53-2011.00

Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers

Pilot and navigate the flight of fixed-wing aircraft, usually on scheduled air carrier routes, for the transport of passengers and cargo. Requires Federal Air Transport certificate and rating for specific aircraft type used. Includes regional, national, and international airline pilots and flight instructors of airline pilots.

3.0OUT OF 10SAFEHIGH RISK
Low Risk

Your job is relatively safe from AI

Safer than 28% of occupations we track

Frey & Osborne (2013) estimated 18% probability of automation for this role
paper →
28%
of jobs safer
739
jobs riskier than this
+3.9%
projected growth

Disruption Vector

Disruption Type

Physical Robots

Physical robotics, autonomous machines, and automated equipment are the main threat to the physical tasks in this occupation.

Autopilot systems like those from Boeing and Airbus handle routine cruise flight with minimal human input, and UAM (urban air mobility) startups are developing fully autonomous air taxis, but commercial airline operations remain under mandatory dual-pilot human control through 2027 due to FAA regulations and union contracts. Takeoff and landing in complex weather, system failure management, and command authority over emergencies are irreplaceable human functions. This role is fully insulated from AI displacement through 2027 by regulatory requirements, though long-term one-pilot and zero-pilot cargo operations are advancing.

Disrupted byBoston DynamicsAmazon RoboticsTesla Optimus

Salary & Job Outlook

Median Annual Pay
$226,600
US Bureau of Labor Statistics
10-Year Job Growth
+3.9%
As fast as average
Education Required
Bachelor's degree
Job Zone 4 / 5

AI Risk Timeline

3.0
3.3
3.6
4.2
Today
5 Years
10 Years
20 Years

Projection model: Based on current AI capability growth rates. High-risk occupations are projected to see compounding automation pressure, while human-centric roles show slower risk accumulation. These are statistical projections, not guarantees.

Skills Analysis — AI Vulnerability

AI can replicate (0)
AI-resistant (1)
Mixed
Critical Thinking80%
Active Learning75%
Complex Problem Solving78%
Judgment and Decision Making82%
Reading Comprehension72%

Similar Safe Careers

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Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers

3.0
/ 10
Low Risk
30% automation risk

"The robots looked at your job and said 'nah, too human.'"

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AIRLINE PILOTS, COPILOTS, AND FLIGHT ENGINEERS
3.0

/ 10

LOW RISK

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You're safer than 28% of all knowledge workers we track.

This analysis is for informational purposes only and is based on statistical models and academic research. It does not constitute career advice and is not a guarantee of future employment outcomes. AI impact varies significantly by employer, region, and individual circumstances. Learn about our methodology →