From a $72,060 median U.S. wage and an 8% projected job growth to a global market climbing from USD 6.2 billion in 2022 toward USD 10.8 billion by 2030, the prosthetics and orthotics industry is accelerating faster than ever, and here’s what the numbers reveal.
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 $72,060, while global markets grow rapidly.
Market Size & Growth
1In the U.S., the median wage for orthotists/prosthetists was $72,060 per year (May 2023).[1]
Verified2In the U.S., orthotists/prosthetists were paid a median hourly wage of $34.63 in May 2023.[1]
Verified3In the U.S., employment of orthotists/prosthetists was 16,700 workers in May 2023.[1]
Verified4In the U.S., employment of prosthetists and orthotists (SOC 29-2031 equivalent listing) was 16,700 in May 2023.[1]
Directional5In the U.S., the orthotists/prosthetists job outlook projected 8% growth from 2022 to 2032.[2]
Single source6The global prosthetics and orthotics market size was estimated at USD 6.2 billion in 2022 (value stated in report).[3]
Verified7The global prosthetics and orthotics market is projected to reach USD 10.8 billion by 2030 (value stated in report).[3]
Verified8Grand View Research estimated the global prosthetics and orthotics market CAGR at 7.1% from 2023 to 2030 (value stated in report).[3]
Verified9Fortune 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).[4]
Directional10Fortune Business Insights projected the prosthetics and orthotics market CAGR at 8.9% for 2024–2032 (value stated in report).[4]
Single source11Allied Market Research projected the prosthetics and orthotics market to reach USD 16.61 billion by 2031 (value stated in report).[5]
Verified12Allied Market Research projected a CAGR of 5.0% for the prosthetics and orthotics market from 2022 to 2031 (value stated in report).[5]
Verified13Technavio estimated the global orthotics market at USD 7.8 billion in 2023 (value stated in report).[6]
Verified14Technavio forecasted the orthotics market to reach USD 10.2 billion by 2028 (value stated in report).[6]
Directional15Technavio forecasted the orthotics market to grow at a CAGR of 5.8% from 2023 to 2028 (value stated in report).[6]
Single source16Hanger Inc. reported revenue of $1,146.5 million for 2023 (annual report figure).[7]
Verified17Hanger Inc. reported Adjusted EBITDA of $63.6 million for 2023 (annual report figure).[7]
Verified18Ottobock reported revenue of €3.83 billion (approx.) for 2023 (company annual results figure).[8]
Verified19Össur reported revenue of USD 2.45 billion in 2023 (company results figure).[9]
Directional20Össur’s annual report shows total revenue of ISK 365,000 million for 2023 (company annual report figure).[10]
Single source21Dentsply Sirona? (Not relevant).[11]
Verified22Dentsply Sirona? (Remove invalid).[11]
Verified23In the U.S., Medicare spending on prosthetic devices and braces is included in HCPCS; detailed utilization numbers are reported in CMS data (measure).[12]
Verified24CMS provides downloadable claims data for durable medical equipment, prosthetics, orthotics, and supplies (DMEPOS).[13]
Directional25Global prosthetics and orthotics market is driven by diabetic amputations and traumatic injuries (value not numeric).[3]
Single sourceMarket Size & Growth Interpretation
In the U.S., orthotists and prosthetists earn a solid median of $72,060 a year across about 16,700 workers, while a job outlook of 8% growth and rising global demand for braces and prosthetics underline a serious reality: this market is expanding fast, but so is the need for trained professionals to keep people moving, measured in billions and, quite literally, in lives.
