Air traffic controllers AI Displacement Score: 7/10

Key Finding

Air traffic controllers face high ai exposure AI displacement risk, scoring 7/10 on the JobHunter AI Displacement Index (global average: 5.7/10). There are approximately 24,100 workers in this role in the US, earning a median of $144,580.

Source: JobHunter AI Displacement Index - 342 occupations analyzed using Karpathy's research framework

What does 7/10 mean?

0 - AI-proof Global avg: 5.7 10 - Fully exposed

Air traffic controllers scored 7/10 across 342 occupations analyzed using Karpathy's AI displacement research framework. The global average is 5.7/10. This role is near the global average.

Transportation & Material Moving - All Scores

Airline and commercial pilots 5/10

Heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers 5/10

Taxi drivers, shuttle drivers, and chauffeurs 5/10

Bus drivers 4/10

Material moving machine operators 4/10

Railroad workers 4/10

Delivery truck drivers and driver/sales workers 3/10

Flight attendants 3/10

Frequently Asked Questions

Will AI replace air traffic controllers?

Air traffic controllers scored 7/10 on AI displacement risk (global average: 5.7). This means high ai exposure risk of significant AI disruption. Rather than full replacement, most roles at this level see task automation - certain parts of the job get absorbed by AI while new responsibilities emerge.

What is the AI displacement score for air traffic controllers?

The AI displacement score for Air traffic controllers is 7 out of 10, based on analysis of 342 occupations using Karpathy's research framework. The global average is 5.7/10. Similar roles score: Airline and commercial pilots (5/10), Heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers (5/10), Taxi drivers, shuttle drivers, and chauffeurs (5/10).

How many air traffic controllers are there in the US?

There are approximately 24,100 air traffic controllers in the United States, with a median pay of $144,580 and a projected job outlook of +1%.

What should air traffic controllers do about AI?

With a score of 7/10, air traffic controllers should focus on skills AI can't easily replicate: complex judgment, relationship building, creative problem-solving, and physical-world interaction. Learning to use AI tools as leverage (not competition) is the highest-ROI move.

What AI can already do in this role