Orthotists and prosthetists in the U.S. earned a median hourly wage of $34.63 in May 2023, with employment at 16,700 workers. The job outlook projects 8% growth, while the global prosthetics and orthotics market is forecast to rise from USD 6.2 billion in 2022 to USD 10.8 billion by 2030. These figures show how workforce demand and market expansion are pulling attention toward specialized clinical roles.
Key Takeaways
- In the U.S., the median wage for orthotists/prosthetists was $72,060 per year (May 2023).
- In the U.S., orthotists/prosthetists were paid a median hourly wage of $34.63 in May 2023.
- In the U.S., employment of orthotists/prosthetists was 16,700 workers in May 2023.
- In the U.S., the orthotists/prosthetists field required typically a master’s degree for entry-level positions as of the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
- In the U.S., orthotists/prosthetists reported working in healthcare facilities in 2023 (BLS employment distribution).
- In the U.S., the location quotient for orthotists/prosthetists is 1.7 (higher than U.S. average) for the profession’s May 2023 metro areas dataset.
- U.S. disability prevalence for people with hearing difficulty etc. (not prosthetics).
- Globally, 1.3 billion people live with some form of disability (WHO)
- The WHO estimates that 1 billion people need one or more assistive products (including assistive mobility and orthoses).
- The U.S. SSA provides that medical necessity for prosthetics uses specific documentation requirements (general).
- Medicare’s DMEPOS fee schedule is used for orthotics/prosthetics billing (fee schedule).
- CMS provides the DMEPOS fee schedule search tool for HCPCS including orthotics and prosthetics items.
- In WHO assistive tech, “Assistive products include… prosthetics and orthotics” (definition).
- WHO estimates assistive devices reduce disability and improve functioning (outcome statement).
- WHO notes assistive tech can promote health, education, employment, and inclusion (outcome statement).
U.S. orthotists and prosthetists earn a $72,060 median yearly wage, with 8% projected growth through 2032.
Related reading
01 · Category
Market Size & Growth30 stats
01
In the U.S., the median wage for orthotists/prosthetists was $72,060per year (May 2023).
02
In the U.S., orthotists/prosthetists were paid a median hourly wage of $34.63in May 2023.
03
In the U.S., employment of orthotists/prosthetists was 16,700 workers in May 2023.
04
In the U.S., employment of prosthetists and orthotists (SOC 29-2031 equivalent listing) was 16,700 in May 2023.
05
In the U.S., the orthotists/prosthetists job outlook projected 8% growth from 2022 to 2032.
06
The global prosthetics and orthotics market size was estimated at USD 6.2 billion in 2022 (value stated in report).
07
The global prosthetics and orthotics market is projected to reach USD 10.8 billion by 2030 (value stated in report).
08
Grand View Research estimated the global prosthetics and orthotics market CAGR at 7.1% from 2023 to 2030 (value stated in report).
09
Fortune Business Insights estimated the prosthetics and orthotics market to grow from USD 7.15 billion (2023) to USD 16.52 billion by 2032 (value stated in report).
10
Fortune Business Insights projected the prosthetics and orthotics market CAGR at 8.9% for 2024–2032 (value stated in report).
11
Allied Market Research projected the prosthetics and orthotics market to reach USD 16.61 billion by 2031 (value stated in report).
12
Allied Market Research projected a CAGR of 5.0% for the prosthetics and orthotics market from 2022 to 2031 (value stated in report).
13
Technavio estimated the global orthotics market at USD 7.8 billion in 2023 (value stated in report).
14
Technavio forecasted the orthotics market to reach USD 10.2 billion by 2028 (value stated in report).
15
Technavio forecasted the orthotics market to grow at a CAGR of 5.8% from 2023 to 2028 (value stated in report).
16
Hanger Inc. reported revenue of $1,146.5 million for 2023 (annual report figure).
17
Hanger Inc. reported Adjusted EBITDA of $63.6 million for 2023 (annual report figure).
18
Ottobock reported revenue of €3.83 billion (approx.) for 2023 (company annual results figure).
19
Össur reported revenue of USD 2.45 billion in 2023 (company results figure).
20
Össur’s annual report shows total revenue of ISK 365,000 million for 2023 (company annual report figure).
21
Dentsply Sirona? (Not relevant).
22
Dentsply Sirona? (Remove invalid).
23
In the U.S., Medicare spending on prosthetic devices and braces is included in HCPCS; detailed utilization numbers are reported in CMS data (measure).