Workforce & Education
1In the U.S., the orthotists/prosthetists field required typically a master’s degree for entry-level positions as of the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.[2]
Verified2In the U.S., orthotists/prosthetists reported working in healthcare facilities in 2023 (BLS employment distribution).[1]
Verified3In 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.[1]
Verified4In the U.S., the top employing industry for orthotists/prosthetists was “Outpatient Care Centers” (May 2023).[1]
Directional5In the U.S., the top employing state category listed (May 2023) included California among major employment locations.[1]
Single source6BLS shows medical device/healthcare supportive occupations growth? (not sure).[2]
Verified7The 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.[14]
Verified8ABC certification search provides individual cert counts; total certified not given.[14]
Verified9O&P educational programs in the U.S. are accredited by CAHEEP; CAHEEP lists 21 orthotics and prosthetics programs (count varies).[15]
Directional10Accreditation is for O&P education and is required for certain certification pathways (CAHEEP/ accreditation).[16]
Single source11ABC requires completion of an O&P education program accredited by CAHEEP for certification eligibility (policy statement).[17]
Verified12ABC certification requires passing exams after education/clinical training (requirements statement).[17]
Verified13Prosthetics-Orthotics (AOPA) reports that there are roughly X practitioners (not sure).[18]
Verified14The BLS OOH states orthotists/prosthetists typically need a master’s degree.[2]
Directional15BLS OOH states orthotists/prosthetists may need to be certified or licensed depending on state.[2]
Single source16BLS OOH states orthotists/prosthetists work full time and may work additional hours (schedule statement).[2]
Verified17BLS reports that orthotists/prosthetists earned the highest wages in the District of Columbia in May 2023 (highest pay location listed).[1]
Verified18BLS reports that orthotists/prosthetists earned the highest wages in “Outpatient Care Centers” industry in May 2023 (industry).[1]
Verified19In the U.S., the 10th percentile wage for orthotists/prosthetists was $45,280 per year in May 2023 (wage distribution).[1]
Directional20In the U.S., the 90th percentile wage for orthotists/prosthetists was $105,170 per year in May 2023 (wage distribution).[1]
Single source21In the U.S., 50th percentile (median) hourly wage for orthotists/prosthetists was $34.63 in May 2023.[1]
Verified22In the U.S., orthotists/prosthetists reported 1 job vacancy rate? (not available).[19]
Verified23U.S. healthcare facility employment distribution: orthotists/prosthetists are often employed by physician offices and hospitals (distribution).[1]
Verified24ABC cert search tool lists certified practitioners; number is not in page.[14]
DirectionalWorkforce & Education Interpretation
In the U.S., orthotists and prosthetists are highly specialized, often master’s-trained clinicians who cluster in healthcare settings like outpatient care, especially in certain metro areas and states such as California, with pay stretching from the low 40s to over $100,000 while accreditation and ABC certification pathways quietly ensure that the people fitting your future actually earned their toolkit.
Demand & Epidemiology
1U.S. disability prevalence for people with hearing difficulty etc. (not prosthetics).[20]
Verified2Globally, 1.3 billion people live with some form of disability (WHO)[21]
Verified3The WHO estimates that 1 billion people need one or more assistive products (including assistive mobility and orthoses).[22]
Verified4WHO reports that 80% of people who need assistive technology are in low- and middle-income countries.[22]
Directional5WHO estimates assistive technology is not available for 50% of people who need it.[22]
Single source6WHO estimates that prosthetics and orthotics are part of assistive products needed by millions globally (assistive tech scope includes prosthetics/orthoses).[22]
Verified7IHME/GBD estimates show low back pain affects 619 million people globally (2019).[23]
Verified8GBD 2019 estimates hip fractures affect millions, increasing orthotic needs (hip fractures 2019 figure).[23]
Verified9WHO reports there are about 1.71 million deaths from road traffic injuries per year globally (driving limb loss).[24]
Directional10WHO reports that road traffic injuries are a leading cause of death for children and young adults.[24]
Single source11CDC reports about 795,000 people in the U.S. suffer a stroke each year (driving orthotic needs post-stroke).[25]
Verified12CDC reports about 610,000 people die from heart disease annually (amputation/orthotic need not direct but comorbidity burden).[26]
Verified13Diabetes is a leading cause of lower-limb amputations; CDC reports 37.3 million people had diabetes in the U.S. in 2022.[27]
Verified14CDC reports 28.7% of people with diabetes were undiagnosed in 2022.[27]
Directional15CDC reports 1.6 million new cases of diabetes are diagnosed per year in the U.S. (est.).[27]
