Orthotic and Prosthetic Technicians

Salaries for orthotic and prosthetic technicians vary widely, depending on education, certification, and years of experience. Technicians who have received their certification earn higher salaries than those who are not certified. Other factors influencing salary differences include area of the country where a technician works, size and type of employer, and years of work experience. The U.S. Department of Labor reports that in May 2019 the annual median salary for medical appliance technicians was $40,690. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $25,320, and the top 10 percent earned more than $66,860.

Technicians working for the Veterans Health Administration or other federal agencies will find that their salaries are determined by their Government Service rating. Government Service ratings are determined by a number of factors, including level of training, area of expertise, and performance on standardized tests.

Benefits for full-time workers include vacation and sick time, health, and sometimes dental, insurance, and pension or 401(k) plans. Self-employed technicians must provide their own benefits.