Surgeon
6AI USED FOR6%moving to54%
THE DOOR, NOWB
THE DOOR, 20 YRSC
STARTING PAY£40,000 - £50,000
REGULATORY MOATThe law requires human oversight. That human could be you.
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CAREERMASH (EN)FROM MEDICINE AND DENTISTRY →
Surgeon
Surgeons are doctors trained to perform operations on people. They diagnose problems, plan surgery, perform the operation, and care for patients afterwards - it takes years of training, intense concentration, and deep commitment to helping.
THE DOOR: A easy to E extremely hard, now and in 20 years
This job holds up well against AI
AI is used for very little of what this job actually involves today, and the law requires human oversight. That human could be you. That is about as safe as careers get right now, though it is still worth learning to use the tools well.
Career progression path
Is this the only route?
This is the standard academic trajectory, but modern careers are highly flexible. You can often skip stagesby entering the industry with an advanced qualification (like a Master's or PhD), or pivot sideways from a related discipline.
0ACADEMIC FOUNDATIONUniversity DegreeUsually 3 to 4 years of full-time academic study, explicitly preparing you for the theoretical realities of the industry. Requires A-Levels, BTECs, or equivalent Level 3.-£67,350Avg. UK tuition & living
1FIRST STEPJunior SurgeonAssisting in surgeries, learning surgical techniques, and managing post-operative care.£40,000 - £50,000
2GAINING EXPERIENCEConsultant SurgeonLeading surgical teams, performing complex surgeries, and mentoring junior surgeons.£80,000 - £120,000
3PEAK CAREERSenior Consultant SurgeonSpecializing in advanced surgical procedures, leading research, and influencing healthcare policies.£150,000+
Apprenticeship listings for this career → (June 2026 snapshot; check closing dates on the official service)
The degree route
Courses in this career's subject area, from the live library of 35,000; every one is AI impact assessed through its actual graduate destinations.
🎓Medicine (Graduate Entry)The University of Manchester · the card page · will AI take its jobs?£48,500 median
🎓Graduate Entry MedicineUniversity of Nottingham, the · the card page · will AI take its jobs?£47,000 median
🎓Medicine with a Gateway YearThe University of East Anglia · the card page · will AI take its jobs?£47,000 median
🎓Gateway Year to MedicineThe University of Leeds · the card page · will AI take its jobs?£46,000 median
All Medicine and Dentistry courses as cards →
Degree subjects that lead this way
Courses in this career's subject area, from the same register that priced the degree above. Subject-matched, not a guaranteed qualifying route: check each course's own entry requirements and any professional accreditation before you rely on it.
Medicine (Graduate Entry)The University of Manchester · DegreeGateway to MedicineUniversity of Bristol · DegreeGraduate Entry MedicineUniversity of Nottingham, the · DegreeMedicine with a Gateway YearThe University of East Anglia · DegreeGateway Year to MedicineThe University of Leeds · DegreeDental TherapySpirit Ssr Limited · Degree