Top Skills for This Career
BLS identifies these as the three highest-rated skills for this detailed occupation. TrustInEd adds the plain-language explanations so visitors understand what each skill means.
Adjusting effectively when priorities, conditions, tools, or expectations change.
Working effectively with people by building relationships, understanding others, and responding appropriately.
Understanding written information and communicating ideas clearly in writing.
How Do You Prepare for This Career?
BLS describes the typical preparation for this occupation. Requirements can vary by employer, state, licensing rules and individual circumstances.
How to Become One
Orthotists and prosthetists typically need to complete a master's degree program and residency to enter the occupation. Some states require these workers to be licensed. PayThe median annual wage for orthotists and prosthetists was $81,110 in May 2025. Job Outlook Employment of orthotists and prosthetists is projected to grow 13 percent from 2025 to 2035, much faster than the average for all occupations. About 700 openings for orthotists and prosthetists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for orthotists and prosthetists. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of orthotists and prosthetists with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about orthotists and prosthetists by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Your Next Step
Compare colleges and education options that can support the typical entry-level education for this career.
Pay
The median annual wage for orthotists and prosthetists was $81,110 in May 2025. Job Outlook Employment of orthotists and prosthetists is projected to grow 13 percent from 2025 to 2035, much faster than the average for all occupations. About 700 openings for orthotists and prosthetists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for orthotists and prosthetists. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of orthotists and prosthetists with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about orthotists and prosthetists by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Job Outlook
Employment of orthotists and prosthetists is projected to grow 13 percent from 2025 to 2035, much faster than the average for all occupations. About 700 openings for orthotists and prosthetists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for orthotists and prosthetists. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of orthotists and prosthetists with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about orthotists and prosthetists by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
What They Do
Orthotists and prosthetists measure, design, fit, and adapt medical devices, such as supportive braces and artificial limbs, for patients who have disabling conditions.
Work Environment
Orthotists and prosthetists usually work in healthcare settings and in laboratories. Most work full time.
How to Become an Orthotist and Prosthetist
Orthotists and prosthetists typically need to complete a master's degree program and residency to enter the occupation. Some states require these workers to be licensed.
Pay
The median annual wage for orthotists and prosthetists was $81,110 in May 2025.
Job Outlook
Employment of orthotists and prosthetists is projected to grow 13 percent from 2025 to 2035, much faster than the average for all occupations.
About 700 openings for orthotists and prosthetists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for orthotists and prosthetists.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of orthotists and prosthetists with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about orthotists and prosthetists by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Work Environment
Orthotists and prosthetists usually work in healthcare settings and in laboratories. Most work full time.
How to Become an Orthotist and Prosthetist
Orthotists and prosthetists typically need to complete a master's degree program and residency to enter the occupation. Some states require these workers to be licensed.
Pay
The median annual wage for orthotists and prosthetists was $81,110 in May 2025.
Job Outlook
Employment of orthotists and prosthetists is projected to grow 13 percent from 2025 to 2035, much faster than the average for all occupations.
About 700 openings for orthotists and prosthetists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for orthotists and prosthetists.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of orthotists and prosthetists with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about orthotists and prosthetists by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for orthotists and prosthetists.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of orthotists and prosthetists with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about orthotists and prosthetists by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
More Information
Learn more about orthotists and prosthetists by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Take the Next Step
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Start with ED →Career data and occupational profile text are sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook and Employment Projections program. Education requirements are typical entry-level requirements and may vary by employer, state, occupation or individual circumstance. View the official BLS profile.