Skills it runs on
The capabilities O*NET rates most important for this occupation — the human ground the work is built on.
See all skills →Solar Thermal Installers and Technicians
Occupation · SOC 47-2152.04
Install or repair solar energy systems designed to collect, store, and circulate solar-heated water for residential, commercial or industrial use.
Also called: Installer · Solar Installer · Solar Maintenance Technician · Solar Technician · Solar Energy Technician · Solar Hot Water Installer (SHW Installer) · Solar System Installer · Solar Thermal Installer · Heat Exchanger · Solar Boilers Technician · Solar Installation Technician · Solar Insulation Technician
Job family: Construction and Extraction Occupations
Take this to your AI
A source-stamped Markdown brief of this occupation — paste it into an agent, or fetch
/roles/role-47-2152-04/context.md directly.
AI work map
A fast read on where AI already shows up in this occupation, where it stays a copilot, where humans remain in the loop, and what the labor market is doing. Built from observed Claude.ai conversations mapped to O*NET tasks and from published research — measures of usage and exposure, not advice or predictions that the job is going away.
Market signal
Independent published positions, read together — not a forecast.
- About average employment outlook (+4.5% by 2034)
- 44,000 openings/yr
- Low AI exposure
- Median pay $62,970/yr
- Work is mostly on-site (not teleworkable)
13th-percentile task overlap — yet about 44,000 openings a year (+4.5% projected, BLS) . What exposure means →
AI & job outlook
What today's research says about this occupation's exposure to AI, how AI is actually being used in it, and where employment is headed. These are positions within published studies — measures of exposure and usage, not predictions that this job will disappear.
Exposure to current AI
Each study uses its own scale, so the raw scores are not comparable across rows — the percentile (this job's rank among all U.S. occupations with data) is the comparable figure, and sizes the bars.
| Measure | Rank vs all occupations | Percentile | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall AI exposure (Felten et al.) Low | 13th | -1.1 | |
| LLM task exposure, γ (OpenAI / Eloundou) Low | 14th | 0.1 | |
| AI assistant applicability (Microsoft) Low | 20th | 0.1 |
OpenAI's exposure study scores tasks three ways: with a language model alone (α 0.0), with simple added tooling (β 0.0), and including AI-powered software (γ 0.1). Higher means more of the job's tasks could be done at least twice as fast — not that they will be automated away.
This job mostly cannot be done remotely (Dingel–Neiman) — its hands-on tasks sit outside what software-based AI reaches.
Historical automation estimate (2013)
A pre-LLM (2013) estimate of how automatable this job is by computerization and robotics. Shown for historical context only — it is not part of any current AI ranking.
Frey–Osborne probability 0.3 · 41st percentile among occupations · Moderate
Job outlook
Independent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics employment projection for 2024–2034 — a labor-market forecast, not an AI-impact forecast.
| Outlook | About average · +4.5% by 2034 |
| Projected annual openings | 44,000 |
| Employment 2024 → 2034 | 504,500 → 527,200 |
“Annual openings” counts new jobs plus replacements for workers who leave the occupation, so it can be large even when growth is modest.
Where this work sits on the global GenAI gradient
The ILO's 2025 global study scores generative-AI exposure on the international ISCO-08 occupation system, not US SOC. Bridged through the published (and approximate, many-to-many) IBS O*NET-SOC ↔ ISCO-08 crosswalk, this US occupation corresponds to the international occupation below. Exposure here means how much of the work's tasks today's AI can attempt — task overlap, not automation, adoption, or jobs lost.
Solar Thermal Installers and Technicians sits at the 18th percentile of 427
occupations on the global GenAI task-exposure gradient
— exposure eased from 2023 to 2025. Each dot is one occupation; the
ringed one is this work. Exposure is task overlap, not automation or jobs lost.
15% mean task exposure (2025)
18th percentile of 427 placed occupations
−1 pts shift 2023 → 2025
| International occupation (ISCO-08) | Task exposure (2025) | Most tasks fall in |
|---|---|---|
| Plumbers and Pipe Fitters · 7126 | 15% | Not exposed |
Read the whole six-band gradient on the GenAI exposure gradient page. The crosswalk is approximate: a US occupation can map to several international ones, and the ILO scores describe the international occupation, not this exact US role.
Tasks
All 21 tasks O*NET lists for this occupation, ordered by importance. Each links to its own page with AI-exposure and observed-use detail.
