Shigoto Zukan
日本語

Will AI replace commercial pilots?AI replacement risk 34% and how the work is changing

United States Aviation Confidence ★★★★★

Median annual pay
$123,220
25th–75th pct. $84,540–$190,440
Top pay (est.)
$346,600
Top 10% $266,620
Pay in 5 years
$144,100est.
2031
Pay in 10 years
$168,500est.
$144,900–$195,600
Outlook score
73/100
★★★★☆ Good
AI replacement risk
34%
Low
Job growth (10 yr)
+5.2%
5,200 openings / yr

Will AI replace Commercial Pilots? AI replacement risk

34%
Low
Ranked #296 safest from AI among all U.S. occupations
Very lowLowModerateHighVery high

How AI is changing this job

A written analysis for this occupation is being prepared.

AI replacement risk compares the parts of a job that are easy to hand to AI or software (processing information, documentation, repetitive computer work) with the parts that are hard to automate (physical work, working closely with people, judgment in unpredictable settings), using O*NET work activities, work context, skills and knowledge. The result is a relative position among all occupations in the country, scaled to 0–100%. Methodology →

Skills, education and requirements for Commercial Pilots

Key skills

Operation and Control
5.2
Operations Monitoring
4.8
Active Listening
4.1
Reading Comprehension
4.1
Active Learning
4.0
Monitoring
4.0
Critical Thinking
4.0
Judgment and Decision Making
3.8

O*NET skill level ratings (0–7).

Key knowledge areas

Transportation
4.7
Customer and Personal Service
4.5
Geography
4.1
Mechanical
3.9
Computers and Electronics
3.9
Public Safety and Security
3.6
English Language
3.4
Psychology
3.2

What the work involves

Controlling Machines and ProcessesOperating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentInspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsProcessing InformationEvaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsAnalyzing Data or InformationMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsMonitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings

Important abilities

Problem SensitivityFar VisionResponse OrientationControl PrecisionOral ComprehensionReaction Time

Education of workers

High school diploma
29%
Some college
17%
Less than high school
15%
Post-bachelor's certificate
1%
Associate's degree
1%

Training before entry

1–2 years
19%
Up to 1 month
16%
4–10 years
16%
3–6 months
2%

Related work experience

2–4 years
61%
4–6 years
36%
Over 10 years
1%
1–2 years
1%

Job Zone 3 — medium preparation needed (O*NET)

Difficulty of entry: ★★★☆☆ Moderate (from education, training, experience and Job Zone)

Pay and employment figures are national statistics. Projected pay, outlook scores and AI replacement risk are estimates from the Shigoto Zukan model, not guarantees. To request a correction, use the contact form. How to read the data
Sources: BLS OEWS May 2025; BLS Employment Projections 2025–35; O*NET 31.0 Database by USDOL/ETA (CC BY 4.0), modified by Shigoto Zukan. Pay ranges, projections and scores are Shigoto Zukan estimates.