Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters
The short answer
This job is less likely to change much. Most of the work is the kind AI can't help with. In New York State, the number of these jobs is expected to grow over the next decade, with about 3,557 openings expected each year.
Where your job stands
Compared with other New York jobs, this one is in the least exposed fifth for how much AI could touch it. Most of what it involves isn't the kind of work AI can take over.
How much AI could touch this job
Looking at the job itself, AI could help with a small part of this job's tasks.
What this means
Compared with other New York jobs, this one is in the least exposed fifth, out of 656 jobs we could rank. Read more in the methodology.
What AI can and can’t help with in this job
This job is in the least exposed fifth of New York jobs for AI exposure. The tasks below show why: most of what it involves is work AI can't simply take over.
AI can help with or automate about 14% of the tasks in this job.
Tasks AI can help with or automate
Design active direct or indirect, passive direct or indirect, or pool solar systems.
AI could help, but needs extra software
Lay out full scale drawings of pipe systems, supports, or related equipment, according to blueprints.
AI could help, but needs extra software
Review blueprints, building codes, or specifications to determine work details or procedures.
AI could help, but needs extra software
Assess collector sites to ensure structural integrity of potential mounting surfaces or the best orientation and tilt for solar collectors.
AI could help, but needs extra software
Estimate time, material, or labor costs for use in project plans.
AI could help, but needs extra software
Tasks AI can't do much of
Test operation or functionality of mechanical, plumbing, electrical, and control systems.
AI is unlikely to speed this up
Apply weather seal, such as pipe flashings and sealants, to roof penetrations and structural devices.
AI is unlikely to speed this up
Install solar collector mounting devices on tile, asphalt, shingle, or built-up gravel roofs, using appropriate materials and penetration methods.
AI is unlikely to speed this up
Install copper or plastic plumbing using pipes, fittings, pipe cutters, acetylene torches, solder, wire brushes, sand cloths, flux, plastic pipe cleaners, or plastic glue.
AI is unlikely to speed this up
Identify plumbing, electrical, environmental, or safety hazards associated with solar thermal installations.
AI is unlikely to speed this up
Jobs you could switch to
If you're thinking about a change, these are jobs your experience already fits—related work you could move into. Pick your area to see local options.
See related jobs in
The closest matches by the skills they use—each has projected openings in New York State, pays within reach of your job now, and is no more exposed to AI than your job. Each card shows what the move would take.
Pipelayers
Very similar workslightly less pay26 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job nowPays slightly less—$72,282 vs your $79,594 here.
What the move takes
Usually requires no formal educational credential, plus short-term on-the-job training.
Getting ready typically takes up to about a year.
Skills you already have
- Building and Construction
- Oral Comprehension
- Arm-Hand Steadiness
- Mechanical
- Trunk Strength
Your current skills largely cover this move.
Sheet Metal Workers
Very similar workslightly less pay471 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job nowPays slightly less—$75,758 vs your $79,594 here.
What the move takes
Usually requires a high school diploma or equivalent, plus apprenticeship.
Getting ready typically takes up to about a year.
Skills you already have
- Mechanical
- Building and Construction
- Design
- Near Vision
- Visualization
Your current skills largely cover this move.
Structural Iron and Steel Workers
Similar work+20% pay240 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job nowPays about 20% more—$95,116 vs your $79,594 here.
What the move takes
Usually requires a high school diploma or equivalent, plus apprenticeship.
Getting ready typically takes up to about a year.
Skills you already have
- Building and Construction
- Mechanical
- Near Vision
- Visualization
- Mathematics
New skills to build
- Static Strength
- Multilimb Coordination
- Depth Perception
- Gross Body Equilibrium
- Reaction Time
Millwrights
Similar work+3% pay81 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job nowPays about 3% more—$81,814 vs your $79,594 here.
What the move takes
Usually requires a high school diploma or equivalent, plus apprenticeship.
Getting ready typically takes up to about a year.
Skills you already have
- Mechanical
- Building and Construction
- Engineering and Technology
- Education and Training
- Design
New skills to build
- Mathematics
- Multilimb Coordination
- Manual Dexterity
- Control Precision
- Equipment Maintenance
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers
Similar workslightly less pay2,122 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job nowPays slightly less—$76,536 vs your $79,594 here.
What the move takes
A step up—usually requires a postsecondary nondegree award, plus long-term on-the-job training.
Getting ready typically takes one to two years.
Skills you already have
- Mechanical
- Building and Construction
- Customer and Personal Service
- Engineering and Technology
- Installation
Your current skills largely cover this move.
Wind Turbine Service Technicians
Similar work+5% pay952 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job nowPays about 5% more—$83,629 vs your $79,594 here.
What the move takes
A step up—usually requires a postsecondary nondegree award, plus long-term on-the-job training.
Getting ready typically takes one to two years.
Skills you already have
- Mechanical
- Engineering and Technology
- Building and Construction
- Public Safety and Security
- Education and Training
New skills to build
- Computers and Electronics
- Equipment Maintenance
- Repairing
- Troubleshooting
- Telecommunications