- Test operation or functionality of mechanical, plumbing, electrical, and control systems. Core · importance 4.5
- Apply weather seal, such as pipe flashings and sealants, to roof penetrations and structural devices. Core · importance 4.4
- Install solar collector mounting devices on tile, asphalt, shingle, or built-up gravel roofs, using appropriate materials and penetration methods. Core · importance 4.3
- Install copper or plastic plumbing using pipes, fittings, pipe cutters, acetylene torches, solder, wire brushes, sand cloths, flux, plastic pipe cleaners, or plastic glue. Core · importance 4.3
- Identify plumbing, electrical, environmental, or safety hazards associated with solar thermal installations. Core · importance 4.3
- Demonstrate start-up, shut-down, maintenance, diagnostic, and safety procedures to thermal system owners. Core · importance 4.3
- Install circulating pumps using pipe, fittings, soldering equipment, electrical supplies, and hand tools. Core · importance 4.3
- Install flat-plat, evacuated glass, or concentrating solar collectors on mounting devices, using brackets or struts. Core · importance 4.3
- Install solar thermal system controllers and sensors. Core · importance 4.3
- Fill water tanks and check tanks, pipes, and fittings for leaks. Core · importance 4.2
- Design active direct or indirect, passive direct or indirect, or pool solar systems. Core · importance 4.2
- Determine locations for installing solar subsystem components, including piping, water heaters, valves, and ancillary equipment. Core · importance 4.2
- Perform routine maintenance or repairs to restore solar thermal systems to baseline operating conditions. Core · importance 4.1
- Apply operation or identification tags or labels to system components, as required. Core · importance 4.1
- Install heat exchangers and heat exchanger fluids according to installation manuals and schematics. Core · importance 4.1
- Connect water heaters and storage tanks to power and water sources. Core · importance 4.1
- Cut, miter, and glue piping insulation to insulate plumbing pipes and fittings. Core · importance 4.1
- Install monitoring system components, such as flow meters, temperature gauges, and pressure gauges, according to system design and manufacturer specifications. Core · importance 4.1
- Install plumbing, such as dip tubes, port fittings, drain tank valves, pressure temperature relief valves, or tanks, according to manufacturer specifications and building codes. Core · importance 4.1
- Assess collector sites to ensure structural integrity of potential mounting surfaces or the best orientation and tilt for solar collectors. Core · importance 4.0
- Apply ultraviolet radiation protection to prevent degradation of plumbing. Supplemental · importance 3.9
Work activities
- Install solar energy systems.
- Maintain mechanical equipment.
- Apply identification labels or tags.
- Assess locations for potential green technology installations.
- Install plumbing or piping.
- Determine appropriate locations for operations or installations.
- Inspect plumbing systems or fixtures.
- Pour materials into or on designated areas.
- Install gauges or controls.
- Inspect industrial or commercial equipment to ensure proper operation.
- Test electrical equipment or systems to ensure proper functioning.
- Apply sealants or other protective coatings.
- Apply adhesives to construction materials.
- Install insulation in equipment or structures.
- Cut carpet, vinyl or other flexible materials.
- Communicate with clients about products, procedures, and policies.
Knowledge, skills & abilities
O*NET importance rating, from 1 (not important) to 5 (extremely important).
Transferable skills
| Installation | 4.8 | |
| Quality Control Analysis | 3.4 | |
| Operations Monitoring | 3.3 | |
| Troubleshooting | 3.1 | |
| Judgment and Decision Making | 3.1 | |
| Time Management | 3.1 | |
| Instructing | 3.0 |
Knowledge
Abilities
| Oral Comprehension | 3.6 | |
| Near Vision | 3.5 | |
| Speech Recognition | 3.5 | |
| Written Comprehension | 3.4 | |
| Oral Expression | 3.4 | |
| Problem Sensitivity | 3.4 | |
| Extent Flexibility | 3.4 | |
| Information Ordering | 3.3 | |
| Flexibility of Closure | 3.3 | |
| Selective Attention | 3.3 | |
| Arm-Hand Steadiness | 3.3 | |
| Visual Color Discrimination | 3.3 | |
| Speech Clarity | 3.3 | |
| Visualization | 3.1 | |
| Finger Dexterity | 3.1 | |
| Far Vision | 3.1 |
Essential skills
| Reading Comprehension | 3.4 | |
| Active Listening | 3.3 | |
| Speaking | 3.3 | |
| Critical Thinking | 3.3 | |
| Monitoring | 3.3 | |
| Active Learning | 3.0 |
Skills in demand
Skills employers ask for in job postings for this occupation (Lightcast), with whether each is a common or specialized skill.
Tools & technology
Work context
How characteristic each condition is of the job, on O*NET's 1–5 context scale (higher = more present in day-to-day work). Each condition links to how it varies across all occupations.
How to get in
- Job zone
- Zone 3 — Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
- Education
- Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
- Typical entry-level education
- High school diploma or equivalent · BLS, the typical path — not a requirement
- Related experience
- Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
- Preparation level
- SVP (6.0 to < 7.0) — total schooling plus on-the-job experience.
