Plumber

O*NET: Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters·47-2152.00

The Verdict:Every plumbing job is different — old houses, tight crawlspaces, corroded pipes that demand hands-on diagnosis. No robot navigates these environments. AI can optimize scheduling and parts ordering, but the physical craft is untouchable. Strong demand and a worker shortage reinforce the job's staying power.

Resilience Score

/100

Resilient

Score tiers

Highly Resilient81–100

Resilient61–80

Moderate Risk41–60

High Risk21–40

Critical Risk0–20

How is this scored?

Task Resilience

How much of this role's daily work remains beyond AI and robotic automation.

30% of score

Physical Presence

The degree to which this job needs a human present — hands-on, in the field, or in the room.

20% of score

Human Necessity

How important the unique human edge is — for trust, accountability, or judgment.

15% of score

Regulatory Shield

How strong the legal requirement is for a human in this job (by law, licensing, or credentials).

13% of score

Technological Maturity

How far AI remains from performing this role's core functions.

10% of score

Displacement Evidence

The volume of jobs in this field being eliminated by AI or automation right now.

12% of score

Score last updated: February 2026Full methodology

Avg Salary

Median annual wage from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024 release.

$63k

Job Growth (10yr)

Projected change in total number of jobs (not salary) from 2024–2034. Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections.

+4.5%

AI Exposure

Percentage of this role's analyzed tasks that AI can handle autonomously or nearly so. 2 of 30 tasks are classified as AI-exposed.

Low exposure

Task Analysis

This role's core work is hard to automate.
24 of 30 tasks require human judgment, presence, or trust. The 13% that are AI-leverage offer an edge — professionals who learn these tools will outperform those who don't.

2exposed

4AI leverage

24human-essential

View all 30 tasks

AI Can Handle This2 tasks

Tasks AI can do autonomously or nearly so

Estimate time, material, or labor costs for use in project plans.

Keep records of work assignments.

AI Leverage4 tasks

Master these tools — humans who do outperform those who don't

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

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

Review blueprints, building codes, or specifications to determine work details or procedures.

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

Human Advantage24 tasks

Tasks requiring trust, presence, or novel judgment

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

Install underground storm, sanitary, or water piping systems, extending piping as needed to connect fixtures and plumbing.

Assemble pipe sections, tubing, or fittings, using couplings, clamps, screws, bolts, cement, plastic solvent, caulking, or soldering, brazing, or welding equipment.

Locate and mark the position of pipe installations, connections, passage holes, or fixtures in structures, using measuring instruments such as rulers or levels.

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

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.

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

Install pipe assemblies, fittings, valves, appliances such as dishwashers or water heaters, or fixtures such as sinks or toilets, using hand or power tools.

Anchor steel supports from ceiling joists to hold pipes in place.

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

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

Install automatic controls to regulate pipe systems.

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.

Maintain or repair plumbing by replacing defective washers, replacing or mending broken pipes, or opening clogged drains.

Repair or remove and replace system components.

Cut openings in structures to accommodate pipes or pipe fittings, using hand or power tools.

Install green plumbing equipment, such as faucet flow restrictors, dual-flush or pressure-assisted flush toilets, or tankless hot water heaters.

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

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

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

Repair hydraulic or air pumps.

Weld small pipes or special piping, using specialized techniques, equipment, or materials, such as computer-assisted welding or microchip fabrication.

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

Resilience Landscape

Plumber lands in Stable, Lower Pay

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