How much does a prosthetics maker make?
a year · about $39 an hour
A typical prosthetics maker in the United States makes $81,110 a year, about $39 an hour, about 1.6× a typical US worker (median, May 2025, US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
What do they do?
They measure a patient and discuss what would help, then design or adjust a brace or artificial limb in a clinic or lab. They check the fit, teach the patient how to use it, and record the visit.
Did you know? OHSU reported plans for a U.S. trial of 3D-printed bionic arms for children; one boy’s prototype had a Spider-Man web design.
Is that a lot?
Compared with jobs you knowIf 100 people had this job
Most earn between $46,350 and $119,810How do you become one?
In the U.S., earn a bachelor’s, then an accredited master’s in orthotics and prosthetics and a supervised residency (about one year); many start in their mid-20s or later. Employers prefer certification, and some states require a license.
School needed: Graduate degree or long training
Good for people who like building and doing and figuring things out
Why does pay differ?
In the U.S., earnings can differ with experience, certification or state licensing, work setting (such as government, hospitals, clinics, or manufacturers), and location. Specializing in more complex care and the number of hours worked can matter too; most work full-time.
Where does it pay most?
Highest in New Jersey ($118,950), lowest in District of Columbia ($44,080).
See every state
Top 5 and bottom 3 states, typical (median) yearly pay.
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Data table and sources
| Lower earner (10th from bottom) | Typical person (median) | Higher earner (10th from top) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|---|
| $46,350 | $81,110 | $119,810 | about 9,000 |
| State | Typical person (median) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| New Jersey | $118,950 | about 240 |
| Washington | $105,240 | about 250 |
| Utah | $96,530 | about 70 |
| Maryland | $95,030 | about 90 |
| Oregon | $93,790 | about 120 |
Official definition: Design, measure, fit, and adapt orthopedic braces, appliances or prostheses, such as limbs or facial parts for patients with disabling conditions.
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/healthcare/orthotists-and-prosthetists.htm
- www.onetonline.org/link/details/29-2091.00
- www.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2015/article/wage-differences.htm
- news.ohsu.edu/2018/05/16/custom-design-improves-the-aesthetic-of-prosthetic-for-
Data: US BLS OEWS, May 2025 · 1 USD = 150 JPY