Shigoto Zukan
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How to become orthotists and prosthetistseducation, training, experience and the steps to enter

United States Healthcare Confidence ★★★★★

Median annual pay
$81,110
25th–75th pct. $61,290–$99,990
Top pay (est.)
$155,800
Top 10% $119,810
Pay in 5 years
$96,300est.
2031
Pay in 10 years
$114,400est.
$98,400–$132,800
Outlook score
74/100
★★★★☆ Good
AI replacement risk
22%
Low
Job growth (10 yr)
+12.9%
700 openings / yr

How to become orthotists and prosthetists

Typical education
Master's degree
BLS
Related experience
None
On-the-job training
Internship/residency

A step-by-step guide for this occupation is being prepared. The education, training and experience data above show the typical path.

Skills, education and requirements for Orthotists and Prosthetists

Key skills

Reading Comprehension
4.4
Writing
4.2
Active Learning
4.2
Critical Thinking
4.1
Social Perceptiveness
4.1
Speaking
4.1
Active Listening
4.1
Service Orientation
3.9

O*NET skill level ratings (0–7).

Key knowledge areas

Customer and Personal Service
5.6
Psychology
5.0
Mechanical
4.9
Design
4.8
Education and Training
4.7
Therapy and Counseling
4.7
Medicine and Dentistry
4.6
Engineering and Technology
4.6

What the work involves

Assisting and Caring for OthersMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsPerforming for or Working Directly with the PublicProcessing InformationThinking CreativelyUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkDocumenting/Recording Information

Important abilities

Oral ExpressionOral ComprehensionWritten ExpressionDeductive ReasoningInductive ReasoningWritten Comprehension

Education of workers

Master's degree
90%
Bachelor's degree
5%
Post-bachelor's certificate
5%

Training before entry

1–2 years
26%
6–12 months
21%
Up to 1 month
21%
1–3 months
16%
3–6 months
11%
2–4 years
5%

Related work experience

1–2 years
52%
2–4 years
24%
6–12 months
14%
None
5%
4–6 years
5%

Job Zone 5 — extensive preparation needed (O*NET)

Difficulty of entry: ★★★☆☆ Moderate (from education, training, experience and Job Zone)

Career path and how to earn more as orthotists and prosthetists

Career-path guidance is being prepared. Pay by percentile is shown in the Pay section.

Pay and employment figures are national statistics. Projected pay, outlook scores and AI replacement risk are estimates from the Shigoto Zukan model, not guarantees. To request a correction, use the contact form. How to read the data
Sources: BLS OEWS May 2025; BLS Employment Projections 2025–35; O*NET 31.0 Database by USDOL/ETA (CC BY 4.0), modified by Shigoto Zukan. Pay ranges, projections and scores are Shigoto Zukan estimates.