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Surgical Assistants

The short answer

This job is less likely to change much. Most of the work is the kind AI can't help with. In New York State, the number of these jobs is expected to grow over the next decade, with about 44 openings expected each year.

Step 1

Where your job stands

Compared with other New York jobs, this one is in the least exposed fifth for how much AI could touch it. Most of what it involves isn't the kind of work AI can take over.

How much AI could touch this job

Least exposedband 1 of 5
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Looking at the job itself, AI could help with a small part of this job's tasks.

What this means

Compared with other New York jobs, this one is in the least exposed fifth, out of 656 jobs we could rank. Read more in the methodology.

Step 2

What AI can and can’t help with in this job

This job is in the least exposed fifth of New York jobs for AI exposure. The tasks below show why: most of what it involves is work AI can't simply take over.

AI can help with or automate about 7% of the tasks in this job.

Tasks AI can help with or automate

  1. Verify the identity of patient or operative site.

    AI could help, but needs extra software

  2. Assess skin integrity or other body conditions upon completion of the procedure to determine if damage has occurred from body positioning.

    AI could help, but needs extra software

Tasks AI can't do much of

  1. Monitor and maintain aseptic technique throughout procedures.

    AI is unlikely to speed this up

  2. Cover patients with surgical drapes to create and maintain a sterile operative field.

    AI is unlikely to speed this up

  3. 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.

    AI is unlikely to speed this up

  4. Maintain an unobstructed operative field, using surgical retractors, sponges, or suctioning and irrigating equipment.

    AI is unlikely to speed this up

  5. Prepare and apply sterile wound dressings.

    AI is unlikely to speed this up

Step 3

Jobs you could switch to

If you're thinking about a change, these are jobs your experience already fits—related work you could move into. Pick your area to see local options.

See related jobs in

The closest matches by the skills they use—each has projected openings in New York State, pays within reach of your job now, and is no more exposed to AI than your job. Each card shows what the move would take.

  • Surgical Technologists

    Very similar work
    +32% pay437 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job now

    Pays about 32% more—$81,776 vs your $61,754 here.

    What the move takes

    Usually requires a postsecondary nondegree award.

    Getting ready typically takes one to two years.

    Skills you already have

    • Customer and Personal Service
    • Medicine and Dentistry
    • Oral Comprehension
    • Near Vision
    • Problem Sensitivity

    New skills to build

    • Equipment Maintenance
    • Repairing
    Train for itApprenticeshipFind openings