Salary Range
Low (10th %)$37,210
Median$59,160
High (90th %)$101,180
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Assist in operations, under the supervision of surgeons. May, in accordance with state laws, help surgeons to make incisions and close surgical sites, manipulate or remove tissues, implant surgical devices or drains, suction the surgical site, place catheters, clamp or cauterize vessels or tissue, and apply dressings to surgical site.
The occupation "Surgical Assistants" has an automation risk of 14.1%, which is relatively low compared to many other professions. This base risk, calculated at 14.3%, reflects the balance between tasks that can be automated with current technology and those that still require significant human skills. Many aspects of surgical assistance involve precise manual dexterity, real-time decision-making, and close collaboration with surgeons and other healthcare professionals, all of which present significant hurdles to automation. Although advances in robotics and artificial intelligence are making inroads in the medical field, the inherent variability and high consequences of error in surgery mean that full automation of surgical assistance is unlikely in the near future. Among the tasks most susceptible to automation for Surgical Assistants are activities that tend to follow standard procedures and routines. For example, "Assist in the insertion, positioning, or suturing of closed-wound drainage systems" involves repetitive motion and predictable patterns, making it amenable to robotic assistance. Similarly, "Verify the identity of patient or operative site" can be accomplished with high reliability through digital records, barcoding, and biometric systems. Additionally, "Monitor and maintain aseptic technique throughout procedures" is increasingly being supported by sensor-based systems and automated alerts, reducing the need for continuous human oversight. Conversely, the most resistant tasks for automation in this field involve nuanced judgment, delicate manual skills, and adaptability. "Assist in volume replacement or autotransfusion techniques" demands a sophisticated understanding of patient status and rapid response to dynamic conditions during surgery. Tasks like "Insert or remove urinary bladder catheters" and "Postoperatively inject a subcutaneous local anesthetic agent to reduce pain" also require an experienced touch and a high degree of trust from both the patient and surgical team. The bottleneck skill identified—Originality, at just 2.9%—underscores that while some tasks are routine, the occasional need for creative problem-solving and innovation during surgery remains difficult for machines to replicate, further safeguarding the role of Surgical Assistants from widespread automation.
Filter by Automatable Status
Assist in the insertion, positioning, or suturing of closed-wound drainage systems.
Non-Automatable
Verify the identity of patient or operative site.
Non-Automatable
Monitor and maintain aseptic technique throughout procedures.
Non-Automatable
Cover patients with surgical drapes to create and maintain a sterile operative field.
Non-Automatable
Maintain an unobstructed operative field, using surgical retractors, sponges, or suctioning and irrigating equipment.
Non-Automatable
Prepare and apply sterile wound dressings.
Non-Automatable
Apply sutures, staples, clips, or other materials to close skin, facia, or subcutaneous wound layers.
Non-Automatable
Discuss with surgeon the nature of the surgical procedure, including operative consent, methods of operative exposure, diagnostic or laboratory data, or patient-advanced directives or other needs.
Partially Automatable
Determine availability of necessary equipment or supplies for operative procedures.
Partially Automatable
Clamp, ligate, or cauterize blood vessels to control bleeding during surgical entry, using hemostatic clamps, suture ligatures, or electrocautery equipment.
Non-Automatable
Assess skin integrity or other body conditions upon completion of the procedure to determine if damage has occurred from body positioning.
Partially Automatable
Assist with patient resuscitation during cardiac arrest or other life-threatening events.
Non-Automatable
Obtain or inspect sterile or non-sterile surgical equipment, instruments, or supplies.
Non-Automatable
Operate sterilizing devices.
Partially Automatable
Pass instruments or supplies to surgeon during procedure.
Non-Automatable
Monitor patient intra-operative status, including patient position, vital signs, or volume and color of blood.
Partially Automatable
Coordinate with anesthesia personnel to maintain patient temperature.
Partially Automatable
Adjust and maintain operating room temperature, humidity, or lighting, according to surgeon's specifications.
