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Orthotists and Prosthetists

Job Zone 5 - Extensive preparation needed

Design, measure, fit, and adapt orthopedic braces, appliances or prostheses, such as limbs or facial parts for patients with disabling conditions.

Pay & job outlook

Median pay: $81,110/yr (U.S. national, May 2025)

$46,350$119,810

Typical range nationwide (10th–90th percentile). This is a population snapshot, not a personal prediction - actual pay varies by location, employer, and experience.

Job outlook: +13.3% projected growth, 20242034 — much faster than average.

About 900 openings per year, on average, over the decade.

Typical entry-level education: Master's degree.

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS and Employment Projections.

Top skills
SpeakingCritical ThinkingActive ListeningReading ComprehensionWritingSocial PerceptivenessService OrientationActive LearningComplex Problem SolvingMonitoring
Top knowledge areas
Customer and Personal ServiceMedicine and DentistryDesignTherapy and CounselingEnglish LanguagePsychologyMechanicalEducation and Training
Core tasks

Fit, test, and evaluate devices on patients, and make adjustments for proper fit, function, and comfort.

Instruct patients in the use and care of orthoses and prostheses.

Maintain patients' records.

Examine, interview, and measure patients to determine their appliance needs and to identify factors that could affect appliance fit.

Select materials and components to be used, based on device design.

Design orthopedic and prosthetic devices, based on physicians' prescriptions and examination and measurement of patients.

Repair, rebuild, and modify prosthetic and orthopedic appliances.

Construct and fabricate appliances, or supervise others constructing the appliances.

Frequently asked questions

What's the median pay for Orthotists and Prosthetists?

The median pay for Orthotists and Prosthetists is $81,110 per year, per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

What's the job outlook for Orthotists and Prosthetists?

Employment for Orthotists and Prosthetists is projected to change +13.3% from 2024 to 2034 - much faster than average.

What education is typically required for Orthotists and Prosthetists?

Typical entry-level education: Master's degree.

How many job openings are there each year for Orthotists and Prosthetists?

About 900 openings per year, on average, over the decade.