Construction · SOC 47-2151
Pipelaying is physically demanding and spatially variable — AI can assist route planning but trenching, joining, and sealing stay hands-on.
Hands-on, interpersonal or high-stakes work AI struggles to replace.
Timeline: Trenching machines are already mechanized, but the human judgment required for fitting, grading, and jointing pipe in varied soil keeps this job human through the 2030s.
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$62,700 median pay
$39,890 median pay
$106,580 median pay
$67,370 median pay
$73,340 median pay
$58,710 median pay
AI job-risk card
Pipelayers is resilient on AIFear. Hands-on, interpersonal or high-stakes work AI struggles to replace.
AIFear.com
Our AI Fear Score for Pipelayers is 14/100 (Resilient). Hands-on, interpersonal or high-stakes work AI struggles to replace.
14 out of 100, based on an AI-model review of this occupation's O*NET tasks against what current AI can actually do.
Most exposed: Laying out pipe routes from blueprints and written instructions, Logging installation progress and coordinating with supervisors. Harder to automate: Digging trenches to depth by hand or with trenching tools, Cutting pipe to exact lengths and connecting joints, Setting and reading grade instruments (lasers, transit levels), Welding, cementing, or gluing pipe seals on site.
Lean into Underground utility installation, Grade and elevation instruments, Pipe joining methods (welding, cement, mechanical), Site safety and trench protection (OSHA). Consider roles such as Utility construction foreman or Underground utilities inspector or Civil construction project coordinator.
Tasks, skills and AI-exposure for this role were reviewed by an AI model against its O*NET task profile (curated roles use published research anchors). Pay and employment, where shown, are U.S. BLS OEWS (May 2024) figures. This is an estimate, not a prediction about any individual's job. Compare all occupations.