Medical Appliance Technicians
Job Zone 3 - Medium preparation needed
Construct, maintain, or repair medical supportive devices such as braces, orthotics and prosthetic devices, joints, arch supports, and other surgical and medical appliances.
Median pay: $48,030/yr (U.S. national, May 2025)
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: +3.7% projected growth, 2024–2034 — about as fast as average.
About 1,500 openings per year, on average, over the decade.
Typical entry-level education: High school diploma or equivalent.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS and Employment Projections.
• Drill and tap holes for rivets, and glue, weld, bolt, or rivet parts together to form prosthetic or orthotic devices.
• Read prescriptions or specifications to determine the type of product or device to be fabricated and the materials and tools required.
• Make orthotic or prosthetic devices, using materials such as thermoplastic and thermosetting materials, metal alloys and leather, and hand or power tools.
• Bend, form, and shape fabric or material to conform to prescribed contours of structural components.
• Construct or receive casts or impressions of patients' torsos or limbs for use as cutting and fabrication patterns.
• Repair, modify, or maintain medical supportive devices, such as artificial limbs, braces, or surgical supports, according to specifications.
• Cover or pad metal or plastic structures or devices, using coverings such as rubber, leather, felt, plastic, or fiberglass.
• Test medical supportive devices for proper alignment, movement, or biomechanical stability, using meters and alignment fixtures.
What's the median pay for Medical Appliance Technicians?
The median pay for Medical Appliance Technicians is $48,030 per year, per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
What's the job outlook for Medical Appliance Technicians?
Employment for Medical Appliance Technicians is projected to change +3.7% from 2024 to 2034 - about as fast as average.
What education is typically required for Medical Appliance Technicians?
Typical entry-level education: High school diploma or equivalent.
How many job openings are there each year for Medical Appliance Technicians?
About 1,500 openings per year, on average, over the decade.