Will AI replace surgical assistants?AI replacement risk 19% and how the work is changing
Median annual pay
$66,800
25th–75th pct. $50,170–$88,010
Top pay (est.)
$139,900
Top 10% $107,610
Pay in 5 years
$78,700est.
2031
Pay in 10 years
$92,800est.
$79,800–$107,700
Outlook score
62/100
★★★☆☆ Average
AI replacement risk
19%
Very low
Job growth (10 yr)
+6.1%
1,400 openings / yr
Will AI replace Surgical Assistants? AI replacement risk
19%
Very low
Ranked #116 safest from AI among all U.S. occupations
Very lowLowModerateHighVery high
How AI is changing this job
A written analysis for this occupation is being prepared.
AI replacement risk compares the parts of a job that are easy to hand to AI or software (processing information, documentation, repetitive computer work) with the parts that are hard to automate (physical work, working closely with people, judgment in unpredictable settings), using O*NET work activities, work context, skills and knowledge. The result is a relative position among all occupations in the country, scaled to 0–100%. Methodology →
Skills, education and requirements for Surgical Assistants
Key skills
O*NET skill level ratings (0–7).
Key knowledge areas
What the work involves
Assisting and Caring for OthersMonitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsHandling and Moving ObjectsIdentifying Objects, Actions, and EventsUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeEstablishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsInspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
Important abilities
Near VisionFinger DexterityOral ComprehensionArm-Hand SteadinessOral ExpressionProblem Sensitivity
Training before entry
Related work experience
Job Zone 3 — medium preparation needed (O*NET)
Difficulty of entry: ★★☆☆☆ Fairly easy (from education, training, experience and Job Zone)
Pay and employment figures are national statistics. Projected pay, outlook scores and AI replacement risk are estimates from the Shigoto Zukan model, not guarantees. To request a correction, use the contact form. How to read the data
Sources: BLS OEWS May 2025; BLS Employment Projections 2025–35; O*NET 31.0 Database by USDOL/ETA (CC BY 4.0), modified by Shigoto Zukan. Pay ranges, projections and scores are Shigoto Zukan estimates.