SOC 29-2055
Surgical Technologists
Risk Score
โ ๏ธ44/100
Elevated
US Employment
๐ฅ113,890
Total workers
Median Wage
๐ฐ$63K
$43K โ $91K
Projected Growth
๐+4.5%
2023-2033 (BLS)
GenAI Exposure
๐ค46/100
Moderate exposure
๐ก Surgical Technologists face a risk score of 44/100 โ 0 points above the national average of 44. With only 46/100 GenAI exposure, most core tasks remain resistant to current AI capabilities. See our methodology โ
๐ก Workers in this field earn $63K ($17K 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 44/100, Surgical Technologists faces moderate automation pressure. While tasks like telehealth platforms automating triage and intake are increasingly handled by AI, the role retains significant human elements. The 113,890 workers in this occupation should focus on strengthening skills in emergency triage requiring rapid human judgment and complex clinical judgment in ambiguous presentations to stay ahead. The role will likely evolve rather than disappear.
Will AI Replace Surgical Technologists?
Read our full analysis with verdict, risk factors, safe tasks, and career transition paths โ
โ ๏ธ Top Risk Factors
Telehealth platforms automating triage and intake
Natural language processing for clinical documentation
AI-assisted diagnostic imaging reducing radiologist workload
AI clinical decision-support tools guiding treatment
๐ก๏ธ Tasks Safe from Automation
Emergency triage requiring rapid human judgment
Complex clinical judgment in ambiguous presentations
Empathetic patient communication and bedside manner
Hands-on physical examination and procedures
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
Maintain a proper sterile field during surgical procedures.
Count sponges, needles, and instruments before and after operation.
Scrub arms and hands and assist the surgical team to scrub and put on gloves, masks, and surgical clothing.
Provide technical assistance to surgeons, surgical nurses, or anesthesiologists.
Prepare patients for surgery, including positioning patients on the operating table and covering them with sterile surgical drapes to prevent exposure.
๐ป Technology Skills
Data base user interface and query software
Medical software
Electronic mail software
Cloud-based data access and sharing software
Graphics or photo imaging software
๐ Key Knowledge Areas
Customer and Personal Service
Medicine and Dentistry
English Language
Education and Training
Psychology
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 | 77% |
| Dentists, General | 24 | $173K | 70% |
| Occupational Therapists | 28 | $98K | 77% |