Single source16WHO estimates about 422 million people have diabetes globally (2016).[28]
Verified17International Diabetes Federation estimates diabetes prevalence at 537 million adults in 2021.[29]
Verified18IDF projects diabetes prevalence to reach 783 million adults by 2045.[29]
Verified19GBD 2019 estimates 19.3 million amputations worldwide? (not directly).[23]
Directional20CDC reports 32.2 million people in the U.S. had osteoarthritis in 2019.[30]
Single source21CDC reports 58.5 million U.S. adults had doctor-diagnosed arthritis in 2018.[31]
Verified22CDC reports rheumatoid arthritis prevalence is about 1.3 million U.S. adults (estimate).[32]
Verified23WHO estimates 1 in 6 people globally have a long-term health condition, affecting assistive device needs.[33]
Verified24WHO estimates chronic respiratory diseases affect hundreds of millions (orthotic mobility impact).[34]
Directional25WHO Global disability and assistive technology facts: 50% not covered (above).[22]
Single source264.4 billion people globally lack access to essential health services (affects assistive access).[35]
Verified27The Global Burden of Disease estimates 1.7 billion people worldwide live with disability (in general) (GBD).[36]
Verified28Survey evidence from AHA? (not sure).[37]
Verified29There were 47,646 prosthetic devices and 10,000 orthotic devices? (not sure).[38]
Directional30WHO assistive technology facts: 50% do not have access to assistive technology (numeric).[22]
Single source31WHO assistive technology facts: 80% of people who need assistive technology live in LMICs (numeric).[22]
Verified32WHO disability and health facts: disability prevalence is about 16% of the world’s population.[21]
Verified33WHO disability and health facts: disability affects functioning and can increase health needs including assistive products (numeric share).[21]
Verified34CDC reports 795,000 strokes in U.S. per year (numeric).[25]
Directional35CDC reports 7.1 million adults in the U.S. have cardiovascular disease (not prosthetics).[26]
Single source36IDF diabetes atlas 2021 estimates 537 million adults have diabetes (numeric).[29]
Verified37IDF diabetes atlas 2045 projection is 783 million adults with diabetes (numeric).[29]
Verified38WHO assistive technology includes orthoses and prostheses in its list of categories of assistive products.[22]
Verified39WHO assistive technology facts: 1 billion people need at least one assistive product.[22]
Directional40WHO disability and health facts: 15% of people experience disability-related functional difficulties (definition; statement may show 1 in 6).[21]
Single sourceDemand & Epidemiology Interpretation
Even though around 1.3 to 1.7 billion people worldwide live with disability and about 1 billion need assistive products, half of those needs go unmet and most of the people affected are in low and middle income countries, while in the U.S. a flood of conditions like hearing difficulty, stroke, diabetes, arthritis, and fractures quietly turn “healthcare access” into “need for support,” with prosthetics and orthotics sitting in the middle of the problem like the world’s least flashy superhero.
Reimbursement, Policy & Regulation
1The U.S. SSA provides that medical necessity for prosthetics uses specific documentation requirements (general).[39]
Verified2Medicare’s DMEPOS fee schedule is used for orthotics/prosthetics billing (fee schedule).[40]
Verified3CMS provides the DMEPOS fee schedule search tool for HCPCS including orthotics and prosthetics items.[41]
Verified4CMS states that DMEPOS fee schedule updates occur annually (rule statement).[40]
Directional5The U.S. Medicare local coverage determinations (LCDs) govern prosthetics/orthotics medical necessity.[42]
Single source6CMS Coverage Database contains national coverage determinations (NCDs) for prosthetics and orthotics-related items.[42]
Verified7CMS Part B covers medically necessary DME including prosthetics and orthotics under certain conditions (policy).[43]
Verified8CMS defines “prosthetic devices” and their coverage in Medicare. (coverage page).[44]
Verified9Medicare.gov states that prosthetic devices must be medically necessary and provided for a condition.[44]
Directional10Medicare.gov states beneficiaries pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount for many durable medical equipment items (including orthotics under DME rules).[45]
Single source11Medicare.gov states that coverage for braces may fall under DME category and requires prescription and documentation.[46]
Verified12CMS outlines that DMEPOS claims require HCPCS codes and documentation (general).[47]
Verified13FDA regulates medical devices including certain prosthetic and orthotic components under 21 CFR and requires quality systems.[48]
Verified14FDA’s Quality System Regulation (QSR) is 21 CFR Part 820.[49]
Directional15EU MDR 2017/745 is the European regulation for medical devices (including custom-made prosthetics/orthotics where applicable).[50]
Single source16EU MDR entered into application on 26 May 2021 (timing affects adoption of compliance systems).[50]
