Orthotists and Prosthetists

SOC code 29-2091 · O*NET-SOC 29-2091.00 · Extensive preparation needed · Healthcare

Bright Outlook — O*NET expects rapid growth for this occupation

Orthotists and Prosthetists pay

U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number

Median pay

$81,110

a year

Hourly

$38.99

per hour

10th$46,350Median$81,11090th$119,810

The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.

Average pay

$83,740

$40.26 per hour

Middle 50%

$61,290 – $99,990

25th to 75th percentile

Full spread

$46,350 – $119,810

10th to 90th percentile

People employed

9,390

nationwide

National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.

10th percentile: $46,350; $22.28/hr
25th percentile: $61,290; $29.47/hr
Median percentile: $81,110; $38.99/hr
75th percentile: $99,990; $48.07/hr
90th percentile: $119,810; $57.60/hr

Job outlook · federal projection 2024–34

+13%

Growing much faster than average

10,100

jobs in 2024

11,500

projected for 2034

About 1,400 more jobs

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics employment projections, 2024–34. Projections describe the broader occupation group and are estimates, not guarantees.

What do orthotists and prosthetists do?

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

The tasks that matter most day to day

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.

How to qualify for this work

Most people in this role hold master's degree — 90% of workers surveyed reported it as their level of education.

Preparation level: zone 5 — Extensive preparation needed

Education: Most of these occupations require graduate school. For example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a Ph.D., M.D., or J.D. (law degree).
Experience: Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience are needed for these occupations. Many require more than five years of experience. For example, surgeons must complete four years of college and an additional five to seven years of specialized medical training to be able to do their job.
Training: Employees may need some on-the-job training, but most of these occupations assume that the person will already have the required skills, knowledge, work-related experience, and/or training.

See all zone 5 occupations →

Education reported by people doing this job

Master's Degree90%
Bachelor's Degree5%
Post-Baccalaureate Certificate5%

Common questions

How much does an orthotists and prosthetists earn?

The national median is $81,110 a year. The full range runs from $46,350 at the 10th percentile to $119,810 at the 90th — entry pay sits closer to the lower figure, and experience, licensing and specialisation move you up the range.

Can you become an orthotists and prosthetists without a degree?

Not usually — this occupation sits in preparation zone 5, where the typical entry route is most of these occupations require graduate school. For example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a Ph.D., M.D., or J.D. (law degree). The education breakdown above shows what people in the role actually reported.

Is orthotists and prosthetists in demand?

Federal projections expect employment to grow by about 13% between 2024 and 2034 — growing much faster than average. Openings also come from people retiring or changing jobs, which the growth figure does not count.

Skills and knowledge you need

Core skills

Reading Comprehension4.0/5
Active Listening4.0/5
Writing4.0/5
Speaking4.0/5
Critical Thinking4.0/5
Active Learning3.8/5
Monitoring3.4/5

Knowledge areas

Customer and Personal Service4.6/5
Medicine and Dentistry4.3/5
Design4.0/5
Therapy and Counseling4.0/5
English Language3.9/5
Psychology3.9/5
Mechanical3.8/5
Education and Training3.8/5

Transferable strengths: Social Perceptiveness, Service Orientation, Complex Problem Solving.