Medical appliance technicians
SOC Code: 51-9082Also known as:
Arch Support Maker, Arch Support Technician, Arch-Support Maker, Artificial Eye Maker, Artificial Limb Maker
Median Annual Salary
$47,060
+3.7% growth (2024-2034)
2K
Openings/Year
12K
Current Jobs
What Medical appliance technicians Do
Construct, maintain, or repair medical supportive devices such as braces, orthotics and prosthetic devices, joints, arch supports, and other surgical and medical appliances.
💰 Salary
$47,060
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
+3.7%
As fast as average
🎓 Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
2K
Projected average per year
📚 On-the-Job Training
Moderate-term on-the-job training
Expected training period
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
12,000
Projected Employment (2034)
12,400
Related Careers
Medical equipment repairers
$62,630 •
+12.9% growth
Structural metal fabricators and fitters
$49,900 •
-16.3% growth
Dental laboratory technicians
$48,310 •
-4.7% growth
Ophthalmic laboratory technicians
$38,420 •
+2.3% growth
Molders, shapers, and casters, except metal and plastic
$45,690 •
+6.2% growth
Top Skills Required
Active Listening
Critical Thinking
Quality Control Analysis
Reading Comprehension
Speaking
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- 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.
- Lay out and mark dimensions of parts, using templates and precision measuring instruments.
- Fit appliances onto patients, and make any necessary adjustments.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
Associate's Degree
O*NET recommended level
Degree Programs for Medical appliance technicians
These degree programs can prepare you for a career as a medical appliance technicians:
Orthotist/Prosthetist
408 degrees awarded •
16 colleges offer this program
Assistive/Augmentative Technology and Rehabilitation Engineering
108 degrees awarded •
4 colleges offer this program
Best Colleges for Becoming a Medical appliance technicians
Ranked by Repit grade, then by degrees in related programs. These are the top-rated colleges that prepare students to become medical appliance technicians.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much do medical appliance technicians make?
The median annual salary for medical appliance technicians is $47,060.
What education do medical appliance technicians need?
Most medical appliance technicians positions require a high school diploma or equivalent.
Common degree programs include Orthotist/Prosthetist, Assistive/Augmentative Technology and Rehabilitation Engineering.
Is becoming medical appliance technicians a good career choice?
Medical appliance technicians is projected to see +3.7% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which is about average for all occupations. With approximately 1,500 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for medical appliance technicians?
Top colleges for aspiring medical appliance technicians include
Northwestern University, University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus, University of Washington-Seattle Campus, Oakland University, University at Buffalo.
These schools are ranked based on their Repit grade and the number of graduates in related programs.
What other job titles are similar to medical appliance technicians?
Medical appliance technicians may also be known as: Arch Support Maker, Arch Support Technician, Arch-Support Maker, Artificial Eye Maker, Artificial Limb Maker, Artificial Plastic Eye Maker, Brace Maker, Certified Pedorthotist, Fabrication Specialist, Hearing Aid Repair Technician, Lab Technician, Medical Appliance Maker, Medical Assembler, Medical Device Assembler, Medical or Surgical Instrument Maker, Model Maker, Orthopaedic Technician, Orthopaedic Technologist, Orthopedic Brace Maker, Orthopedic Manufacturing Technologist.
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.