SOC 29-9093
Surgical Assistants
Risk Score
⚠️36/100
Moderate
US Employment
👥22,860
Total workers
Median Wage
💰$60K
$40K – $102K
Projected Growth
📈+5.1%
2023-2033 (BLS)
GenAI Exposure
🤖53/100
Moderate exposure
💡 Surgical Assistants face a risk score of 36/100 — 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 →
💡 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 →
🔍 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 →
⚠️ Top Risk Factors
Automated patient monitoring and alert systems
AI clinical decision-support tools guiding treatment
Natural language processing for clinical documentation
🛡️ 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
📊 vs National Average
National avg: $46K
National avg: 44/100
National avg: 38/100
National avg: 3.7%
🔄 Career Transition Paths
| Occupation | Risk | Wage | Overlap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dentists, All Other Specialists | 13 | $226K | 76% |
| Dentists, General | 24 | $173K | 84% |
| Occupational Therapists | 28 | $98K | 76% |