TransportationCompare

Commercial Pilot

O*NET: Commercial Pilots·53-2012.00

The Verdict:Commercial pilots physically command aircraft in unpredictable skies, hands on controls amid weather and traffic variability no remote system replicates. Regulations mandate licensed human captains accountable for safety. AI aids planning and monitoring but cannot assume embodied command. Pilot shortages and air travel growth solidify the role over the next decade.

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.

$123k

Job Growth (10yr)

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

+5.1%

AI Exposure

Percentage of this role's analyzed tasks that AI can handle autonomously or nearly so. 1 of 25 tasks are classified as AI-exposed.

Low exposure

Task Analysis

This role's core work is hard to automate.
16 of 25 tasks require human judgment, presence, or trust. The 32% that are AI-leverage offer an edge — professionals who learn these tools will outperform those who don't.

1exposed

8AI leverage

16human-essential

View all 25 tasks

AI Can Handle This1 task

Tasks AI can do autonomously or nearly so

Write specified information in flight records, such as flight times, altitudes flown, and fuel consumption.

AI Leverage8 tasks

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

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.

Plan flights according to government and company regulations, using aeronautical charts and navigation instruments.

Obtain and review data such as load weights, fuel supplies, weather conditions, and flight schedules to determine flight plans and identify needed changes.

File instrument flight plans with air traffic control so that flights can be coordinated with other air traffic.

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

Operate large scale uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs) or drones for various commercial purposes, such as aerial photography, surveying land and structures, or monitoring wildlife.

Human Advantage16 tasks

Tasks requiring trust, presence, or novel judgment

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.

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

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

Start engines, operate controls, and pilot airplanes to transport passengers, mail, or freight according to flight plans, regulations, and procedures.

Check baggage or cargo to ensure that it has been loaded correctly.

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.

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

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

Perform minor aircraft maintenance and repair work, or arrange for major maintenance.

Supervise other crew members.

Request changes in altitudes or routes as circumstances dictate.

Rescue and evacuate injured persons.

Instruct other pilots and student pilots in aircraft operations.

Fly with other pilots or pilot-license applicants to evaluate their proficiency.

Teach company regulations and procedures to other pilots.

Resilience Landscape

Commercial Pilot lands in Stable & Well-Paid

Higher Resilience Paths in Transportation

Transportation

Ship Captain

Score

+1 pts more resilient

Highly Resilient

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