TransportationCompare

Airline Pilot

O*NET: Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers·53-2011.00

The Verdict:Airline pilots physically command aircraft through takeoffs, landings, turbulence, and emergencies from the cockpit — no remote or robotic system handles real-world variability yet. Regulations demand human accountability for safety, and AI augments monitoring but cannot bear liability or adapt to the unforeseen. Crew coordination solidifies the role.

Resilience Score

/100

Highly Resilient

Score tiers

Highly Resilient81–100

Resilient61–80

Moderate Risk41–60

High Risk21–40

Critical Risk0–20

How is this scored?

Task Resilience

How much of this role's daily work remains beyond AI and robotic automation.

30% of score

Physical Presence

The degree to which this job needs a human present — hands-on, in the field, or in the room.

20% of score

Human Necessity

How important the unique human edge is — for trust, accountability, or judgment.

15% of score

Regulatory Shield

How strong the legal requirement is for a human in this job (by law, licensing, or credentials).

13% of score

Technological Maturity

How far AI remains from performing this role's core functions.

10% of score

Displacement Evidence

The volume of jobs in this field being eliminated by AI or automation right now.

12% of score

Score last updated: February 2026Full methodology

Avg Salary

Median annual wage from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024 release.

$227k

Job Growth (10yr)

Projected change in total number of jobs (not salary) from 2024–2034. Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections.

+4%

AI Exposure

Percentage of this role's analyzed tasks that AI can handle autonomously or nearly so. 1 of 24 tasks are classified as AI-exposed.

Low exposure

Task Analysis

Most of this role rewards AI fluency.
71% of tasks (17 of 24) become more productive with AI tools — learning to use them is the highest-leverage career move.

1exposed

17AI leverage

6human-essential

View all 24 tasks

AI Can Handle This1 task

Tasks AI can do autonomously or nearly so

Record in log books information, such as flight times, distances flown, and fuel consumption.

AI Leverage17 tasks

Master these tools — humans who do outperform those who don't

Use instrumentation to guide flights when visibility is poor.

Contact control towers for takeoff clearances, arrival instructions, and other information, using radio equipment.

Monitor engine operation, fuel consumption, and functioning of aircraft systems during flights.

Monitor gauges, warning devices, and control panels to verify aircraft performance and to regulate engine speed.

Steer aircraft along planned routes, using autopilot and flight management computers.

Check passenger and cargo distributions and fuel amounts to ensure that weight and balance specifications are met.

Confer with flight dispatchers and weather forecasters to keep abreast of flight conditions.

Order changes in fuel supplies, loads, routes, or schedules to ensure safety of flights.

Brief crews about flight details, such as destinations, duties, and responsibilities.

Choose routes, altitudes, and speeds that will provide the fastest, safest, and smoothest flights.

Instruct other pilots and student pilots in aircraft operations and the principles of flight.

Make announcements regarding flights, using public address systems.

Coordinate flight activities with ground crews and air traffic control and inform crew members of flight and test procedures.

File instrument flight plans with air traffic control to ensure that flights are coordinated with other air traffic.

Perform minor maintenance work, or arrange for major maintenance.

Evaluate other pilots or pilot-license applicants for proficiency.

Plan and formulate flight activities and test schedules and prepare flight evaluation reports.

Human Advantage6 tasks

Tasks requiring trust, presence, or novel judgment

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.

Direct activities of aircraft crews during flights.

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.

Resilience Landscape

Airline Pilot lands in Stable & Well-Paid

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