What to study: Construction Trades . Fields of study crosswalked to this occupation (NCES CIP–SOC), not a requirement.
Education of current workers
Share of people in this occupation at each level of education.
| High School Diploma | 43.2% | |
| Some College Courses | 24.9% | |
| Bachelor's Degree | 11.2% | |
| Post-Baccalaureate Certificate | 11.2% | |
| Post-Secondary Certificate | 7.5% | |
| Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree) | 1.9% |
Interests & work styles
The interests and personal qualities O*NET associates with people who do this work.
Career interests (Holland / RIASEC)
| Realistic | 7.0 | |
| Conventional | 3.7 | |
| Investigative | 2.7 | |
| Social | 1.7 | |
| Enterprising | 1.6 | |
| Artistic | 1.1 |
Wages & employment
U.S. · annual wages (BLS OEWS)
| 10th percentile | $40,670 |
| 25th percentile | $48,860 |
| Median (50th) | $62,970 |
| 75th percentile | $81,900 |
| 90th percentile | $105,150 |
| People employed | 455,940 |
Wages and employment are reported by BLS for the broader occupation group this specialty belongs to (SOC 47-2152), not for the specialty alone.
Industries that employ this occupation
Where these workers are employed, by number of jobs (national, BLS OEWS). Pay shown is the occupation's national median, not industry-specific.
| Industry | Workers | National median pay |
|---|---|---|
| Construction · Sector | 374,640 | $62,820 |
| Plumbing, Heating, and Air-Conditioning Contractors · National industry | 326,460 | $62,670 |
| Manufacturing · Sector | 16,330 | $61,620 |
| Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services · Sector | 14,610 | $55,560 |
| Utilities · Sector | 9,140 | $79,090 |
| Educational Services · Sector | 6,750 | $64,050 |
| Electrical Contractors and Other Wiring Installation Contractors · National industry | 6,560 | $65,780 |
| Temporary Help Services · National industry | 5,220 | $56,250 |
| Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services · Sector | 3,290 | $63,300 |
| Wholesale Trade · Sector | 3,220 | $48,270 |
| Health Care and Social Assistance · Sector | 2,760 | $74,990 |
| Other Building Equipment Contractors · National industry | 2,030 | $70,990 |
Where this work is most concentrated
Industries where this occupation is far more common than in the economy as a whole. The location quotient is how many times more concentrated it is here (a value of 5 means five times its economy-wide share).
| Industry | Concentration | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Plumbing, Heating, and Air-Conditioning Contractors · National industry | 87.17× | 326,460 |
| Construction · Sector | 15.6× | 374,640 |
| Utilities · Sector | 5.33× | 9,140 |
| Other Building Equipment Contractors · National industry | 4.47× | 2,030 |
| Electrical Contractors and Other Wiring Installation Contractors · National industry | 2.07× | 6,560 |
| Power and Communication Line and Related Structures Construction · National industry | 1.75× | 1,210 |
| Fossil Fuel Electric Power Generation · National industry | 1.28× | 270 |
| Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction · Sector | 0.7× | 1,180 |
Related occupations
Part of the Construction career cluster.
- Solar Photovoltaic Installers · 47-2231.00 Compare →
- Solar Energy Systems Engineers · 17-2199.11 Compare →
- Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers · 49-9021.00 Compare →
- Insulation Workers, Floor, Ceiling, and Wall · 47-2131.00 Compare →
- Solar Energy Installation Managers · 47-1011.03 Compare →
- Insulation Workers, Mechanical · 47-2132.00 Compare →
- Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters · 47-2152.00 Compare →
- Geothermal Technicians · 49-9099.01 Compare →
- Wind Turbine Service Technicians · 49-9081.00 Compare →
- Control and Valve Installers and Repairers, Except Mechanical Door · 49-9012.00 Compare →
- Hydroelectric Plant Technicians · 51-8013.04 Compare →
- Mechanical Engineers · 17-2141.00 Compare →
Side-by-side comparisons place two occupations’ pay, preparation, skills, and AI exposure on the same page — same data, same scale, no forecast.
What you can do with this
Options the data surfaces for Solar Thermal Installers and Technicians — not advice or a forecast. Each is a real cross-link you can follow into the evidence.
Skills that travel
Capabilities this work builds that are used across many other occupations.
Adjacent roles
Occupations O*NET rates as related — the nearby moves on the map.
Paths in
How people typically prepare for this work.
- High school diploma or equivalent · typical entry level
- Job zone 3 — Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed · preparation tier
- Construction Trades · field of study
Zoom out
On the global GenAI exposure gradient this work sits around the 18th percentile of 427 international occupations.
