Surgical technologists
SOC Code: 29-2055
Surgical technologists carries a 35% AI exposure score (Medium automation risk), with a median annual wage of $62,830 and +4.5% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 115,600 workers. Full task breakdown, skills, and employer data are below.
Proportion of tasks susceptible to AI automation (O*NET analysis)
At 35% AI exposure, Surgical technologists sits 2 points below the 37.2% average across 832 U.S. occupations - more exposed than 46% of them. Most of its core tasks still require human judgment.
Where Surgical technologists sits among all occupations
AI-exposure score distribution across 832 U.S. occupations (O*NET task analysis). This occupation is marked in rose.
Surgical technologists has ai exposure of 35%. Distribution: 1 occupations at 0-10%; 43 occupations at 10-20%; 184 occupations at 20-30%; 332 occupations at 30-40%; 158 occupations at 40-50%; 64 occupations at 50-60%; 29 occupations at 60-70%; 15 occupations at 70-80%; 5 occupations at 80-90%; 1 occupations at 90-100%.
Source: O*NET task data (U.S. Department of Labor); AI-exposure scores are PlainWorkforce's analysis. As of BLS 2024–2034.
Surgical technologists vs. its occupational neighbors
AI exposure (horizontal) vs projected 2024–2034 growth (vertical) for occupations in the same SOC group. Surgical technologists is marked in rose; the top-left corner is the most future-proof.
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034 (growth) and O*NET (AI-exposure analysis by PlainWorkforce).
Employment Projections
Occupation Insight
Surgical technologists (SOC 29-2055) carries an AI exposure score of 35%, placing it in the Medium 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 115,600 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a +4.5% change through 2034 - modest growth that keeps the occupation viable even as tasks evolve. Median annual compensation stands at $62,830, reflecting both skill scarcity and the value employers place on the tasks that remain difficult to automate. Entry typically requires Postsecondary nondegree award, 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 Surgical technologists. 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. Maintain a proper sterile field during surgical procedures.
- 2. Count sponges, needles, and instruments before and after operation.
- 3. Scrub arms and hands and assist the surgical team to scrub and put on gloves, masks, and surgical clothing.
- 4. Provide technical assistance to surgeons, surgical nurses, or anesthesiologists.
- 5. Prepare patients for surgery, including positioning patients on the operating table and covering them with sterile surgical drapes to prevent exposure.
- 6. Hand instruments and supplies to surgeons and surgeons' assistants, hold retractors and cut sutures, and perform other tasks as directed by surgeon during operation.
- 7. Prepare, care for, and dispose of tissue specimens taken for laboratory analysis.
- 8. Wash and sterilize equipment, using germicides and sterilizers.
- 9. Monitor and continually assess operating room conditions, including patient and surgical team needs.
- 10. Operate, assemble, adjust, or monitor sterilizers, lights, suction machines, or diagnostic equipment to ensure proper operation.
Key Skills Required
- Monitoring
- Active Listening
- Operations Monitoring
- Speaking
- Critical Thinking
- Coordination
- Time Management
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Learning
- Learning Strategies
Knowledge Areas
- Customer and Personal Service
- Medicine and Dentistry
- English Language
- Education and Training
- Psychology
- Public Safety and Security
- Biology
- Mathematics
- Computers and Electronics
- Administration and Management
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Surgical technologists?
Surgical technologists has an AI exposure score of 35%, indicating a medium 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 Surgical technologists?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Surgical technologists is projected to grow by 4.5% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 115,600 workers.
What skills are needed for Surgical technologists?
Key skills for Surgical technologists include Monitoring, Active Listening, Operations Monitoring, and others. Typical entry-level education is Postsecondary nondegree award.
How much do Surgical technologists earn?
The median annual wage for Surgical technologists is $62,830, according to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Actual earnings vary by location, experience, industry, and employer. The BLS publishes detailed wage percentiles by region in its Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program.
What education is required for Surgical technologists?
The typical entry-level education for Surgical technologists is Postsecondary nondegree award. Employers generally expect None of related work experience. On-the-job training typically involves None. Requirements can vary by employer and specialization.
Which companies employ Surgical technologists?
Surgical technologists 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
Medium automation risk based on 10 analyzed tasks. Most tasks require human judgment and are resistant to automation.
Related Occupations
Career Guides
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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).