Orthotists and Prosthetists Salary 2025: $81,110 Median, 13% Growth
Orthotists and prosthetists earn a median salary of $81,110 per year, according to the latest BLS data. The top 10% make $119,810 or more, while the bottom 10% earn $46,350. The mean annual wage is $83,740, roughly $39 per hour. This compensation reflects the specialized skill required to design and fit medical devices that restore mobility.
How much Orthotists and Prosthetists earn
The national median salary for orthotists and prosthetists is $81,110. Half of practitioners earn between $46,350 (10th percentile) and $119,810 (90th percentile). The average hourly wage is about $39. These figures come from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Pay by state
Location matters. New Jersey tops the list at $118,950, followed by Washington ($105,240), Utah ($96,530), Maryland ($95,030), and Oregon ($93,790). Lower-paying states include North Dakota ($62,570), Nebraska ($61,290), and the District of Columbia ($44,080).
How to become Orthotists and Prosthetist
The standard path requires a master's degree in orthotics and prosthetics from a program accredited by CAAHEP. Prerequisites include a bachelor's with specific science courses.
- Complete a bachelor's degree with pre-requisites (biology, physics, chemistry).
- Earn a CAAHEP-accredited master's in orthotics and prosthetics (2-3 years).
- Complete a residency (typically 12-18 months) in orthotics, prosthetics, or both.
- Pass the certification exams from ABC or BOC to become a certified orthotist (CO), certified prosthetist (CP), or both (CPO).
- Obtain state licensure if required (many states mandate it).
Job outlook
Employment is projected to grow 13.3% from 2024 to 2034, much faster than average. About 900 openings per year are expected, mostly due to retirements and demand from an aging population. The field currently employs 9,390 people.
Frequently asked questions
What is the starting salary for an orthotist or prosthetist?
Entry-level positions typically pay near the 10th percentile, around $46,350 per year, though starting pay varies by location and employer.
How long does it take to become a certified orthotist/prosthetist?
Plan on about 6-8 years: a 4-year bachelor's, 2-3 years for a master's, plus 12-18 months of residency and time to pass board exams.
Which state pays orthotists and prosthetists the most?
New Jersey offers the highest average salary at $118,950, followed by Washington ($105,240) and Utah ($96,530).
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 Orthotists and Prosthetists data.