Write a report on thisheadline · factoids · citation
Solar Thermal Installers and Technicians show 13th-percentile AI task overlap — and about 44,000 annual U.S. openings
- Solar Thermal Installers and Technicians rank in the 13th percentile (Low band) for AI task overlap across U.S. occupations — a measure of how much of the work today's AI can attempt, not how much is automated.Eloundou et al. (GPTs are GPTs) + Felten AIOE
- The occupation is projected to see about 44,000 U.S. job openings per year (2024–34), counting growth and replacement — a labor-demand projection made independently of AI.BLS Employment Projections 2024–34
- BLS projects employment to be about average (+4.5%) from 2024 to 2034.BLS Employment Projections 2024–34
- Median annual pay is $62,970, across about 455,940 U.S. workers.BLS OEWS (May 2024)
Copy the whole kit
Solar Thermal Installers and Technicians show 13th-percentile AI task overlap — and about 44,000 annual U.S. openings • Solar Thermal Installers and Technicians rank in the 13th percentile (Low band) for AI task overlap across U.S. occupations — a measure of how much of the work today's AI can attempt, not how much is automated. (Eloundou et al. (GPTs are GPTs) + Felten AIOE) • The occupation is projected to see about 44,000 U.S. job openings per year (2024–34), counting growth and replacement — a labor-demand projection made independently of AI. (BLS Employment Projections 2024–34) • BLS projects employment to be about average (+4.5%) from 2024 to 2034. (BLS Employment Projections 2024–34) • Median annual pay is $62,970, across about 455,940 U.S. workers. (BLS OEWS (May 2024)) Source: Singulariki — "Solar Thermal Installers and Technicians". https://singulariki.com/roles/role-47-2152-04 Note: AI task overlap measures what today's AI can attempt, not automation, job loss, or a forecast.
AssetsShare imageMethodology & sourcesPress & newsroomThe newsroom
Every line is built only from figures this page already shows and cites. AI task overlap means what today's AI can attempt — not automation, job loss, or a forecast.
Sources for this page
Every figure above traces to a named public dataset and the exact release below — not hand-written opinion. See the full methodology for what each measure does and does not mean.
- O*NET 30.3 U.S. Department of Labor / National Center for O*NET Development
- BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) May 2024 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
- BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
- Microsoft “Working with AI” working-with-ai Microsoft Research
- “GPTs are GPTs” (Eloundou et al.) arXiv 2303.10130 OpenAI / academic
- AI Occupational Exposure (AIOE) Felten, Raj & Seamans academic
- ILO / Gmyrek et al. GenAI exposure gradient 2025 International Labour Organization
- IBS O*NET-SOC ↔ ISCO-08 occupation crosswalk 2022 Institute for Structural Research (IBS)
- Frey & Osborne (2013) frey-osborne-automation academic
- Dingel & Neiman (2020) dingel-neiman-workathome academic
Data compiled June 2, 2026. Figures are estimates, not advice.
Cite this page
Plain
Singulariki. "Solar Thermal Installers and Technicians." Singulariki: a source-backed encyclopedia of work. Built from O*NET 30.3; BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) May 2024; BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034; Microsoft “Working with AI” working-with-ai; “GPTs are GPTs” (Eloundou et al.) arXiv 2303.10130; AI Occupational Exposure (AIOE) Felten, Raj & Seamans; ILO / Gmyrek et al. GenAI exposure gradient 2025; IBS O*NET-SOC ↔ ISCO-08 occupation crosswalk 2022; Frey & Osborne (2013) frey-osborne-automation; Dingel & Neiman (2020) dingel-neiman-workathome. Accessed June 7, 2026. https://singulariki.com/roles/role-47-2152-04
APA
Singulariki. (2026). Solar Thermal Installers and Technicians. Singulariki: a source-backed encyclopedia of work. Retrieved June 7, 2026, from https://singulariki.com/roles/role-47-2152-04
BibTeX
@misc{singulariki-role-47-2152-04,
title = {Solar Thermal Installers and Technicians},
author = {{Singulariki}},
year = {2026},
note = {O*NET 30.3; BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) May 2024; BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034; Microsoft “Working with AI” working-with-ai; “GPTs are GPTs” (Eloundou et al.) arXiv 2303.10130; AI Occupational Exposure (AIOE) Felten, Raj & Seamans; ILO / Gmyrek et al. GenAI exposure gradient 2025; IBS O*NET-SOC ↔ ISCO-08 occupation crosswalk 2022; Frey & Osborne (2013) frey-osborne-automation; Dingel & Neiman (2020) dingel-neiman-workathome. Accessed June 7, 2026},
url = {https://singulariki.com/roles/role-47-2152-04}
} Citations name the underlying public dataset releases — they reflect what this page is built from, not just the URL.