Orthotists and Prosthetists
Orthotists and prosthetists measure, design, fit, and adapt medical devices, such as supportive braces and artificial limbs, for patients who have disabling conditions.
Is orthotists and prosthetists a good career?
It scores 34/100 and ranks #112 of 825 occupations on pay, growth, employment and openings. Here's what the federal data says, with no editorializing.
Advantages
- Pays well above the U.S. median wage ($81,110 vs $61,390)
- Faster-than-average projected growth (+13.3% through 2034)
Possible tradeoffs
- Typically requires a master's degree
What orthotists and prosthetists earn
Wages: BLS OEWS May 2025Pay is a range, not a number. Half of U.S. orthotists and prosthetists earn between $61,290 and $99,990 a year.
Best-paying states
Best-paying metros
Strongest employment concentration
Live orthotists and prosthetists jobs
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- Typical education
- Master's degree
- Work experience
- None
- On-the-job training
- Internship/residency
- Outlook
- Employment is projected to grow much faster than average through 2034.
Education
To enter the occupation, orthotists and prosthetists typically need a master's degree in orthotics and prosthetics from a program accredited by a professional organization. Master's degree programs, which typically require a bachelor’s degree to enter, take about 2 years to complete.
Master's degree programs include academic coursework and supervised clinical experience. Applicants to these programs may need to have completed undergraduate coursework in sciences, mathematics, and other subjects. Graduate-level coursework includes topics such as patient assessment, spinal orthotics, and limb prosthetics. In clinical training, students gain experience by working in settings such as hospitals or orthotics and prosthetics clinics.
Training
Following graduation from a master's degree program, candidates typically complete a residency that has been accredited by a professional organization. Residency programs in either orthotics or prosthetics typically last about 1 year, although they may take longer for candidates who want to specialize in both disciplines.
Licenses, certifications & registrations
Some states require orthotists and prosthetists to be licensed. Requirements vary; contact your state's licensing board
Employers usually prefer to hire candidates with certification that indicates their competency in the occupation. Certification typically requires that candidates meet education requirements to sit for exams and complete continuing education requirements to maintain it.
Important qualities
Compassion. Orthotists and prosthetists work with patients who may have experienced injury or illness. They must be understanding and sympathetic in their interactions with these patients.
Communication skills. Orthotists and prosthetists must be able to explain to patients how to use and care for their medical devices. They also must communicate details about the devices with other healthcare workers, including physicians and surgeons, physical therapists, and medical appliance technicians.
Detail oriented. Orthotists and prosthetists must be precise when taking and recording measurements to ensure that devices fit properly.
Dexterity. Orthotists and prosthetists must be adept at working with their hands to fit, construct, and adapt devices that have intricate mechanical parts.
Interpersonal skills. Orthotists and prosthetists meet with patients and their families. They also collaborate on patient care with other members of the healthcare team.
Physical stamina. Orthotists and prosthetists may spend a lot of time bending or crouching to examine or measure patients.
Problem-solving skills. Orthotists and prosthetists evaluate their patients' needs to find creative solutions for rehabilitation.
Related occupations
How much do orthotists and prosthetists make?
The national median wage is $81,110 a year, with the middle half earning between $61,290 and $99,990 (BLS OEWS May 2025).
Is orthotists and prosthetists a good career?
On the Jobs.best index it scores 34 of 100 and ranks #112 of 825 occupations, weighing pay, growth, employment and openings. Employment is projected to change +13.3% through 2034.
What education do you need to become a orthotists and prosthetist?
The typical entry-level education is master's degree.
Where do orthotists and prosthetists earn the most?
Among states, New Jersey pays the highest median ($118,950). Local pay for every state and metro is below.