Orthopedic surgeons, except pediatric
SOC Code: 29-1242
Orthopedic surgeons, except pediatric carries a 19% AI exposure score (Low automation risk) and +4.1% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 14,700 workers. Full task breakdown, skills, and employer data are below.
Proportion of tasks susceptible to AI automation (O*NET analysis)
AI Exposure vs Industry Growth
Total occupations tracked
832
Covering all SOC major groups
Data currency
2024
BLS Employment Projections
AI exposure avg
40%
Fleet-wide median across all roles
Composite score weighing O*NET task data completeness, BLS projection methodology, and cross-validation with employer risk grades.
Employment Projections
Occupation Insight
Orthopedic surgeons, except pediatric (SOC 29-1242) carries an AI exposure score of 19%, placing it in the Low automation-risk tier. This score is computed from O*NET Database 30.0 task-level analysis, where each task an occupation performs is evaluated against current generative AI, robotic process automation, and machine-learning capabilities. A score below 40% reflects tasks anchored in physical dexterity, unstructured environments, or high-touch human interaction that current AI cannot reliably replicate.
The economic context matters alongside the risk score. BLS counted approximately 14,700 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a +4.1% change through 2034 — modest growth that keeps the occupation viable even as tasks evolve. Entry typically requires Doctoral or professional degree, plus None of related experience.
For career planners, this profile should be read alongside the task, skill, and knowledge breakdowns below and the list of employers whose workforce composition includes Orthopedic surgeons, except pediatric. Adjacent occupations shown further down offer lateral moves that preserve industry knowledge while potentially reducing exposure. Pair the AI exposure score with the BLS employment projection and wage percentiles above for a complete career assessment.
Education & Entry Requirements
Top Tasks (O*NET)
- 1. Analyze patient's medical history, medication allergies, physical condition, and examination results to verify operation's necessity and to determine best procedure.
- 2. Conduct research to develop and test surgical techniques that can improve operating procedures and outcomes related to musculoskeletal injuries and diseases.
- 3. Diagnose bodily disorders and orthopedic conditions, and provide treatments, such as medicines and surgeries, in clinics, hospital wards, or operating rooms.
- 4. Diagnose or treat disorders of the musculoskeletal system.
- 5. Direct and coordinate activities of nurses, assistants, specialists, residents, and other medical staff.
- 6. Examine instruments, equipment, and operating room to ensure sterility.
- 7. Examine patient to obtain information on medical condition and surgical risk.
- 8. Follow established surgical techniques during the operation.
- 9. Manage surgery services, including planning, scheduling and coordination, determination of procedures, or procurement of supplies and equipment.
- 10. Operate on patient's musculoskeletal system to correct deformities, repair injuries, prevent and treat diseases, or improve or restore patient's functions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Orthopedic surgeons, except pediatric?
Orthopedic surgeons, except pediatric has an AI exposure score of 19%, indicating a low level of automation risk. The majority of tasks in this role require human judgment, creativity, or physical presence that AI cannot easily replicate.
What is the job outlook for Orthopedic surgeons, except pediatric?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Orthopedic surgeons, except pediatric is projected to grow by 4.1% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 14,700 workers.
What skills are needed for Orthopedic surgeons, except pediatric?
Orthopedic surgeons, except pediatric requires a combination of technical knowledge and interpersonal skills. Typical education requirement: Doctoral or professional degree.
How much do Orthopedic surgeons, except pediatric earn?
Wage data for Orthopedic surgeons, except pediatric varies by region, experience, and employer. The Bureau of Labor Statistics publishes median wage estimates in its Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program.
What education is required for Orthopedic surgeons, except pediatric?
The typical entry-level education for Orthopedic surgeons, except pediatric is Doctoral or professional degree. Employers generally expect None of related work experience. On-the-job training typically involves Internship/residency. Requirements can vary by employer and specialization.
Which companies employ Orthopedic surgeons, except pediatric?
Orthopedic surgeons, except pediatric roles exist across many industries and employers. Workforce composition is estimated from BLS industry-occupation employment distributions matched to SEC-registered public companies.
AI Exposure Rating
Low automation risk based on 10 analyzed tasks. Most tasks require human judgment and are resistant to automation.
Related Occupations
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Data sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2024–2034 and O*NET Database 30.0. Employment figures are rounded. Wage data from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics (OES).