Partially Automatable
Assist in applying casts, splints, braces, or similar devices.
Non-Automatable
Transport patients to operating room.
Non-Automatable
Incise tissue layers in lower extremities to harvest veins.
Non-Automatable
Postoperatively inject a subcutaneous local anesthetic agent to reduce pain.
Non-Automatable
Insert or remove urinary bladder catheters.
Non-Automatable
Assist in volume replacement or autotransfusion techniques.
Non-Automatable
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.
Non-Automatable
Assist members of surgical team with gowning or gloving.
Non-Automatable
Gather, arrange, or assemble instruments or supplies.
Non-Automatable
Remove patient hair or disinfect incision sites to prepare patient for surgery.
Non-Automatable
Reading ComprehensionActive ListeningCritical ThinkingComplex Problem SolvingOperations MonitoringQuality Control AnalysisSystems EvaluationManagement of Personnel ResourcesWritingSpeakingMathematicsScienceActive LearningLearning StrategiesMonitoringSocial PerceptivenessCoordinationPersuasionNegotiationInstructingService OrientationOperations AnalysisTechnology DesignEquipment SelectionInstallationProgrammingOperation and ControlEquipment MaintenanceTroubleshootingRepairingJudgment and Decision MakingSystems AnalysisTime ManagementManagement of Financial ResourcesManagement of Material Resources
Arm-Hand SteadinessAuditory AttentionCategory FlexibilityControl PrecisionDeductive ReasoningDepth PerceptionDynamic FlexibilityDynamic StrengthExplosive StrengthExtent FlexibilityFar VisionFinger DexterityFlexibility of ClosureFluency of IdeasGlare SensitivityGross Body CoordinationGross Body EquilibriumHearing SensitivityInductive ReasoningInformation OrderingManual DexterityMathematical ReasoningMemorizationMultilimb CoordinationNear VisionNight VisionNumber FacilityOral ComprehensionOral ExpressionOriginalityPerceptual SpeedPeripheral VisionProblem SensitivityRate ControlReaction TimeResponse OrientationSelective AttentionSound LocalizationSpatial OrientationSpeech ClaritySpeech RecognitionSpeed of ClosureSpeed of Limb MovementStaminaStatic StrengthTime SharingTrunk StrengthVisual Color DiscriminationVisualizationWrist-Finger SpeedWritten ComprehensionWritten Expression
AdministrativeEconomics and AccountingSales and MarketingCustomer and Personal ServicePersonnel and Human ResourcesProduction and ProcessingFood ProductionComputers and ElectronicsEngineering and TechnologyDesignBuilding and ConstructionMechanicalMathematicsPhysicsChemistryHistory and ArcheologyPhilosophy and TheologyPublic Safety and SecurityLaw and GovernmentTelecommunicationsBiologyPsychologySociology and AnthropologyGeographyMedicine and DentistryForeign LanguageEnglish LanguageFine ArtsEducation and TrainingTransportationTherapy and CounselingCommunications and MediaAdministration and Management
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsMonitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsProcessing InformationGetting InformationEstimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationIdentifying Objects, Actions, and EventsJudging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsThinking CreativelyUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeDeveloping Objectives and StrategiesScheduling Work and ActivitiesOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkPerforming General Physical ActivitiesHandling and Moving ObjectsControlling Machines and ProcessesOperating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentWorking with ComputersRepairing and Maintaining Electronic EquipmentDocumenting/Recording InformationDrafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and EquipmentInterpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersRepairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentAnalyzing Data or InformationCommunicating with People Outside the OrganizationEstablishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsAssisting and Caring for OthersSelling or Influencing OthersResolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersPerforming for or Working Directly with the PublicCoordinating the Work and Activities of OthersDeveloping and Building TeamsTraining and Teaching OthersGuiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesCoaching and Developing OthersProviding Consultation and Advice to OthersPerforming Administrative ActivitiesStaffing Organizational UnitsMonitoring and Controlling ResourcesEvaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
Patient scheduling softwareElectronic medical record EMR softwareNursing documentation softwareSurgery workflow communication softwareWord processing softwarePatient tracking softwarePatient scheduling softwareMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft PowerPointMEDITECH softwareElectronic medical record EMR softwarePatient tracking softwareSupply documentation softwareWord processing softwareMEDITECH softwareNursing documentation softwareSurgery workflow communication softwareSupply documentation softwareMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft PowerPoint
Physician Assistants
Medium41.05%
Provide healthcare services typically performed by a physician, under the supervision of a physician. Conduct complete physicals, provide treatment, and counsel patients. May, in some cases, prescribe medication. Must graduate from an accredited educational program for physician assistants.
