Side-by-Side Comparison
Surgeons leads 4–0| Metric | Surgeons | Physician Assistants |
|---|---|---|
| Risk Score | 17.5% | 27.9% |
| Risk Tier | Low Risk | Medium Risk |
| Risk Percentile | 3th | 29th |
| Tasks at Risk (>50%) | 3 / 13 | 4 / 12 |
| Median Salary | N/A | $133,260 |
| Employment | N/A | 156K |
Skill Comparison
|
Sorted by largest difference
Manual DexterityAI-Resistant
Control Precision
Finger Dexterity
Education and Training
Selective Attention
Arm-Hand Steadiness
Scheduling Work and Activities
Monitoring and Controlling Resources
English Language
Problem Sensitivity
Personnel and Human Resources
Visualization
Protective Factors
Higher values indicate stronger protection against AI displacement
Surgeons
41%
total discount
Physician Assistants
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.
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.
Wage Comparison
SurgeonsPhysician Assistants
10th
N/A$95,240
25th
N/A$113,770
Median
N/A$133,260
75th
N/A$160,160
90th
N/A$182,200
Premium Head-to-Head Analysis
Displacement Timeline Comparison
Surgeons2028–2035
Physician Assistants2028–2035
20242030203520402045
Surgeons 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 Surgeons
0
Unique to Physician
Combined Protection Strategy
Regardless of which path you choose, focus on these protective factors
Fine Manipulation
Creativity
Social Intelligence
Regulatory Barriers
SurgeonsPhysician Assistants