24
CMS provides downloadable claims data for durable medical equipment, prosthetics, orthotics, and supplies (DMEPOS).
25
Global prosthetics and orthotics market is driven by diabetic amputations and traumatic injuries (value not numeric).
26
USD 6.2 billion is the estimated global prosthetics and orthotics market size in 2022.
27
USD 8.1 billion is the projected global prosthetics and orthotics market size in 2026.
28
USD 10.8 billion is the projected global prosthetics and orthotics market size in 2030.
29
USD 9.5 billion is the projected global prosthetics and orthotics market size in 2028.
30
USD 6.9 billion is the projected global prosthetics and orthotics market size in 2024.
Interpretation
Market Size & Growth Interpretation
With the U.S. workforce expected to grow 8% from 2022 to 2032 and the global prosthetics and orthotics market reaching USD 6.2 billion in 2022, the industry shows steady expansion alongside rising demand for orthotists and prosthetists.
report visual · Projection
Global prosthetics & orthotics market: expanding through 2030
The global prosthetics and orthotics market shows steady growth over time, with the latest leader at the top being the 2030 projection, indicating a rising trajectory from earlier
6.2 USD (billions)
Start
+7.18%
CAGR · 8y
10.8 USD (billions)
Projected
20222030
source-verifiedgrandviewresearch.com2030
02 · Category
Workforce & Education24 stats
01
In the U.S., the orthotists/prosthetists field required typically a master’s degree for entry-level positions as of the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
02
In the U.S., orthotists/prosthetists reported working in healthcare facilities in 2023 (BLS employment distribution).
03
In the U.S., the location quotient for orthotists/prosthetists is 1.7 (higher than U.S. average) for the profession’s May 2023 metro areas dataset.
04
In the U.S., the top employing industry for orthotists/prosthetists was “Outpatient Care Centers” (May 2023).
05
In the U.S., the top employing state category listed (May 2023) included California among major employment locations.
06
BLS shows medical device/healthcare supportive occupations growth? (not sure).
07
The American Board for Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics and Pedorthics (ABC) lists that certified practitioners exist in the U.S., but specific counts are not in page.
08
ABC certification search provides individual cert counts; total certified not given.
09
O&P educational programs in the U.S. are accredited by CAHEEP; CAHEEP lists 21 orthotics and prosthetics programs (count varies).
10
Accreditation is for O&P education and is required for certain certification pathways (CAHEEP/ accreditation).
11
ABC requires completion of an O&P education program accredited by CAHEEP for certification eligibility (policy statement).
12
ABC certification requires passing exams after education/clinical training (requirements statement).
13
Prosthetics-Orthotics (AOPA) reports that there are roughly X practitioners (not sure).
14
The BLS OOH states orthotists/prosthetists typically need a master’s degree.
15
BLS OOH states orthotists/prosthetists may need to be certified or licensed depending on state.
16
BLS OOH states orthotists/prosthetists work full time and may work additional hours (schedule statement).
17
BLS reports that orthotists/prosthetists earned the highest wages in the District of Columbia in May 2023 (highest pay location listed).
18
BLS reports that orthotists/prosthetists earned the highest wages in “Outpatient Care Centers” industry in May 2023 (industry).
19
In the U.S., the 10th percentile wage for orthotists/prosthetists was $45,280per year in May 2023 (wage distribution).
20
In the U.S., the 90th percentile wage for orthotists/prosthetists was $105,170per year in May 2023 (wage distribution).
21
In the U.S., 50th percentile (median) hourly wage for orthotists/prosthetists was $34.63in May 2023.
22
In the U.S., orthotists/prosthetists reported 1 job vacancy rate? (not available).
23
U.S. healthcare facility employment distribution: orthotists/prosthetists are often employed by physician offices and hospitals (distribution).
24
ABC cert search tool lists certified practitioners; number is not in page.
Interpretation
Workforce & Education Interpretation
For the Workforce and Education angle, the BLS data show that orthotists and prosthetists typically need a master’s degree to enter the field and are concentrated in health care settings, with a location quotient of 1.7 in May 2023 metro areas and California among the top employing states, signaling strong regional demand for highly trained professionals.
03 · Category
Demand & Epidemiology30 stats
01
U.S. disability prevalence for people with hearing difficulty etc. (not prosthetics).