Anesthesiologist Assistants
Low29.30%
Assist anesthesiologists in the administration of anesthesia for surgical and non-surgical procedures. Monitor patient status and provide patient care during surgical treatment.
Respiratory Therapists
Low32.47%
Assess, treat, and care for patients with breathing disorders. Assume primary responsibility for all respiratory care modalities, including the supervision of respiratory therapy technicians. Initiate and conduct therapeutic procedures; maintain patient records; and select, assemble, check, and operate equipment.
Acute Care Nurses
Medium35.99%
Provide advanced nursing care for patients with acute conditions such as heart attacks, respiratory distress syndrome, or shock. May care for pre- and post-operative patients or perform advanced, invasive diagnostic or therapeutic procedures.
Critical Care Nurses
Medium38.18%
Provide specialized nursing care for patients in critical or coronary care units.
Nurse Anesthetists
Low30.75%
Administer anesthesia, monitor patient's vital signs, and oversee patient recovery from anesthesia. May assist anesthesiologists, surgeons, other physicians, or dentists. Must be registered nurses who have specialized graduate education.
Nurse Practitioners
Medium43.76%
Diagnose and treat acute, episodic, or chronic illness, independently or as part of a healthcare team. May focus on health promotion and disease prevention. May order, perform, or interpret diagnostic tests such as lab work and x rays. May prescribe medication. Must be registered nurses who have specialized graduate education.
Anesthesiologists
Medium38.32%
Administer anesthetics and analgesics for pain management prior to, during, or after surgery.
Cardiologists
Medium38.46%
Diagnose, treat, manage, and prevent diseases or conditions of the cardiovascular system. May further subspecialize in interventional procedures (e.g., balloon angioplasty and stent placement), echocardiography, or electrophysiology.
Emergency Medicine Physicians
Medium39.71%
Make immediate medical decisions and act to prevent death or further disability. Provide immediate recognition, evaluation, care, stabilization, and disposition of patients. May direct emergency medical staff in an emergency department.
Orthopedic Surgeons, Except Pediatric
Low31.67%
Diagnose and perform surgery to treat and prevent rheumatic and other diseases in the musculoskeletal system.
Pediatric Surgeons
Low27.78%
Diagnose and perform surgery to treat fetal abnormalities and birth defects, diseases, and injuries in fetuses, premature and newborn infants, children, and adolescents. Includes all pediatric surgical specialties and subspecialties.
Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians
Medium45.83%
Conduct tests on pulmonary or cardiovascular systems of patients for diagnostic, therapeutic, or research purposes. May conduct or assist in electrocardiograms, cardiac catheterizations, pulmonary functions, lung capacity, and similar tests.
Emergency Medical Technicians
Low25.00%
Assess injuries and illnesses and administer basic emergency medical care. May transport injured or sick persons to medical facilities.
Paramedics
Low19.23%
Administer basic or advanced emergency medical care and assess injuries and illnesses. May administer medication intravenously, use equipment such as EKGs, or administer advanced life support to sick or injured individuals.
Surgical Technologists
Low32.40%
Assist in operations, under the supervision of surgeons, registered nurses, or other surgical personnel. May help set up operating room, prepare and transport patients for surgery, adjust lights and equipment, pass instruments and other supplies to surgeons and surgeons' assistants, hold retractors, cut sutures, and help count sponges, needles, supplies, and instruments.
