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Plumbers

Construction, Maintenance & Repairvery lowaugment
BLS 2024-34: +6%
Median Wage: $61,550
Employment: 496K

Overall Exposure

8+3

2025 vs 2023

Theoretical Exposure

14

What AI could do

Observed Exposure

3

What AI actually does

Automation Risk Score

5

Displacement risk

3-Year Outlook (2025 → 2028)

Projected changes in AI automation metrics over the next 3 years based on estimated data.

Overall Exposure

8→14
+6

2025 → 2028 (estimated)

Theoretical Exposure

14→20
+6

2025 → 2028 (estimated)

Observed Exposure

3→8
+5

2025 → 2028 (estimated)

Automation Risk

5→8
+3

2025 → 2028 (estimated)

Exposure Metrics (2023 - 2028)

Detailed Metrics Table

YearOverallTheoreticalObservedRiskData Type
202351013actual
202461224actual
202581435actual
2026101646estimated
2027121867estimated
2028142088estimated

Task Breakdown

Install pipes
2%β 0

About This Occupation

If you work as a Plumbers, AI is reshaping your profession. With an automation risk of 5/100 and overall exposure at 8%, this role faces low transformation. The highest-impact area is install pipes at 2% automation. This is classified as an 'augment' role. BLS projects +6% growth through 2034. Professionals who embrace AI tools will see their capabilities significantly amplified.

Frequently Asked Questions

With an automation risk score of 5%, Plumbers has a low risk of AI replacement. Most tasks in this role require skills that are difficult for AI to replicate, such as complex decision-making, physical dexterity, or deep interpersonal interaction. AI is more likely to serve as a supportive tool.

The AI automation risk score for Plumbers is 5% (2025 data). Overall AI exposure is 8%, with 14% theoretical exposure and 3% observed exposure. The risk trend from 2023 to 2025 is +2 points.

The tasks with the highest automation potential for Plumbers are: Install pipes (2%). These rates reflect how much of each task current AI systems can handle, based on research data from Anthropic and academic sources.

The BLS projects +6% employment change for Plumbers from 2024 to 2034. Combined with an overall AI exposure of 8%, this occupation is experiencing both traditional labor market shifts and AI-driven transformation. Workers should monitor both employment trends and AI capability growth.

Since AI primarily augments capabilities in this role, professionals in Plumbers should embrace AI as a productivity multiplier. Focus on learning to use AI tools effectively, developing higher-order analytical and creative skills, and positioning yourself as someone who can leverage AI to deliver greater value.