Orthopedic Surgeon

O*NET: Orthopedic Surgeons, Except Pediatric·29-1242.00

The Verdict:Orthopedic surgery demands hands-on precision inside the body — cutting bone, repairing tissue, adapting to unique anatomy in real time. AI enhances planning and imaging but the physical operation and life-critical judgment remain exclusively human. Legal and trust barriers ensure durability.

Resilience Score

/100

Highly Resilient

Score tiers

Highly Resilient81–100

Resilient61–80

Moderate Risk41–60

High Risk21–40

Critical Risk0–20

How is this scored?

Task Resilience

How much of this role's daily work remains beyond AI and robotic automation.

30% of score

Physical Presence

The degree to which this job needs a human present — hands-on, in the field, or in the room.

20% of score

Human Necessity

How important the unique human edge is — for trust, accountability, or judgment.

15% of score

Regulatory Shield

How strong the legal requirement is for a human in this job (by law, licensing, or credentials).

13% of score

Technological Maturity

How far AI remains from performing this role's core functions.

10% of score

Displacement Evidence

The volume of jobs in this field being eliminated by AI or automation right now.

12% of score

Score last updated: February 2026Full methodology

Avg Salary

Median annual wage from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024 release.

$239k

Job Growth (10yr)

Projected change in total number of jobs (not salary) from 2024–2034. Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections.

+4.1%

AI Exposure

Percentage of this role's analyzed tasks that AI can handle autonomously or nearly so. 0 of 15 tasks are classified as AI-exposed.

Low exposure

Task Analysis

Most of this role rewards AI fluency.
53% of tasks (8 of 15) become more productive with AI tools — learning to use them is the highest-leverage career move.

0exposed

8AI leverage

7human-essential

View all 15 tasks

AI Can Handle This0 tasks

Tasks AI can do autonomously or nearly so

No exposed tasks identified

AI Leverage8 tasks

Master these tools — humans who do outperform those who don't

Analyze patient's medical history, medication allergies, physical condition, and examination results to verify operation's necessity and to determine best procedure.

Conduct research to develop and test surgical techniques that can improve operating procedures and outcomes related to musculoskeletal injuries and diseases.

Direct and coordinate activities of nurses, assistants, specialists, residents, and other medical staff.

Manage surgery services, including planning, scheduling and coordination, determination of procedures, or procurement of supplies and equipment.

Order and interpret the results of laboratory tests and diagnostic imaging procedures.

Prepare case histories.

Prescribe preoperative and postoperative treatments and procedures, such as sedatives, diets, antibiotics, or preparation and treatment of the patient's operative area.

Refer patient to medical specialist or other practitioners when necessary.

Human Advantage7 tasks

Tasks requiring trust, presence, or novel judgment

Diagnose bodily disorders and orthopedic conditions, and provide treatments, such as medicines and surgeries, in clinics, hospital wards, or operating rooms.

Diagnose or treat disorders of the musculoskeletal system.

Examine instruments, equipment, and operating room to ensure sterility.

Examine patient to obtain information on medical condition and surgical risk.

Follow established surgical techniques during the operation.

Operate on patient's musculoskeletal system to correct deformities, repair injuries, prevent and treat diseases, or improve or restore patient's functions.

Provide consultation and surgical assistance to other physicians and surgeons.

Resilience Landscape

Orthopedic Surgeon lands in Stable & Well-Paid

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