SOC 29-9093
Surgical Assistants
Risk Score
โ ๏ธ36/100
Moderate
US Employment
๐ฅ22,860
Total workers
Median Wage
๐ฐ$60K
$40K โ $102K
Projected Growth
๐+5.1%
2023-2033 (BLS)
GenAI Exposure
๐ค53/100
Moderate exposure
๐ก Surgical Assistants face a risk score of 36/100 โ 8 points below the national average of 44. With 53/100 GenAI exposure, this occupation faces significant pressure from AI tools despite strong projected growth. See our methodology โ
๐ก Workers in this field earn $60K ($14K above the national median). The 3 recommended career transitions all maintain competitive wages while reducing automation exposure. Explore transition paths โ
๐ AI Impact Analysis
With a risk score of 36/100, Surgical Assistants faces moderate automation pressure. While tasks like automated patient monitoring and alert systems are increasingly handled by AI, the role retains significant human elements. The 22,860 workers in this occupation should focus on strengthening skills in hands-on physical examination and procedures and interdisciplinary care coordination to stay ahead. The role will likely evolve rather than disappear.
Will AI Replace Surgical Assistants?
Read our full analysis with verdict, risk factors, safe tasks, and career transition paths โ
โ ๏ธ Top Risk Factors
Automated patient monitoring and alert systems
AI clinical decision-support tools guiding treatment
Natural language processing for clinical documentation
๐ก๏ธ Tasks Safe from Automation
Hands-on physical examination and procedures
Interdisciplinary care coordination
Ethical decision-making in end-of-life situations
Complex clinical judgment in ambiguous presentations
๐ Task Automation Breakdown
Based on O*NET task analysis and GenAI exposure scoring. Shows the estimated proportion of this occupation's core tasks that are automatable by current AI, augmented by AI tools, or require essential human skills.
๐ O*NET Task Profile
Verify the identity of patient or operative site.
Monitor and maintain aseptic technique throughout procedures.
Cover patients with surgical drapes to create and maintain a sterile operative field.
Coordinate or participate in the positioning of patients, using body stabilizing equipment or protective padding to provide appropriate exposure for the procedure or to protect against nerve damage or circulation impairment.
Maintain an unobstructed operative field, using surgical retractors, sponges, or suctioning and irrigating equipment.
๐ป Technology Skills
Medical software
Spreadsheet software
Office suite software
Presentation software
Word processing software
๐ Key Knowledge Areas
Medicine and Dentistry
Customer and Personal Service
English Language
Biology
Education and Training
๐ vs National Average
National avg: $46K
National avg: 44/100
National avg: 38/100
National avg: 3.7%
๐ Career Transition Paths
| Occupation | Risk | Wage | Overlap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dentists, All Other Specialists | 13 | $226K | 76% |
| Dentists, General | 24 | $173K | 84% |
| Occupational Therapists | 28 | $98K | 76% |