Side-by-Side Comparison
Acupuncturists leads 3–1| Metric | Physician Assistants | Acupuncturists |
|---|---|---|
| Risk Score | 27.9% | 27.5% |
| Risk Tier | Medium Risk | Medium Risk |
| Risk Percentile | 29th | 27th |
| Tasks at Risk (>50%) | 4 / 12 | 9 / 15 |
| Median Salary | $133,260 | N/A |
| Employment | 156K | N/A |
Skill Comparison
|
Sorted by largest difference
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
Processing Information
Biology
Making Decisions and Solving Problems
Analyzing Data or Information
Assisting and Caring for Others
Training and Teaching Others
Developing and Building Teams
Interacting With Computers
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others
Science
Protective Factors
Higher values indicate stronger protection against AI displacement
Physician Assistants
37%
total discount
Acupuncturists
33%
total discount
Task Risk Comparison
Tasks sorted by AI automation risk — higher means more automatable
Physician Assistants
4 of 12 at risk86%Order medical and laboratory supplies and equipment.
74%Administer or order diagnostic tests, such as x-ray, electrocardiogram, and laboratory tests.
64%Obtain, compile and record patient medical data, including health history, progress notes and results of physical examination.
54%Make tentative diagnoses and decisions about management and treatment of patients.
50%Interpret diagnostic test results for deviations from normal.
Acupuncturists
9 of 15 at risk87%Maintain detailed and complete records of health care plans and prognoses.
77%Adhere to local, state and federal laws, regulations and statutes.
74%Maintain and follow standard quality, safety, environmental and infection control policies and procedures.
55%Assess patients' general physical appearance to make diagnoses.
55%Consider Western medical procedures in health assessment, health care team communication, and care referrals.
Wage Comparison
Physician AssistantsAcupuncturists
10th
$95,240N/A
25th
$113,770N/A
Median
$133,260N/A
75th
$160,160N/A
90th
$182,200N/A
Premium Head-to-Head Analysis
Displacement Timeline Comparison
Physician Assistants2028–2035
Acupuncturists2028–2035
20242030203520402045
Acupuncturists has a longer runway before significant displacement, projected 0 years later than Physician Assistants.
Transition Feasibility
1%
Skill Overlap
Low overlap — significant retraining needed for transition
0
Unique to Physician
0
Unique to Acupuncturists
Combined Protection Strategy
Regardless of which path you choose, focus on these protective factors
Decision Complexity
Social Intelligence
Creativity
Regulatory Barriers
Physician AssistantsAcupuncturists