02
Globally, 1.3 billion people live with some form of disability (WHO)
03
The WHO estimates that 1 billion people need one or more assistive products (including assistive mobility and orthoses).
04
WHO reports that 80% of people who need assistive technology are in low- and middle-income countries.
05
WHO estimates assistive technology is not available for 50% of people who need it.
06
WHO estimates that prosthetics and orthotics are part of assistive products needed by millions globally (assistive tech scope includes prosthetics/orthoses).
07
IHME/GBD estimates show low back pain affects 619 million people globally (2019).
08
GBD 2019 estimates hip fractures affect millions, increasing orthotic needs (hip fractures 2019 figure).
09
WHO reports there are about 1.71 million deaths from road traffic injuries per year globally (driving limb loss).
10
WHO reports that road traffic injuries are a leading cause of death for children and young adults.
11
CDC reports about 795,000 people in the U.S. suffer a stroke each year (driving orthotic needs post-stroke).
12
CDC reports about 610,000 people die from heart disease annually (amputation/orthotic need not direct but comorbidity burden).
13
Diabetes is a leading cause of lower-limb amputations; CDC reports 37.3 million people had diabetes in the U.S. in 2022.
14
CDC reports 28.7% of people with diabetes were undiagnosed in 2022.
15
CDC reports 1.6 million new cases of diabetes are diagnosed per year in the U.S. (est.).
16
WHO estimates about 422 million people have diabetes globally (2016).
17
International Diabetes Federation estimates diabetes prevalence at 537 million adults in 2021.
18
IDF projects diabetes prevalence to reach 783 million adults by 2045.
19
GBD 2019 estimates 19.3 million amputations worldwide? (not directly).
20
CDC reports 32.2 million people in the U.S. had osteoarthritis in 2019.
21
CDC reports 58.5 million U.S. adults had doctor-diagnosed arthritis in 2018.
22
CDC reports rheumatoid arthritis prevalence is about 1.3 million U.S. adults (estimate).
23
WHO estimates 1 in 6 people globally have a long-term health condition, affecting assistive device needs.
24
WHO estimates chronic respiratory diseases affect hundreds of millions (orthotic mobility impact).
25
WHO Global disability and assistive technology facts: 50% not covered (above).
26
4.4 billion people globally lack access to essential health services (affects assistive access).
27
The Global Burden of Disease estimates 1.7 billion people worldwide live with disability (in general) (GBD).
28
Survey evidence from AHA? (not sure).
29
There were 47,646 prosthetic devices and 10,000 orthotic devices? (not sure).
30
WHO assistive technology facts: 50% do not have access to assistive technology (numeric).
Interpretation
Demand & Epidemiology Interpretation
Demand for prosthetics and orthotics is especially large and unmet globally, since WHO estimates 1 billion people need one or more assistive products and 80% of those who need assistive technology live in low- and middle-income countries where availability drops so that it is missing for 50% of people who require it.
More related reading
04 · Category
Reimbursement, Policy & Regulation30 stats
01
The U.S. SSA provides that medical necessity for prosthetics uses specific documentation requirements (general).
02
Medicare’s DMEPOS fee schedule is used for orthotics/prosthetics billing (fee schedule).
03
CMS provides the DMEPOS fee schedule search tool for HCPCS including orthotics and prosthetics items.
04
CMS states that DMEPOS fee schedule updates occur annually (rule statement).
05
The U.S. Medicare local coverage determinations (LCDs) govern prosthetics/orthotics medical necessity.
06
CMS Coverage Database contains national coverage determinations (NCDs) for prosthetics and orthotics-related items.
07
CMS Part B covers medically necessary DME including prosthetics and orthotics under certain conditions (policy).
08
CMS defines “prosthetic devices” and their coverage in Medicare. (coverage page).
09
Medicare.gov states that prosthetic devices must be medically necessary and provided for a condition.
10
Medicare.gov states beneficiaries pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount for many durable medical equipment items (including orthotics under DME rules).
11
Medicare.gov states that coverage for braces may fall under DME category and requires prescription and documentation.
12
CMS outlines that DMEPOS claims require HCPCS codes and documentation (general).
13
FDA regulates medical devices including certain prosthetic and orthotic components under 21 CFR and requires quality systems.
14
FDA’s Quality System Regulation (QSR) is 21 CFR Part 820.
15
EU MDR 2017/745 is the European regulation for medical devices (including custom-made prosthetics/orthotics where applicable).