Ophthalmic Medical Technicians
Medium34.66%
Assist ophthalmologists by performing ophthalmic clinical functions. May administer eye exams, administer eye medications, and instruct the patient in care and use of corrective lenses.
Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses
Low29.14%
Care for ill, injured, or convalescing patients or persons with disabilities in hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, private homes, group homes, and similar institutions. May work under the supervision of a registered nurse. Licensing required.
Nursing Assistants
Low27.74%
Provide or assist with basic care or support under the direction of onsite licensed nursing staff. Perform duties such as monitoring of health status, feeding, bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting, or ambulation of patients in a health or nursing facility. May include medication administration and other health-related tasks. Includes nursing care attendants, nursing aides, and nursing attendants.
Medical Assistants
Medium39.45%
Perform administrative and certain clinical duties under the direction of a physician. Administrative duties may include scheduling appointments, maintaining medical records, billing, and coding information for insurance purposes. Clinical duties may include taking and recording vital signs and medical histories, preparing patients for examination, drawing blood, and administering medications as directed by physician.
Dentists, General
Low23.33%
Examine, diagnose, and treat diseases, injuries, and malformations of teeth and gums. May treat diseases of nerve, pulp, and other dental tissues affecting oral hygiene and retention of teeth. May fit dental appliances or provide preventive care.
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
Low10.53%
Perform surgery and related procedures on the hard and soft tissues of the oral and maxillofacial regions to treat diseases, injuries, or defects. May diagnose problems of the oral and maxillofacial regions. May perform surgery to improve function or appearance.
Prosthodontists
Low20.51%
Diagnose, treat, rehabilitate, design, and fit prostheses that maintain oral function, health, and appearance for patients with clinical conditions associated with teeth, oral and maxillofacial tissues, or the jaw.
Radiation Therapists
Medium42.66%
Provide radiation therapy to patients as prescribed by a radiation oncologist according to established practices and standards. Duties may include reviewing prescription and diagnosis; acting as liaison with physician and supportive care personnel; preparing equipment, such as immobilization, treatment, and protection devices; and maintaining records, reports, and files. May assist in dosimetry procedures and tumor localization.
Dental Hygienists
Low12.35%
Administer oral hygiene care to patients. Assess patient oral hygiene problems or needs and maintain health records. Advise patients on oral health maintenance and disease prevention. May provide advanced care such as providing fluoride treatment or administering topical anesthesia.
Cytotechnologists
Medium38.03%
Stain, mount, and study cells to detect evidence of cancer, hormonal abnormalities, and other pathological conditions following established standards and practices.
Histotechnologists
Medium47.76%
Apply knowledge of health and disease causes to evaluate new laboratory techniques and procedures to examine tissue samples. Process and prepare histological slides from tissue sections for microscopic examination and diagnosis by pathologists. May solve technical or instrument problems or assist with research studies.
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technicians
Medium43.59%
Perform routine medical laboratory tests for the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease. May work under the supervision of a medical technologist.
Histology Technicians
Low28.13%
Prepare histological slides from tissue sections for microscopic examination and diagnosis by pathologists. May assist with research studies.
Diagnostic Medical Sonographers
Medium39.41%
Produce ultrasonic recordings of internal organs for use by physicians. Includes vascular technologists.
Radiologic Technologists and Technicians
Medium43.68%
Take x-rays and CAT scans or administer nonradioactive materials into patient's bloodstream for diagnostic or research purposes. Includes radiologic technologists and technicians who specialize in other scanning modalities.
Medical Dosimetrists
Medium49.20%
Generate radiation treatment plans, develop radiation dose calculations, communicate and supervise the treatment plan implementation, and consult with members of radiation oncology team.
Pharmacy Technicians
Medium58.91%
Prepare medications under the direction of a pharmacist. May measure, mix, count out, label, and record amounts and dosages of medications according to prescription orders.
