As of June 2026, Septic Tank Servicers and Sewer Pipe Cleaners has an AI-exposure score of 41/100 (Moderate exposure) on the AI-Safe Careers index, blending O*NET tasks, the Anthropic Economic Index, the Penn/OpenAI study, and BLS data. This is an estimate of task exposure, not a prediction of job loss.

AI Exposure Score for

Septic Tank Servicers and Sewer Pipe Cleaners

41/100
Moderate exposure
LowModerateElevatedHighVery High

More exposed than 12% of the roles we track. Median pay ~US$49,880. About 2,900 projected openings a year (BLS 2024–34 — growth plus replacement).

Pay & demand figures are US medians (BLS, in USD) — your local figures will differ. Your exposure score applies broadly.

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How you compare to similar Construction roles

Septic Tank Servicers and Sewer Pipe Cleaners (you)
41
Helpers--Electricians
41
Fence Erectors
41
Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators
41
Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining
41
Segmental Pavers
41
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Your tasks, by AI exposure

Automatable

No automatable tasks identified for this role — its real, individually-assessed tasks consistently read as durable (80%).

Augmentable
  • Prepare and keep records of actions taken, including maintenance and repair work.
  • Update sewer maps and manhole charts.
  • Install rotary knives on flexible cables mounted on machine reels, according to the diameters of pipes to be cleaned.
  • Rotate cleaning rods manually, using turning pins.
Durable
  • Drive trucks to transport crews, materials, and equipment.
  • Start machines to feed revolving cables or rods into openings, stopping machines and changing knives to conform to pipe sizes.
  • Measure excavation sites, using plumbers' snakes, tapelines, or lengths of cutting heads within sewers, and mark areas for digging.
  • Service, adjust, and make minor repairs to equipment, machines, and attachments.
  • Ensure that repaired sewer line joints are tightly sealed before backfilling begins.
  • Requisition or order tools and equipment.
  • Cover repaired pipes with dirt, and pack backfilled excavations, using air and gasoline tampers.
  • Withdraw cables from pipes and examine them for evidence of mud, roots, grease, and other deposits indicating broken or clogged sewer lines.
  • Clean and disinfect domestic basements and other areas flooded by sewer stoppages.
  • Dig out sewer lines manually, using shovels.
  • Communicate with supervisors and other workers, using equipment such as wireless phones, pagers, or radio telephones.
  • Operate sewer cleaning equipment, including power rodders, high-velocity water jets, sewer flushers, bucket machines, wayne balls, and vac-alls.
  • Clean and repair septic tanks, sewer lines, or related structures such as manholes, culverts, and catch basins.
  • Cut damaged sections of pipe with cutters, remove broken sections from ditches, and replace pipe sections, using pipe sleeves.
  • Locate problems, using specially designed equipment, and mark where digging must occur to reach damaged tanks or pipes.
  • Inspect manholes to locate sewer line stoppages.

Safer adjacent roles

Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters
80% skills overlap · Low exposure · ~US$63,800
38
Pipelayers
72% skills overlap · Low exposure · ~US$49,000
37
Helpers--Pipelayers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters
64% skills overlap · Low exposure · ~US$42,360
29
Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators
56% skills overlap · Elevated exposure · ~US$60,020
61
Cleaners of Vehicles and Equipment
48% skills overlap · Moderate exposure · ~US$35,830
44
Maintenance and Repair Workers, General
40% skills overlap · Elevated exposure · ~US$49,590
53
Construction Laborers
40% skills overlap · Low exposure · ~US$47,120
39
Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators
40% skills overlap · Moderate exposure · ~US$59,850
41

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Important: This is an estimate of AI exposure, not a prediction that your job will disappear. It is designed to help you understand how your role may change and improve your career resilience.