Commercial pilots
SOC Code: 53-2012
Commercial pilots carries a 50% AI exposure score (High automation risk), with a median annual wage of $122,670 and +5.1% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 55,400 workers. Full task breakdown, skills, and employer data are below.
Proportion of tasks susceptible to AI automation (O*NET analysis)
At 50% AI exposure, Commercial pilots sits 13 points above the 37.2% average across 832 U.S. occupations - more exposed than 87% of them. Most of its core tasks still require human judgment.
Where Commercial pilots sits among all occupations
AI-exposure score distribution across 832 U.S. occupations (O*NET task analysis). This occupation is marked in rose.
Commercial pilots has ai exposure of 50%. Distribution: 1 occupations at 0-10%; 43 occupations at 10-20%; 184 occupations at 20-30%; 332 occupations at 30-40%; 158 occupations at 40-50%; 64 occupations at 50-60%; 29 occupations at 60-70%; 15 occupations at 70-80%; 5 occupations at 80-90%; 1 occupations at 90-100%.
Source: O*NET task data (U.S. Department of Labor); AI-exposure scores are PlainWorkforce's analysis. As of BLS 2024–2034.
Commercial pilots vs. its occupational neighbors
AI exposure (horizontal) vs projected 2024–2034 growth (vertical) for occupations in the same SOC group. Commercial pilots is marked in rose; the top-left corner is the most future-proof.
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034 (growth) and O*NET (AI-exposure analysis by PlainWorkforce).
Employment Projections
Occupation Insight
Commercial pilots (SOC 53-2012) carries an AI exposure score of 50%, placing it in the High automation-risk tier. This score is computed from O*NET Database 30.0 task-level analysis, where each task an occupation performs is evaluated against current generative AI, robotic process automation, and machine-learning capabilities. A score in the 40–70% range indicates meaningful automation pressure on specific task categories, but the role as a whole still requires human judgment for coordination, exception handling, or client interaction.
The economic context matters alongside the risk score. BLS counted approximately 55,400 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a +5.1% change through 2034 - modest growth that keeps the occupation viable even as tasks evolve. Median annual compensation stands at $122,670, reflecting both skill scarcity and the value employers place on the tasks that remain difficult to automate. Entry typically requires Postsecondary nondegree award, plus None of related experience.
For career planners, this profile should be read alongside the task, skill, and knowledge breakdowns below and the list of employers whose workforce composition includes Commercial pilots. Adjacent occupations shown further down offer lateral moves that preserve industry knowledge while potentially reducing exposure. Pair the AI exposure score with the BLS employment projection and wage percentiles above for a complete career assessment.
Education & Entry Requirements
Top Tasks (O*NET)
- 1. Check aircraft prior to flights to ensure that the engines, controls, instruments, and other systems are functioning properly.
- 2. Co-pilot aircraft or perform captain's duties, as required.
- 3. Consider airport altitudes, outside temperatures, plane weights, and wind speeds and directions to calculate the speed needed to become airborne.
- 4. Use instrumentation to pilot aircraft when visibility is poor.
- 5. Monitor engine operation, fuel consumption, and functioning of aircraft systems during flights.
- 6. Order changes in fuel supplies, loads, routes, or schedules to ensure safety of flights.
- 7. Contact control towers for takeoff clearances, arrival instructions, and other information, using radio equipment.
- 8. Plan flights according to government and company regulations, using aeronautical charts and navigation instruments.
- 9. Start engines, operate controls, and pilot airplanes to transport passengers, mail, or freight according to flight plans, regulations, and procedures.
- 10. Check baggage or cargo to ensure that it has been loaded correctly.
Key Skills Required
- Operation and Control
- Operations Monitoring
- Monitoring
- Critical Thinking
- Active Listening
- Judgment and Decision Making
- Reading Comprehension
- Speaking
- Active Learning
- Complex Problem Solving
Knowledge Areas
- Customer and Personal Service
- English Language
- Transportation
- Geography
- Public Safety and Security
- Mechanical
- Law and Government
- Computers and Electronics
- Physics
- Mathematics
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Commercial pilots?
Commercial pilots has an AI exposure score of 50%, indicating a high level of automation risk. Some tasks in this role can be augmented or partially automated by AI, but core responsibilities require human judgment.
What is the job outlook for Commercial pilots?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Commercial pilots is projected to grow by 5.1% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 55,400 workers.
What skills are needed for Commercial pilots?
Key skills for Commercial pilots include Operation and Control, Operations Monitoring, Monitoring, and others. Typical entry-level education is Postsecondary nondegree award.
How much do Commercial pilots earn?
The median annual wage for Commercial pilots is $122,670, according to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Actual earnings vary by location, experience, industry, and employer. The BLS publishes detailed wage percentiles by region in its Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program.
What education is required for Commercial pilots?
The typical entry-level education for Commercial pilots is Postsecondary nondegree award. Employers generally expect None of related work experience. On-the-job training typically involves Moderate-term on-the-job training. Requirements can vary by employer and specialization.
Which companies employ Commercial pilots?
Commercial pilots roles exist across many industries and employers. Workforce composition is estimated from BLS industry-occupation employment distributions matched to SEC-registered public companies.
AI Exposure Rating
High automation risk based on 10 analyzed tasks. A moderate share of tasks may be augmented by AI tools.
Related Occupations
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Data sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2024–2034 and O*NET Database 30.0. Employment figures are rounded. Wage data from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics (OES).