Plumbers
Assemble, install, or repair pipes, fittings, or fixtures of heating, water, or drainage systems, according to specifications or plumbing codes.
AI Impact Summary
Plumbers faces low AI displacement risk with a score of 19/100. This occupation has higher AI displacement risk than 5% of all analyzed occupations. Of 23 analyzed tasks, 2 are highly automatable, particularly routine cognitive tasks. Strong protective factors — including social intelligence, creativity, or regulatory barriers — significantly reduce effective risk.
Skill Impact Analysis
AI-Vulnerable Skills (6)
High reliance on Mathematics is a risk area. Consider developing complementary AI-resistant skills to maintain value.
High reliance on Information Ordering is a risk area. Consider developing complementary AI-resistant skills to maintain value.
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)
Leadership is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Adaptability/Flexibility is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Manual Dexterity is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Complex Problem Solving is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Instructing is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Equipment Maintenance is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Service Orientation is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Coordination is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
AI-Augmented Skills (7)
Recommended Courses
Courses matched to Plumbers 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
Google UX Design Professional Certificate
by Google
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.
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
How AI Impacts Each Task
23 tasks analyzed
Assemble pipe sections, tubing, or fittings, using couplings, clamps, screws, bolts, cement, plastic solvent, caulking, or soldering, brazing, or welding equipment.
Install pipe assemblies, fittings, valves, appliances such as dishwashers or water heaters, or fixtures such as sinks or toilets, using hand or power tools.
Keep records of work assignments.
Maintain or repair plumbing by replacing defective washers, replacing or mending broken pipes, or opening clogged drains.
Fill pipes or plumbing fixtures with water or air and observe pressure gauges to detect and locate leaks.
Direct helpers engaged in pipe cutting, preassembly, or installation of plumbing systems or components.
Locate and mark the position of pipe installations, connections, passage holes, or fixtures in structures, using measuring instruments such as rulers or levels.
Measure, cut, thread, or bend pipe to required angle, using hand or power tools or machines, such as pipe cutters, pipe-threading machines, or pipe-bending machines.
Review blueprints, building codes, or specifications to determine work details or procedures.
Anchor steel supports from ceiling joists to hold pipes in place.
Estimate time, material, or labor costs for use in project plans.
Install underground storm, sanitary, or water piping systems, extending piping as needed to connect fixtures and plumbing.
Inspect structures to assess material or equipment needs, to establish the sequence of pipe installations, or to plan installation around obstructions, such as electrical wiring.
Install green plumbing equipment, such as faucet flow restrictors, dual-flush or pressure-assisted flush toilets, or tankless hot water heaters.
Weld small pipes or special piping, using specialized techniques, equipment, or materials, such as computer-assisted welding or microchip fabrication.
Cut openings in structures to accommodate pipes or pipe fittings, using hand or power tools.
Install alternative water sources, such as rainwater harvesting systems or graywater reuse systems.
Recommend energy or water saving products, such as low-flow faucets or shower heads, water-saving toilets, or high-efficiency hot water heaters.
Determine sizing requirements for solar hot water heating systems, taking into account factors such as site orientation, load calculations, or storage capacity requirements.
Perform domestic plumbing audits to identify ways in which customers might reduce consumption of water or energy.
Calculate costs or savings for water- or energy-efficient appliances or systems.
Install, test, or commission solar thermal or solar photovoltaic hot water heating systems.
Compile information on governmental incentive programs related to the installation of energy or water saving plumbing systems or devices.
| Task | AI Capability | Risk | Time % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assemble pipe sections, tubing, or fittings, using couplings, clamps, screws, bolts, cement, plastic solvent, caulking, or soldering, brazing, or welding equipment. | 0Estimated | 9.0% | 10% | |
| Install pipe assemblies, fittings, valves, appliances such as dishwashers or water heaters, or fixtures such as sinks or toilets, using hand or power tools. | 56.07Observed | 31.4% | 10% | |
| Keep records of work assignments. | 95Estimated | 87.2% | 3% | |
| Maintain or repair plumbing by replacing defective washers, replacing or mending broken pipes, or opening clogged drains. | 73Observed | 38.2% | 10% | |
| Fill pipes or plumbing fixtures with water or air and observe pressure gauges to detect and locate leaks. | 5Estimated | 11.0% | 5% | |
| Direct helpers engaged in pipe cutting, preassembly, or installation of plumbing systems or components. | 10Estimated | 19.0% | 4% | |
| Locate and mark the position of pipe installations, connections, passage holes, or fixtures in structures, using measuring instruments such as rulers or levels. | 5Estimated | 11.0% | 4% | |
| Measure, cut, thread, or bend pipe to required angle, using hand or power tools or machines, such as pipe cutters, pipe-threading machines, or pipe-bending machines. | 5Estimated | 11.0% | 8% | |