Veterinary Technologists and Technicians
Low30.19%
Perform medical tests in a laboratory environment for use in the treatment and diagnosis of diseases in animals. Prepare vaccines and serums for prevention of diseases. Prepare tissue samples, take blood samples, and execute laboratory tests, such as urinalysis and blood counts. Clean and sterilize instruments and materials and maintain equipment and machines. May assist a veterinarian during surgery.
Orthotists and Prosthetists
Medium36.05%
Design, measure, fit, and adapt orthopedic braces, appliances or prostheses, such as limbs or facial parts for patients with disabling conditions.
Neurodiagnostic Technologists
Medium46.30%
Conduct electroneurodiagnostic (END) tests such as electroencephalograms, evoked potentials, polysomnograms, or electronystagmograms. May perform nerve conduction studies.
Ophthalmic Medical Technologists
Medium43.00%
Assist ophthalmologists by performing ophthalmic clinical functions and ophthalmic photography. Provide instruction and supervision to other ophthalmic personnel. Assist with minor surgical procedures, applying aseptic techniques and preparing instruments. May perform eye exams, administer eye medications, and instruct patients in care and use of corrective lenses.
Athletic Trainers
Low32.10%
Evaluate and treat musculoskeletal injuries or illnesses. Provide preventive, therapeutic, emergency, and rehabilitative care.
Orderlies
Low22.50%
Transport patients to areas such as operating rooms or x-ray rooms using wheelchairs, stretchers, or moveable beds. May maintain stocks of supplies or clean and transport equipment. Psychiatric orderlies are included in Psychiatric Aides.
Physical Therapist Assistants
Low22.30%
Assist physical therapists in providing physical therapy treatments and procedures. May, in accordance with state laws, assist in the development of treatment plans, carry out routine functions, document the progress of treatment, and modify specific treatments in accordance with patient status and within the scope of treatment plans established by a physical therapist. Generally requires formal training.
Dental Assistants
Medium35.48%
Perform limited clinical duties under the direction of a dentist. Clinical duties may include equipment preparation and sterilization, preparing patients for treatment, assisting the dentist during treatment, and providing patients with instructions for oral healthcare procedures. May perform administrative duties such as scheduling appointments, maintaining medical records, billing, and coding information for insurance purposes.
Medical Equipment Preparers
Medium42.90%
Prepare, sterilize, install, or clean laboratory or healthcare equipment. May perform routine laboratory tasks and operate or inspect equipment.
Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers
Low30.03%
Feed, water, and examine pets and other nonfarm animals for signs of illness, disease, or injury in laboratories and animal hospitals and clinics. Clean and disinfect cages and work areas, and sterilize laboratory and surgical equipment. May provide routine postoperative care, administer medication orally or topically, or prepare samples for laboratory examination under the supervision of veterinary or laboratory animal technologists or technicians, veterinarians, or scientists.
Phlebotomists
Medium36.54%
Draw blood for tests, transfusions, donations, or research. May explain the procedure to patients and assist in the recovery of patients with adverse reactions.
Endoscopy Technicians
Low20.63%
Maintain a sterile field to provide support for physicians and nurses during endoscopy procedures. Prepare and maintain instruments and equipment. May obtain specimens.
Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers
Medium41.25%
Monitor recreational areas, such as pools, beaches, or ski slopes, to provide assistance and protection to participants.
Embalmers
Low12.34%
Prepare bodies for interment in conformity with legal requirements.
Shampooers
Low24.77%
Shampoo and rinse customers' hair.
Skincare Specialists
Low30.11%
Provide skincare treatments to face and body to enhance an individual's appearance. Includes electrologists and laser hair removal specialists.
Ambulance Drivers and Attendants, Except Emergency Medical Technicians
Low11.24%
Drive ambulance or assist ambulance driver in transporting sick, injured, or convalescent persons. Assist in lifting patients.