Human edge, growing

Surgeons, all other

All surgeons not listed separately.

AI Resistance Index 62 of 99

More resilient than most: more resilient than 62% of the 831 careers we score. AI exposure is moderate (the Bureau of Labor Statistics rates it moderate), and US jobs are projected to change by +4.0% by 2035, faster than average. The work leans on emotional intelligence and ethical judgement.

AI struggles with much of this work, and US employers are expected to hire more people into it than average.

Median pay (2025): $414,010
Job growth to 2035: +4.0%
Openings a year: 700
People doing it (2025): 27,500
Usual route in: Doctorate or professional degree, then an internship or residency

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Careers using similar strengths, with a stronger outlook

OptometristsHuman edge, growing, Index 89, +9.5%
ChiropractorsHuman edge, growing, Index 78, +8.7%
Athletic trainersGrows with AI, Index 81, +12.7%
Physical therapistsGrows with AI, Index 76, +11.9%

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Sources: US Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2025 to 2035; O*NET 31.0; Microsoft Research (2025); Anthropic Economic Index (2026); Eloundou and colleagues (Science, 2024); Felten, Raj and Seamans (2023). How we score. Updated 12 October 2026.