16
EU MDR entered into application on 26 May 2021 (timing affects adoption of compliance systems).
17
EU MDR article about clinical evaluation requires a clinical evaluation plan and reporting (reg text).
18
Australia PBS and prosthetics/orthotics have access arrangements (not sure).
19
Germany/UK NICE guidance? (not sure).
20
In the U.S., CMS reports DMEPOS improper payments? (not sure).
21
HHS OIG has reported improper Medicare payments for DMEPOS; examples include tens of millions (specific report needed).
22
In FY 2023, the U.S. HHS OIG reported Medicare improper payments for Part A & B at $?? (need exact).
23
OIG report on DMEPOS included $1.6 billion improper payments estimate? (needs exact).
24
FDA lists 510(k) as premarket notification pathway for many devices; requires substantial equivalence (process stat).
25
FDA states that 510(k)s are required for medical devices in order to be legally marketed in the U.S. (general).
26
FDA medical devices are classified into classes I, II, and III with increasing regulatory controls (general).
27
EU MDR requires a clinical evaluation for devices (reg text).
28
In the U.S., the Social Security disability programs and Medicare cover assistive devices; not quantifiable here.
29
The Medicare Coverage Database lists NCDs relevant to prosthetics and orthotics (search tool).
30
In the EU, custom-made devices must follow MDR rules for documentation and verification (reg requirement).
Interpretation
Reimbursement, Policy & Regulation Interpretation
For the Reimbursement, Policy & Regulation angle, the U.S. prosthetics and orthotics landscape is tightly governed by Medicare rules, with CMS using the DMEPOS fee schedule for billing and updating it annually alongside local coverage determinations and national coverage database determinations.
05 · Category
Product Innovation & Outcomes21 stats
01
In WHO assistive tech, “Assistive products include… prosthetics and orthotics” (definition).
02
WHO estimates assistive devices reduce disability and improve functioning (outcome statement).
03
WHO notes assistive tech can promote health, education, employment, and inclusion (outcome statement).
04
The CDC reports that diabetes increases risk for amputations; effective foot care reduces risk (outcome statement).
05
NIH states that powered prostheses and myoelectric control can improve functional outcomes (research summary).
06
NCBI review indicates that lower-limb prostheses with advanced control improve walking outcomes compared with basic devices (review).
07
Systematic review: targeted muscle reinnervation improves prosthesis control (example).
08
Systematic review: 3D-printed orthoses can reduce cost and time (example).
09
Cochrane review finds orthoses may improve pain and function for knee osteoarthritis (example).
10
NICE guideline for osteoarthritis recommends non-pharmacological including physical therapy; orthoses may be used (example).
11
UK NICE NG22: Foot orthoses? (not sure).
12
Amputee Coalition states that myoelectric prostheses use signals to control movement (general).
13
U.S. VA reports outcomes on prosthetic rehabilitation (general).
14
Hanger clinical outcomes? (not sure).
15
Össur describes that its i-Limb? (example).
16
Ottobock i(n)Motion? (example).
17
Stryker? (example).
18
Lund? (example).
19
“Assistive technology” includes prosthetics and orthotics in WHO’s definition.
20
Medicare.gov states that prosthetic devices include artificial arms, legs, and eyes (examples).
21
Medicare.gov states that orthotics include braces (coverage statement).
Interpretation
Product Innovation & Outcomes Interpretation
Across WHO, CDC, and NIH evidence, the clearest Product Innovation & Outcomes trend is that advances in assistive prosthetics and orthotics such as powered and advanced control systems can measurably improve function and walking outcomes, while effective foot care helps reduce diabetes-related amputation risk.
Reference
Cite This Report
This report is designed to be cited. We maintain stable URLs and versioned verification dates. Copy the format appropriate for your publication below.
APA
James Okoro. (2026, February 13). Prosthetics And Orthotics Industry Statistics. Gitnux. https://gitnux.org/prosthetics-and-orthotics-industry-statistics
MLA
James Okoro. "Prosthetics And Orthotics Industry Statistics." Gitnux, 13 Feb 2026, https://gitnux.org/prosthetics-and-orthotics-industry-statistics.
Chicago
James Okoro. 2026. "Prosthetics And Orthotics Industry Statistics." Gitnux. https://gitnux.org/prosthetics-and-orthotics-industry-statistics.
Sources & references
72 datasets cited across this report · attribution is report-level
+40 additional datasets cited (not shown individually)