate existing pipes needing repair or replacement, using magnetic or radio indicators. | 62Estimated | 74.0% | 3% | |
| Train or supervise others in laying pipe. | 10Estimated | 19.0% | 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.
Leadership is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Manual Dexterity is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Coordination is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Social Perceptiveness is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Equipment Maintenance is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Complex Problem Solving is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Persuasion is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
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Risk reduction and salary impact are estimates based on skill gap analysis, course relevance, and labor market data. Actual results vary by individual circumstance.
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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