Orthotists and Prosthetists
Design, measure, fit, and adapt orthopedic braces, appliances or prostheses, such as limbs or facial parts for patients with disabling conditions.
What it pays
Orthotists and Prosthetists earn a median of $38.99/hr — about $81,000 a year. The lowest-paid 10% earn $22.28/hr; the top 10% earn $57.60/hr. (Annual figures are approximate: hourly × 2,080.)
Orthotists and Prosthetists earn a median of $38.99/hr — about $81,000 a year. The lowest-paid 10% earn $22.28/hr; the top 10% earn $57.60/hr. (Annual figures are approximate: hourly × 2,080.)
What you'd actually do
- 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.
How you get there
Typical entry-level education: Master's degree. Overall preparation: extensive preparation (Job Zone 5 of 5).
The feel of the work
The work splits time indoors and out; time pressure is a real part of the job; it rewards working independently. (Compared against the other 818 careers in the guide.)
Working for yourself
About 0% of orthotists and prosthetists are self-employed.
Who it tends to fit
This work tends to fit people who are hands-on, analytical and people-focused.
Work a simulated shift in this job — freeMake the real decisions this job involves, then see what your choices say about you.Related careers
- Radiologic Technologists and Technicians
- Respiratory Therapists
- Chiropractors
- Dietitians and Nutritionists
- Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians
- Health Information Technologists and Medical Registrars
Quick questions
- How much does a orthotists and prosthetist make?
- The median pay is $38.99 per hour — roughly $81,000 a year, with the real range running from about $22.28/hr (10th percentile) to $57.60/hr (90th percentile). Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
- Do you need a degree to be a orthotists and prosthetist?
- The typical entry-level education is: Master's degree. Overall preparation level: extensive preparation (Job Zone 5 of 5).
- What does a orthotists and prosthetist actually do all 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.
Wages: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS. Tasks & interests: O*NET. Career pathways shown in the app are draft archetypes — verify before relying on them. Trailhead is a free career guide for students — honest numbers, no hype.
Trailhead is operated by FLEXVermont LLC. It is intended for high-school students age 13 and older, and the educators and families who support them, and is not directed to children under 13. Trailhead is provided for general informational and educational purposes only. It does not offer professional, financial, or career advice, and its wage figures and pathways are estimates that may not fit your situation — they should not be relied on as the sole basis for any decision.
Trailhead is operated by FLEXVermont LLC. It is intended for high-school students age 13 and older, and the educators and families who support them, and is not directed to children under 13. Trailhead is provided for general informational and educational purposes only. It does not offer professional, financial, or career advice, and its wage figures and pathways are estimates that may not fit your situation — they should not be relied on as the sole basis for any decision.