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Agricultural Pilots

Outlook

The employment of commercial pilots, including agricultural pilots, is expected to grow 4 percent from 2022 to 2032, about as fast as the average, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. The demand for agricultural pilots depends largely on farmers' needs. For example, when insect and pest control becomes a problem, there is greater demand for agricultural pilots. There is also some concern within the industry that genetically engineered crops (resistant to certain diseases) may decrease the need for aerial applications and cause a loss of business for agricultural pilots. Finally, there has been a push from environmental groups for U.S. farmers to use less fertilizer and pesticide, as well as increase their use of organic farming techniques. Employment prospects will probably be best with larger farms and ranches and in states with long growing seasons.