Medical Appliance Technician Salary 2025: $48,030 median, highest in Arizona at $72,760
Medical Appliance Technicians — the people who make, fit, and repair prosthetics, orthotics, and other devices — earn a median salary of $48,030 per year, according to the latest BLS data. The mean wage is $52,730, working out to roughly $23 an hour. Most techs earn between $36,510 (10th percentile) and $75,740 (90th percentile), so there's room to move up with experience and certification.
How much Medical Appliance Technicians earn
The national median salary for Medical Appliance Technicians is $48,030, with a mean of $52,730 (about $23/hour). The bottom 10% earn $36,510 or less, while the top 10% take home $75,740 or more. Pay varies by setting — those working in medical equipment and supplies manufacturing tend to earn higher wages than those in private clinics or retail. About 11,280 people hold this job nationwide.
Pay by state
Where you work dramatically affects your paycheck. The highest-paying state is Arizona, where technicians average $72,760 — more than $20,000 above the national mean. Other top states include Pennsylvania ($60,920), Massachusetts ($59,810), Colorado ($59,560), and Virginia ($56,260). On the lower end, Arkansas ($39,450), Georgia ($37,440), and Kansas ($37,090) sit well below the national average. Relocating or seeking remote roles in high-paying areas could boost earnings.
How to become a Medical Appliance Technician
Most Medical Appliance Technicians enter the field with a high school diploma or equivalent, then receive on-the-job training. Formal education options include an associate degree in orthotics and prosthetics from a program accredited by the National Commission on Orthotic and Prosthetic Education (NCOPE). Many technicians also earn the American Board for Certification (ABC) credential as a Certified Orthotic Technician (COT) or Certified Prosthetic Technician (CPT), which typically requires work experience and passing an exam.
- High school diploma or GED is the minimum requirement.
- Complete an NCOPE-accredited associate degree or a certificate program (usually 1–2 years).
- Gain on-the-job training under an experienced technician or practitioner.
- Obtain ABC certification as a COT or CPT to improve job prospects and pay.
- Some states require licensure; check your state's regulations.
Job outlook
Employment of Medical Appliance Technicians is projected to grow 3.7% from 2024 to 2034, about as fast as the average for all occupations. That translates to roughly 1,500 openings each year, mostly from workers leaving the field or retiring. The aging population and continued demand for prosthetics and orthotics support steady hiring, but the field is small, so competition can be moderate.
Frequently asked questions
Do Medical Appliance Technicians need a degree?
A high school diploma is the minimum. Many learn on the job. An associate degree from an NCOPE-accredited program can help you advance faster, and ABC certification is widely respected.
What is the highest-paying state for Medical Appliance Technicians?
Arizona tops the list with an average wage of $72,760, followed by Pennsylvania ($60,920) and Massachusetts ($59,810).
Is there demand for Medical Appliance Technicians?
Yes. The BLS projects 3.7% growth (about average) with 1,500 job openings per year through 2034, driven by an aging population.
How much do Medical Appliance Technicians make per hour?
The mean hourly wage is about $23, according to BLS data. Entry-level workers may start near $17.50, while experienced techs can exceed $36 per hour.
Salary figures are U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates (OEWS / Employment Projections). For informational purposes only; not career or financial advice. See the full Medical Appliance Technicians data.