SOC 53-2011
Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers
Risk Score
โ ๏ธ37/100
Moderate
US Employment
๐ฅ99,300
Total workers
Median Wage
๐ฐ$227K
$99K โ $0
Projected Growth
๐+3.9%
2023-2033 (BLS)
GenAI Exposure
๐ค81/100
High exposure
๐ก Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers face a risk score of 37/100 โ 7 points below the national average of 44. With 81/100 GenAI exposure, this occupation faces significant pressure from AI tools despite strong projected growth. See our methodology โ
๐ก Workers in this field earn $227K ($180K above the national median). The 3 recommended career transitions offer lower AI risk while reducing automation exposure. Explore transition paths โ
๐ AI Impact Analysis
With a risk score of 37/100, Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers faces moderate automation pressure. While tasks like autonomous vehicle and self-driving truck technology are increasingly handled by AI, the role retains significant human elements. The 99,300 workers in this occupation should focus on strengthening skills in navigating unpredictable road and weather conditions and customer interaction and conflict resolution during delivery to stay ahead. The role will likely evolve rather than disappear.
Will AI Replace Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers?
Read our full analysis with verdict, risk factors, safe tasks, and career transition paths โ
โ ๏ธ Top Risk Factors
Autonomous vehicle and self-driving truck technology
AI route optimization reducing dispatcher roles
AI traffic management and fleet coordination
๐ก๏ธ Tasks Safe from Automation
Navigating unpredictable road and weather conditions
Customer interaction and conflict resolution during delivery
Manual loading of irregular and fragile cargo
Emergency situation response and quick decision-making
๐ Task Automation Breakdown
Based on O*NET task analysis and GenAI exposure scoring. Shows the estimated proportion of this occupation's core tasks that are automatable by current AI, augmented by AI tools, or require essential human skills.
๐ O*NET Task Profile
Use instrumentation to guide flights when visibility is poor.
Start engines, operate controls, and pilot airplanes to transport passengers, mail, or freight, adhering to flight plans, regulations, and procedures.
Work as part of a flight team with other crew members, especially during takeoffs and landings.
Respond to and report in-flight emergencies and malfunctions.
Inspect aircraft for defects and malfunctions, according to pre-flight checklists.
๐ป Technology Skills
Information retrieval or search software
Data base user interface and query software
Object or component oriented development software
Route navigation software
Spreadsheet software
๐ Key Knowledge Areas
Transportation
English Language
Public Safety and Security
Mechanical
Geography
๐ vs National Average
National avg: $46K
National avg: 44/100
National avg: 38/100
National avg: 3.7%
๐ Career Transition Paths
| Occupation | Risk | Wage | Overlap |
|---|---|---|---|
| First-Line Supervisors of Transportation and Material Moving Workers, Except Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors | 25 | $62K | 79% |
| Ambulance Drivers and Attendants, Except Emergency Medical Technicians | 28 | $34K | 73% |
| Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors | 29 | $64K | 71% |