Orthotists and Prosthetists
Design, measure, fit, and adapt orthopedic braces, appliances or prostheses, such as limbs or facial parts for patients with disabling conditions.
Also called: American Board Certified Orthotist (ABC Orthotist), Artificial Limb Fitter, Board Orthotist, Board Prosthetist, Certified Orthotic Fitter, Certified Orthotist (CO)
Median pay
$81,110
per year, U.S.
Pay range (10th–90th)
$46,350 – $119,810
People employed
9,390
Holland code
RIS
Realistic · Investigative · Social
Updated October 2026 · Data: O*NET 31.0 and BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
Is this career right for you?
These are the things that stand out in this job compared with other U.S. jobs (O*NET 31.0 work context). Answer honestly.
- 1.Do you want the same hours every week?
- 2.Are you OK with physical risk, such as hazardous equipment or conditions, with proper training?
- 3.Are you OK working more than 40 hours a week?
- 4.Do you want a lot of freedom to make your own decisions?
- 5.Do you work well under tight deadlines?
The hard parts
- Tight deadlines are common
- Exposure to disease or infection
- Exposure to hazardous conditions
Orthotists and Prosthetists pay by state
Annual median pay by state (43 states and DC with published data). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025.
What orthotists and prosthetists do
- 01Fit, test, and evaluate devices on patients, and make adjustments for proper fit, function, and comfort.
- 02Instruct patients in the use and care of orthoses and prostheses.
- 03Maintain patients' records.
- 04Examine, interview, and measure patients to determine their appliance needs and to identify factors that could affect appliance fit.
- 05Select materials and components to be used, based on device design.
- 06Design orthopedic and prosthetic devices, based on physicians' prescriptions and examination and measurement of patients.
Skills that matter most
- Writing
- Speaking
- Critical Thinking
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Active Learning
Knowledge
- Customer and Personal Service
- Medicine and Dentistry
- Therapy and Counseling
- Design
- English Language
Work styles that stand out
- Dependability
- Attention to Detail
- Integrity
- Cautiousness
- Cooperation
Education and first steps
Share of workers by required education, as reported to O*NET.
How people get started
- Usually needs a graduate degree (O*NET Job Zone 5).
- Related work experience: over 1 year, up to and including 2 years.
- On-the-job training: over 1 year, up to and including 2 years.
- A professional certification is often expected.
Most common answers from O*NET 31.0 Education, Training and Experience.
Interest fit (Holland code)
O*NET occupational interest scores, scale 1–7. Take the Free Career Test to compare with your own.
Career changes
Change from orthotists and prosthetists
- Audiologists84% · +18%
- Physical Therapists77% · +27%
- Nurse Anesthetists77% · +192%
- Critical Care Nurses66% · group pay
- Physical Therapist Assistants65% · −16%
Change into orthotists and prosthetists
Jobs whose skills carry over best (skill match, their median pay).
- Athletic Trainers77% · $62,520
- Orthoptists72% · $115,210
- Audiologists71% · $95,780
- Chiropractors70% · $79,200
- Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Physicians70% · $265,930
Majors that lead here
- Orthotist/Prosthetist
- Assistive/Augmentative Technology and Rehabilitation Engineering
From the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk.