SOC 53-2012
Commercial Pilots
Risk Score
โ ๏ธ50/100
Elevated
US Employment
๐ฅ51,830
Total workers
Median Wage
๐ฐ$123K
$59K โ $0
Projected Growth
๐+5.1%
2023-2033 (BLS)
GenAI Exposure
๐ค70/100
High exposure
๐ก Commercial Pilots face a risk score of 50/100 โ 6 points above the national average of 44. With 70/100 GenAI exposure, this occupation faces significant pressure from AI tools despite strong projected growth. See our methodology โ
๐ก Workers in this field earn $123K ($76K 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 50/100, Commercial Pilots faces moderate automation pressure. While tasks like ai-generated written content replacing manual drafting are increasingly handled by AI, the role retains significant human elements. The 51,830 workers in this occupation should focus on strengthening skills in emergency situation response and quick decision-making and customer interaction and conflict resolution during delivery to stay ahead. The role will likely evolve rather than disappear.
Will AI Replace Commercial Pilots?
Read our full analysis with verdict, risk factors, safe tasks, and career transition paths โ
โ ๏ธ Top Risk Factors
AI-generated written content replacing manual drafting
Drone delivery displacing last-mile logistics workers
Automated data interpretation and insight generation
Automated warehouse sorting and loading systems
๐ก๏ธ Tasks Safe from Automation
Emergency situation response and quick decision-making
Customer interaction and conflict resolution during delivery
Navigating complex urban environments with obstacles
Navigating unpredictable road and weather conditions
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
Check aircraft prior to flights to ensure that the engines, controls, instruments, and other systems are functioning properly.
Co-pilot aircraft or perform captain's duties, as required.
Consider airport altitudes, outside temperatures, plane weights, and wind speeds and directions to calculate the speed needed to become airborne.
Use instrumentation to pilot aircraft when visibility is poor.
Monitor engine operation, fuel consumption, and functioning of aircraft systems during flights.
๐ป Technology Skills
Graphics or photo imaging software
Charting software
Information retrieval or search software
Project management software
Data base user interface and query software
๐ Key Knowledge Areas
Customer and Personal Service
English Language
Transportation
Geography
Public Safety and Security
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 | 75% |
| Air Transportation Workers | 31 | $107K | 73% |
| Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers | 37 | $227K | 71% |