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Irrigation system installer

Also called irrigator, irrigation installer, irrigation specialist

Irrigation system installers build the necessary infrastructure for irrigation of soil, usually for agricultural purposes. They may be specialised in one or more of the various types of stationary irrigation systems.

Will there be jobs?Yes, good prospectsShortage in 19 countries now. 18 jobs to fill by 2035 for every 100 people doing this work today.Building and related trades workers (excluding electricians)What does it pay?About averageFrom about €1,000 (Bulgaria) to €5,500 (Denmark) a month, depending on the country.Estimate · Building and related trades workers (excluding electricians)What do I need to study?Upper secondary or vocational6 in 10 finished upper secondary or vocational training. 6 in 10 train through vocational routes.Building and related trades workers (excluding electricians)Will AI change it?Very littleLevel 1 of 6. AI could help with only small parts of the tasks.Plumbers and pipe fitters · ILO

What you'd do

Plumbers and pipe fitters · ILO
  • Examining blueprints, drawings and specifications to determine the layout of plumbing and ventilation systems and materials required
  • Measuring, cutting, threading, bending, jointing, assembling, installing, maintaining and repairing pipes, fittings and fixtures of drainage, heating, ventilation, water supply and sewerage systems
  • Installing gas appliances, dishwashers and water heaters, sinks and toilets using hand and power tools
  • Laying clay, concrete or cast-iron pipes in ditches to form sewers, drains or water mains, or for other purposes
  • Inspecting, examining and testing installed systems and pipes, using pressure gauge, hydrostatic testing, observation or other methods
Apply proofing membranesUse measurement instrumentsTransport construction suppliesCheck water pressureInspect construction supplies+ 7 more essential skills
What the work is like
  • Mostly outdoors
  • On your feet most of the day
  • Lots of contact with people, including the public
  • Good freedom to decide
  • Usually 40 hours a week
  • Deadlines most weeks
  • Some repetitive tasks
US data: based on the O*NET profile of the related, broader US job "Farm Equipment Mechanics and Service Technicians"

Will there be jobs?

Yes, good prospects

19 EU countries are short of plumbers and pipe fitters now, but fewer jobs than in most work will need filling by 2035.

People working as building and related trades workers (excluding electricians) in the EU
7.48m8.08m7.63m 201520232035

Solid: measured. Dashed: forecast.

Jobs to fill, 2026–2035
1,849,000 replacing leavers 394,000 jobs disappear
Jobs to fill per 100 people working now
Building and related trades workers (excluding electricians)18
All jobs29
Right now
19 of 27 countries report a shortage of plumbers and pipe fitters, 3 a surplus.
Plumbers and pipe fitters · EURES

What does it pay?

About average

Pay depends a lot on the country: from about €1,000 a month (Bulgaria) to €5,500 (Denmark), before tax.

Pick a country at the top of the page to see typical pay there, for people under 30, and compared with all jobs.

Among craft and related trades workers in the EU, women earn 26% less per hour than men. Craft and related trades workers · Eurostat

What do I need to study?

Upper secondary or vocational

Upper secondary or vocational training in mechanics and metal trades is the usual route.

Highest qualification of building and related trades workers (excluding electricians) (EU, 2025)
Degree 7%Vocational 50%General secondary 8%Basic schooling 35%
Fields that teach it
Mechanics and metal trades · Materials (glass, paper, plastic and wood)
Vocational route, EU
6 in 10 trainees in this field

Pick a country at the top of the page to see where to study and the official course finders.

Will AI change it?

Very little

AI could help with only small parts of the tasks.

How exposed is this job? ILO scale
Very low
Low
Some tasks
Moderate
Significant
High

Average task score 0.18 on a scale from 0 (AI can't do it) to 1 (AI could do it fully).

See the score for each of the 5 tasks
Examining blueprints, drawings and specifications to determine the layout of plumbing and ventilation systems and materials required0.25
Inspecting, examining and testing installed systems and pipes, using pressure gauge, hydrostatic testing, observation or other methods0.21
Measuring, cutting, threading, bending, jointing, assembling, installing, maintaining and repairing pipes, fittings and fixtures of drainage, heating, ventilation, water supply and sewerage systems0.10
Installing gas appliances, dishwashers and water heaters, sinks and toilets using hand and power tools0.10
Laying clay, concrete or cast-iron pipes in ditches to form sewers, drains or water mains, or for other purposes0.10

Based on what AI could technically do when assessed in 2025. It is not a forecast for a future year, and not a forecast of job losses. Scores for plumbers and pipe fitters. Source: ILO (2025), adapted (credits).