As of June 2026, Commercial Pilots has an AI-exposure score of 64/100 (High 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

Commercial Pilots

64/100
High exposure
LowModerateElevatedHighVery High

More exposed than 80% of the roles we track. Median pay ~US$123,220. About 6,600 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 Transportation roles

Commercial Pilots (you)
64
Bridge and Lock Tenders
64
Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors
65
Air Traffic Controllers
63
Recycling Coordinators
66
Airfield Operations Specialists
66
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Your tasks, by AI exposure

Automatable
  • Write specified information in flight records, such as flight times, altitudes flown, and fuel consumption.
  • Order changes in fuel supplies, loads, routes, or schedules to ensure safety of flights.
  • Consider airport altitudes, outside temperatures, plane weights, and wind speeds and directions to calculate the speed needed to become airborne.
  • Plan flights according to government and company regulations, using aeronautical charts and navigation instruments.
  • Coordinate flight activities with ground crews and air traffic control, and inform crew members of flight and test procedures.
  • Co-pilot aircraft or perform captain's duties, as required.
  • Use instrumentation to pilot aircraft when visibility is poor.
  • Start engines, operate controls, and pilot airplanes to transport passengers, mail, or freight according to flight plans, regulations, and procedures.
  • Conduct in-flight tests and evaluations at specified altitudes and in all types of weather to determine the receptivity and other characteristics of equipment and systems.
  • File instrument flight plans with air traffic control so that flights can be coordinated with other air traffic.
  • Contact control towers for takeoff clearances, arrival instructions, and other information, using radio equipment.
  • Obtain and review data such as load weights, fuel supplies, weather conditions, and flight schedules to determine flight plans and identify needed changes.
  • Check aircraft prior to flights to ensure that the engines, controls, instruments, and other systems are functioning properly.
  • Choose routes, altitudes, and speeds that will provide the fastest, safest, and smoothest flights.
  • Request changes in altitudes or routes as circumstances dictate.
  • Perform minor aircraft maintenance and repair work, or arrange for major maintenance.
  • Monitor engine operation, fuel consumption, and functioning of aircraft systems during flights.
  • Rescue and evacuate injured persons.
Augmentable
  • Check baggage or cargo to ensure that it has been loaded correctly.
  • Supervise other crew members.
Durable

No durable tasks identified for this role — its real, individually-assessed tasks consistently read as automatable (90%).

Safer adjacent roles

Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers
80% skills overlap · High exposure · ~US$232,140
67
Air Traffic Controllers
72% skills overlap · High exposure · ~US$148,080
63
Airfield Operations Specialists
64% skills overlap · High exposure · ~US$56,850
66
Aviation Inspectors
56% skills overlap · High exposure · ~US$92,100
66
Locomotive Engineers
48% skills overlap · Elevated exposure · ~US$81,410
54
Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians
40% skills overlap · Moderate exposure · ~US$79,870
47
Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels
40% skills overlap · Elevated exposure · ~US$92,460
51
Avionics Technicians
40% skills overlap · Moderate exposure · ~US$82,280
48

Your AI-Safe Career Report

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AI was the most-cited reason for U.S. layoffs through mid-2026 — the workers who adapt earliest fare best. — Challenger, Gray & Christmas, 2026The upside: Workers with AI skills earn a roughly 62% wage premium — adapting pays. — PwC Global AI Jobs Barometer, 2026

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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.