Orthotists and prosthetists
SOC Code: 29-2091Also known as:
American Board Certified Orthotist (ABC Orthotist), Artificial Limb Fitter, Board Orthotist, Board Prosthetist, Certified Orthotic Fitter
Median Annual Salary
$78,310
+13.3% growth (2024-2034)
900
Openings/Year
10K
Current Jobs
What 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.
💰 Salary
$78,310
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
+13.3%
Much faster than average
🎓 Education
Master's degree
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
900
Projected average per year
📚 On-the-Job Training
Internship/residency
Expected training period
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
10,100
Projected Employment (2034)
11,500
Related Careers
Podiatrists
$152,800 •
+1.8% growth
Audiologists
$92,120 •
+9.5% growth
Physicians, all other
N/A •
+2.5% growth
Orthopedic surgeons, except pediatric
N/A •
+4.1% growth
Medical appliance technicians
$47,060 •
+3.7% growth
Top Skills Required
Reading Comprehension
Active Listening
Writing
Speaking
Critical Thinking
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- 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.
- Make and modify plaster casts of areas to be fitted with prostheses or orthoses to guide the device construction process.
- Confer with physicians to formulate specifications and prescriptions for orthopedic or prosthetic devices.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
Master's degree
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
Master's Degree
O*NET recommended level
Degree Programs for Orthotists and prosthetists
These degree programs can prepare you for a career as a orthotists and prosthetists:
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 Orthotists and prosthetists
Ranked by Repit grade, then by degrees in related programs. These are the top-rated colleges that prepare students to become orthotists and prosthetists.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much do orthotists and prosthetists make?
The median annual salary for orthotists and prosthetists is $78,310.
What education do orthotists and prosthetists need?
Most orthotists and prosthetists positions require a master's degree.
Common degree programs include Orthotist/Prosthetist, Assistive/Augmentative Technology and Rehabilitation Engineering.
Is becoming orthotists and prosthetists a good career choice?
Orthotists and prosthetists is projected to see +13.3% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which is much faster than average for all occupations. With approximately 900 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for orthotists and prosthetists?
Top colleges for aspiring orthotists and prosthetists include
Northwestern University, University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus, University of Washington-Seattle Campus, University at Buffalo, Oakland University.
These schools are ranked based on their Repit grade and the number of graduates in related programs.
What other job titles are similar to orthotists and prosthetists?
Orthotists and prosthetists may also be known as: American Board Certified Orthotist (ABC Orthotist), Artificial Limb Fitter, Board Orthotist, Board Prosthetist, Certified Orthotic Fitter, Certified Orthotist (CO), Certified Pedorthist, Certified Prosthetist (CP), Certified Prosthetist Orthotist (CPO), Licensed Orthotist, Licensed Prosthetist, LPO (Licensed Prosthetist Orthotist), Orthopedic Assistant, Orthopedic Mechanic, Orthotic and Prosthetic Technician (Orthotic and Prosthetic Tech), Orthotic Clinician, Orthotic Fitter, Orthotic Practitioner, Orthotic Technician (Orthotic Tech), Orthotics Assistant.
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.