Healthcare career

Orthotist and Prosthetist

Also called: Prosthetist · Orthotist · CPO · O&P Practitioner

What orthotist and prosthetists do, what they earn, how long training takes and how to get started, with official BLS pay data and practical, job-level detail.

Updated By the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team
What does an orthotist and prosthetist do?

Orthotists and prosthetists design, measure and fit medical supportive devices, such as braces and artificial limbs, for patients who need them. The median pay is $81,110 per year (BLS, May 2025), most people train for about 6–7 years, and employment is projected to grow +12.9% from 2025–35.

Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026

  • Median pay
    $81,110
    $38.99/hour · May 2025
  • Job growth
    +12.9%
    2025–35, much faster than average
  • Openings per year
    700
    Average, 2025–35
  • Typical entry education
    Master's degree
    BLS classification
  • Time to train
    6–7 years
    Typical program length
  • U.S. jobs
    9,500
    Employment, 2025

What orthotist and prosthetists do

Orthotists and prosthetists help people move with custom devices. Orthotists design braces for the spine, legs and feet; prosthetists design artificial limbs for people who have lost an arm or leg. They evaluate patients, take casts or scans, design and fit devices, train patients to use them and adjust them over time.

They need a master’s degree in orthotics and prosthetics plus a residency, and certification. BLS projects faster-than-average growth.

Typical duties

  • Evaluate patients’ needs
  • Take casts, measurements and scans
  • Design orthoses and prostheses
  • Fit and adjust devices
  • Train patients to use devices
  • Work with physicians and therapists
  • Supervise technicians

Work environment and schedule

Practitioners work in O&P clinics, hospitals and rehab centers.

Schedule: Most work full-time weekday hours.

A day in the life

  1. Evaluate a new amputee patient.
  2. Scan a limb for a prosthetic socket.
  3. Fit a spinal brace.
  4. Adjust a prosthetic knee alignment.

See a full day in the life of an orthotist and prosthetist →

Orthotist and Prosthetist salary

Half of orthotist and prosthetists earned more than $81,110 and half earned less in May 2025. Pay ranged from about $46,350 for the lowest 10% to $119,810 for the top 10%.

Full orthotist and prosthetist pay scale and hourly rates →

How to become an orthotist and prosthetist

  1. Earn a bachelor’s degree
  2. Complete an O&P master’s
  3. Complete a residency
  4. Pass ABC exams
  5. Practice

A master’s degree in orthotics and prosthetics, a residency and certification are required.

Step-by-step guide to becoming an orthotist and prosthetist →

Skills and tools

Technical skills

  • Biomechanics
  • Casting and scanning
  • Device design
  • Gait analysis
  • Fabrication basics

People skills

  • Empathy
  • Problem solving
  • Communication
  • Patience

All orthotist and prosthetist skills and tools →

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Life-changing results
  • Mix of clinical and hands-on design
  • Faster-than-average growth
  • Technology like 3D printing

Cons

  • Master’s plus residency
  • Small field
  • Insurance paperwork
  • Physical fitting work

Certifications and licenses

  • Certified Prosthetist Orthotist (CPO): ABC certification.
  • Certified Orthotist (CO): Orthotics credential.
  • Certified Prosthetist (CP): Prosthetics credential.
  • State license: Required in some states.

Career path

  1. O&P Resident: Train.
  2. Certified Practitioner: Fit devices.
  3. Clinical Director: Lead clinics.
  4. Practice Owner: Run a practice.

Learn the job before day one

Our Orthotist and Prosthetist training (12 hours, $109.99) covers the role, 15+ key terms, step-by-step procedures such as fit a check socket and align a prosthetic leg, safety and how to land your first job.

View Orthotist and Prosthetist trainingIs this career right for me?

Physical Therapist

Help people recover movement and manage pain after injury or illness.

  • $102,760
  • 7 years after high school

Podiatrist

Diagnose and treat problems of the foot, ankle and lower leg.

  • $160,300
  • 11 years after high school

Occupational Therapist

Help people do everyday activities after injury, illness or disability.

  • $100,330
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Compare: O&P Clinician vs. PT · O&P Clinician vs. O&P Technician · O&P Clinician vs. Podiatrist · O&P Clinician vs. OT

Orthotist and Prosthetist FAQ

What’s the difference between an orthotist and a prosthetist?

Orthotists make braces; prosthetists make artificial limbs. Many do both.

Do they need a master’s?

Yes, plus a residency.

Is the field growing?

Yes, BLS projects faster-than-average growth.

How much does an orthotist and prosthetist make?

The median annual wage for orthotist and prosthetists was $81,110 ($38.99 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $46,350 and the highest 10% earned more than $119,810.

How long does it take to become an orthotist and prosthetist?

Most people need about 6–7 years of training. A master’s degree in orthotics and prosthetics, a residency and certification are required.

Do you need a degree to be an orthotist and prosthetist?

Yes. BLS lists a master's degree as the typical entry-level education, and you also need a state license to practice.

More orthotist and prosthetist questions →

Sources

Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.

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