Orthotist and Prosthetist
Design and fit braces and artificial limbs that help people move.
- $81,110
- 6–7 years
Healthcare career
Medical Appliance Technician
Also called: Orthotic Technician · Prosthetic Technician · O&P Technician · Brace Fabricator
What medical appliance technicians do, what they earn, how long training takes and how to get started, with official BLS pay data and practical, job-level detail.
What does a medical appliance technician do?
Medical appliance technicians construct, fit, maintain and repair medical supportive devices such as braces, orthotics and prosthetic limbs. The median pay is $48,030 per year (BLS, May 2025), most people train for about 1 year, and employment is projected to grow +3.5% from 2025–35.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
- Median pay$48,030$23.09/hour · May 2025
- Job growth+3.5%2025–35, about as fast as average
- Openings per year1,300Average, 2025–35
- Typical entry educationHigh school diploma or equivalentBLS classification
- Time to train1 yearTypical program length
- U.S. jobs11,300Employment, 2025
What medical appliance technicians do
Medical appliance technicians fabricate the devices designed by orthotists and prosthetists. They make molds, shape plastics and laminates, assemble components, finish and repair braces, foot orthotics and artificial limbs, and sometimes help with fittings.
Most have a high school diploma and learn on the job; some complete orthotic or prosthetic technician programs and certification.
Typical duties
- Make molds and models
- Form plastics and laminates
- Assemble device components
- Finish and pad devices
- Repair braces and prostheses
- Maintain equipment
- Follow practitioner designs
Work environment and schedule
Technicians work in O&P labs and clinics, using shop tools.
Schedule: Most work full-time weekday hours.
A day in the life
- Review work orders.
- Pour a plaster model.
- Vacuum-form a plastic brace.
- Trim and smooth edges.
See a full day in the life of a medical appliance technician →
Medical Appliance Technician salary
Half of medical appliance technicians earned more than $48,030 and half earned less in May 2025. Pay ranged from about $36,510 for the lowest 10% to $75,740 for the top 10%.
Full medical appliance technician pay scale and hourly rates →
How to become a medical appliance technician
- Get hired as a trainee
- Learn materials
- Learn fabrication
- Earn ABC registration
- Advance
A high school diploma plus moderate on-the-job training is typical; some complete technician programs.
Step-by-step guide to becoming a medical appliance technician →
Skills and tools
Technical skills
- Mold making
- Thermoforming
- Lamination
- Device assembly
- Finishing
People skills
- Precision
- Patience
- Teamwork
- Reliability
All medical appliance technician skills and tools →
Pros and cons
Pros
- Hands-on fabrication
- Help people move
- Regular hours
- Learn on the job
Cons
- Dust and fumes
- Physical shop work
- Modest pay
- Small field
Certifications and licenses
- Registered Orthotic Technician (RTO): ABC credential.
- Registered Prosthetic Technician (RTP): ABC credential.
- Registered O&P Technician (RTPO): Both.
- Tool safety training: Shop safety.
Career path
- Technician Trainee: Learn fabrication.
- O&P Technician: Build devices.
- Lead Technician: Lead the lab.
- Orthotist or Prosthetist: With a master’s.
Learn the job before day one
Our Medical Appliance Technician training (10 hours, $89.99) covers the role, 15+ key terms, step-by-step procedures such as vacuum-form a brace and finish trim lines, safety and how to land your first job.
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Medical Appliance Technician FAQ
Do medical appliance techs need a degree?
Not usually; training is on the job.
Do techs see patients?
Sometimes, during fittings.
Can techs become practitioners?
Yes, with a master’s degree.
How much does a medical appliance technician make?
The median annual wage for medical appliance technicians was $48,030 ($23.09 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $36,510 and the highest 10% earned more than $75,740.
How long does it take to become a medical appliance technician?
Most people need about 1 year of training. A high school diploma plus moderate on-the-job training is typical; some complete technician programs.
Do you need a degree to be a medical appliance technician?
No four-year degree is typically required. BLS lists “high school diploma or equivalent” as the typical entry-level education, plus moderate-term on-the-job training.
More medical appliance technician questions →
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 51-9082 (Medical appliance technicians).
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
- O*NET OnLine summary for Medical appliance technicians (U.S. Department of Labor).
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.