Side-by-Side Comparison
Surgeons leads 3–1| Metric | Surgeons | Physical Therapists |
|---|---|---|
| Risk Score | 17.5% | 22.6% |
| Risk Tier | Low Risk | Low Risk |
| Risk Percentile | 3th | 12th |
| Tasks at Risk (>50%) | 3 / 13 | 2 / 15 |
| Median Salary | N/A | $101,020 |
| Employment | N/A | 249K |
Skill Comparison
|
Sorted by largest difference
Manual DexterityAI-Resistant
Medicine and Dentistry
Controlling Machines and Processes
Making Decisions and Solving Problems
Analyzing Data or Information
Handling and Moving Objects
Finger Dexterity
English Language
Provide Consultation and Advice to Others
Problem Sensitivity
Personnel and Human Resources
Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates
Protective Factors
Higher values indicate stronger protection against AI displacement
Surgeons
41%
total discount
Physical Therapists
37%
total discount
Task Risk Comparison
Tasks sorted by AI automation risk — higher means more automatable
Surgeons
3 of 13 at risk86%Manage surgery services, including planning, scheduling and coordination, determination of procedures, or procurement of supplies and equipment.
73%Prepare case histories.
51%Conduct research to develop and test surgical techniques that can improve operating procedures and outcomes.
49%Refer patient to medical specialist or other practitioners when necessary.
49%Examine instruments, equipment, and operating room to ensure sterility.
Physical Therapists
2 of 15 at risk86%Record prognosis, treatment, response, and progress in patient's chart or enter information into computer.
51%Review physician's referral and patient's medical records to help determine diagnosis and physical therapy treatment required.
49%Identify and document goals, anticipated progress, and plans for reevaluation.
41%Discharge patient from physical therapy when goals or projected outcomes have been attained and provide for appropriate follow-up care or referrals.
40%Instruct patient and family in treatment procedures to be continued at home.
Wage Comparison
SurgeonsPhysical Therapists
10th
N/A$74,420
25th
N/A$83,470
Median
N/A$101,020
75th
N/A$117,190
90th
N/A$132,500
Premium Head-to-Head Analysis
Displacement Timeline Comparison
Surgeons2028–2035
Physical Therapists2028–2035
20242030203520402045
Surgeons has a longer runway before significant displacement, projected 0 years later than Physical Therapists.
Transition Feasibility
1%
Skill Overlap
Low overlap — significant retraining needed for transition
0
Unique to Surgeons
0
Unique to Physical
Combined Protection Strategy
Regardless of which path you choose, focus on these protective factors
Decision Complexity
Creativity
Fine Manipulation
Regulatory Barriers
SurgeonsPhysical Therapists