How much does a medical device maker make?
Answer: A typical medical device maker in the United States makes $48,030 a year (median, May 2025, US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
Line up 100 people; this is the one in the middle (median). about 11,000 people work in this job. About the same as the US-wide typical pay ($50,980).
If 100 people had this job
Lowest at bottom-left, highest at top-rightHover over a person to see their yearly pay
Medical device maker pay in the United States (May 2025, median and spread)
| Lower earner (10th from bottom) | Typical person (median) | Higher earner (10th from top) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|---|
| $36,510 | $48,030 | $75,740 | about 11,000 |
| State | Typical person (median) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| North Carolina | $54,650 | about 600 |
| California | $51,530 | about 1,000 |
| New York | $48,080 | about 720 |
| Illinois | $46,370 | about 790 |
| Florida | $46,110 | about 2,000 |
Why does pay differ?
In the US, experienced technicians with in-demand skills may earn more, and optional certification can help show their training. Pay also varies by employer and location; more complex devices and different work hours can change what people earn.
What if you lived in a different state?
Pay varies a lot by state in the USTop 5 and bottom 3 states, typical (median) yearly pay.
What does a medical device maker do?
Construct, maintain, or repair medical supportive devices such as braces, orthotics and prosthetic devices, joints, arch supports, and other surgical and medical appliances.
What's a typical day like?
They read a work order and use measurements or a limb cast to shape plastic, metal, or leather into a brace or artificial limb. Then they polish and test it, fix problems, and adjust it for a safe, comfortable fit.
How to get this job
In the United States, finish high school or earn a GED; science, math, and art classes help, and a technical-school program in orthotics or prosthetics is another option. Most learn on the job, and optional certification can help with advancement.
High school plus some training (preparation level 2 of 5)
Good for people who like building and doing and figuring things out.
Did you know?
A technician may use a cast or impression of someone's limb as a pattern to make a one-of-a-kind brace or artificial limb.
Similar jobs
Jobs using similar skills (O*NET)Earn more in the same field
Production jobs that pay a bit moreSources and data
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025 (bls.gov); descriptions and related jobs from O*NET 31.0. Figures as of May 2025, full-time yearly pay (hourly × 2,080 hours). bls.gov/oes · O*NET OnLine
Pages used for the text
- www.bls.gov/OOH/production/dental-and-ophthalmic-laboratory-technicians-and-medi
- www.onetonline.org/link/details/51-9082.00
- www.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2015/article/wage-differences.htm
- www.bls.gov/oes/2023/May/oes519082.htm
Data: US BLS OEWS, May 2025 · 1 USD = 150 JPY