| Review blueprints, building codes, or specifications to determine work details or procedures. | 52.52Observed | 48.0% | 5% | |
| Anchor steel supports from ceiling joists to hold pipes in place. | 0Estimated | 9.0% | 4% | |
| Estimate time, material, or labor costs for use in project plans. | 66.67Observed | 53.7% | 4% | |
| Install underground storm, sanitary, or water piping systems, extending piping as needed to connect fixtures and plumbing. | 0Estimated | 9.0% | 5% | |
| Inspect structures to assess material or equipment needs, to establish the sequence of pipe installations, or to plan installation around obstructions, such as electrical wiring. | 43.95Observed | 44.6% | 5% | |
| Install green plumbing equipment, such as faucet flow restrictors, dual-flush or pressure-assisted flush toilets, or tankless hot water heaters. | 0Estimated | 9.0% | 4% | |
| Weld small pipes or special piping, using specialized techniques, equipment, or materials, such as computer-assisted welding or microchip fabrication. | 10Estimated | 13.0% | 2% | |
| Cut openings in structures to accommodate pipes or pipe fittings, using hand or power tools. | 0Estimated | 9.0% | 3% | |
| Install alternative water sources, such as rainwater harvesting systems or graywater reuse systems. | 0Estimated | 9.0% | 2% | |
| Recommend energy or water saving products, such as low-flow faucets or shower heads, water-saving toilets, or high-efficiency hot water heaters. | 60Estimated | 39.0% | 2% | |
| Determine sizing requirements for solar hot water heating systems, taking into account factors such as site orientation, load calculations, or storage capacity requirements. | 80Estimated | 59.0% | 2% | |
| Perform domestic plumbing audits to identify ways in which customers might reduce consumption of water or energy. | 60Estimated | 51.0% | 2% | |
| Calculate costs or savings for water- or energy-efficient appliances or systems. | 56.25Observed | 71.7% | 2% | |
| Install, test, or commission solar thermal or solar photovoltaic hot water heating systems. | 5Estimated | 11.0% | 2% | |
| Compile information on governmental incentive programs related to the installation of energy or water saving plumbing systems or devices. | 48.08Observed | 68.4% | 2% |
Protective Factors
Total protective discount: 29.3%
Essential Soft Skills
Traits that are hard for AI to replicate
Wage & Employment (2024)
Median Wage
$62,970
per year
Mean Wage
$69,940
per year
Employment
456K
workers
Wage Range
$40,670 - $105,150
10th - 90th pct
Wage Distribution
Explore other career paths
Compare displacement risk across occupations and find careers with stronger long-term prospects.
Alternate Career Paths
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Higher risk than 1% of other occupations
Boilermakers
16%Median salary: $73,340
Higher risk than 2% of other occupations
Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers
16%Median salary: $59,810
Higher risk than 2% of other occupations
Heating and Air Conditioning Mechanics and Installers
17%Median salary: $59,810
Higher risk than 2% of other occupations
Pipe Fitters and Steamfitters
18%Median salary: $62,970
Higher risk than 3% of other occupations
Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers
22%Median salary: $92,560
Higher risk than 11% of other occupations
Commercial Divers
22%Median salary: $61,130
Higher risk than 12% of other occupations
Maintenance and Repair Workers, General
24%Median salary: $48,620
Higher risk than 16% of other occupations
Sheet Metal Workers
24%Median salary: $60,850
Higher risk than 17% of other occupations
Control and Valve Installers and Repairers, Except Mechanical Door
26%Median salary: $74,690
Higher risk than 21% of other occupations
Recommendations
Skills to Develop
These skills are at risk from AI automation. Plumbers professionals should diversify beyond them.
- Mathematics
High reliance on Mathematics is a risk area. Consider developing complementary AI-resistant skills to maintain value.
- Information Ordering
High reliance on Information Ordering is a risk area. Consider developing complementary AI-resistant skills to maintain value.
- Reading Comprehension
Reading Comprehension is AI-vulnerable but has moderate importance in this role. AI tools may handle this; focus on higher-value skills.
- Mathematics
Mathematics is AI-vulnerable but has moderate importance in this role. AI tools may handle this; focus on higher-value skills.
- Memorization
Memorization is AI-vulnerable but has moderate importance in this role. AI tools may handle this; focus on higher-value skills.
Skills to Leverage
These human-centric skills remain difficult for AI to replicate. Double down here.
- Leadership
Leadership is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
- Adaptability/Flexibility
Adaptability/Flexibility is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
- Manual Dexterity
Manual Dexterity is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
- Complex Problem Solving
Complex Problem Solving is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
- Instructing
Instructing is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Tools to Adopt
AI can amplify these skills. Learn the tools that augment rather than replace your work.
- Critical Thinking
Critical Thinking will be enhanced by AI. Develop expertise in using AI tools for this skill to increase productivity.
- Judgment and Decision Making
Judgment and Decision Making will be enhanced by AI. Develop expertise in using AI tools for this skill to increase productivity.
- Monitoring
Monitoring will be enhanced by AI. Develop expertise in using AI tools for this skill to increase productivity.
- Active Learning
Active Learning will be enhanced by AI. Develop expertise in using AI tools for this skill to increase productivity.
- Writing
Writing will be enhanced by AI. Develop expertise in using AI tools for this skill to increase productivity.
Score History
Risk score over 2 scoring runs
overall change