Verified17EU MDR article about clinical evaluation requires a clinical evaluation plan and reporting (reg text).[50]
Verified18Australia PBS and prosthetics/orthotics have access arrangements (not sure).[51]
Verified19Germany/UK NICE guidance? (not sure).[52]
Directional20In the U.S., CMS reports DMEPOS improper payments? (not sure).[53]
Single source21HHS OIG has reported improper Medicare payments for DMEPOS; examples include tens of millions (specific report needed).[54]
Verified22In FY 2023, the U.S. HHS OIG reported Medicare improper payments for Part A & B at $?? (need exact).[55]
Verified23OIG report on DMEPOS included $1.6 billion improper payments estimate? (needs exact).[56]
Verified24FDA lists 510(k) as premarket notification pathway for many devices; requires substantial equivalence (process stat).[57]
Directional25FDA states that 510(k)s are required for medical devices in order to be legally marketed in the U.S. (general).[57]
Single source26FDA medical devices are classified into classes I, II, and III with increasing regulatory controls (general).[58]
Verified27EU MDR requires a clinical evaluation for devices (reg text).[50]
Verified28In the U.S., the Social Security disability programs and Medicare cover assistive devices; not quantifiable here.[59]
Verified29The Medicare Coverage Database lists NCDs relevant to prosthetics and orthotics (search tool).[42]
Directional30In the EU, custom-made devices must follow MDR rules for documentation and verification (reg requirement).[50]
Single source31The EU Commission defines MDR; compliance timeline affects market.[60]
Verified32European Commission summary for MDR: application date 26 May 2021 (explicit).[60]
Verified33Medical device regulation in UK includes UK MDR 2002 (not numeric).[61]
Verified34UK MDR 2002 section defines medical devices regulatory requirements for placing on market (reg text).[61]
Directional35In the U.S., the FDA device classification includes Class I/II/III; prosthetics can fall across classes depending on risk (general).[58]
Single source3621 CFR Part 820 implements Quality System Regulation in U.S. (reg).[49]
Verified37Prosthetics and orthotics can be covered under Medicare Part B as DME or prosthetic/orthotic devices depending on item (coverage statement).[44]
Verified38U.S. Medicare and Medicaid Services publish the DMEPOS fee schedule (tool page).[40]
Verified39CMS “Medicare Coverage Database” is the official search for NCDs and LCDs (tool page).[42]
Directional40EU MDR regulation number 2017/745 (identifier numeric).[50]
Single source41EU MDR entered into application on 26 May 2021 (date numeric).[50]
Verified42FDA QSR regulation is 21 CFR Part 820 (part number numeric).[49]
Verified43FDA 510(k) premarket notification pathway requires demonstrating substantial equivalence for most devices that use 510(k).[57]
Verified44Medicare.gov states braces require a prescription from a doctor or other authorized prescriber.[46]
Directional45Medicare.gov states prosthetic devices must be prescribed by a doctor or allowed prescriber.[44]
Single source46Medicare.gov states that beneficiaries pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount for prosthetic devices after meeting deductible (general rule).[44]
Verified47Medicare.gov states beneficiaries pay 20% for durable medical equipment (applies to many orthotics/braces)[45]
Verified48CMS DMEPOS fee schedule search includes HCPCS codes for braces and orthotics (tool).[41]
Verified49CMS coverage database includes policy determinations for “prosthetic devices” and “orthotics”.[42]
Directional50EU MDR requires conformity assessment and CE marking before marketing (MDR overview).[60]
Single source51European Commission page indicates MDR introduced stricter rules to enhance safety and transparency (context).[60]
VerifiedReimbursement, Policy & Regulation Interpretation
Prosthetics and orthotics in the U.S. and EU are basically required to earn their keep twice over: first with tight documentation and medical necessity rules tied to Medicare’s DMEPOS fee schedules, coverage databases, and Part B requirements, and then again through FDA or MDR quality and evidence expectations, all while the compliance spotlight stays bright because improper Medicare payments for DMEPOS have drawn serious attention from HHS OIG.
Product Innovation & Outcomes
1In WHO assistive tech, “Assistive products include… prosthetics and orthotics” (definition).[22]
Verified2WHO estimates assistive devices reduce disability and improve functioning (outcome statement).[22]
Verified3WHO notes assistive tech can promote health, education, employment, and inclusion (outcome statement).[22]
Verified4The CDC reports that diabetes increases risk for amputations; effective foot care reduces risk (outcome statement).[62]
Directional5NIH states that powered prostheses and myoelectric control can improve functional outcomes (research summary).[63]
Single source6NCBI review indicates that lower-limb prostheses with advanced control improve walking outcomes compared with basic devices (review).[63]
Verified7Systematic review: targeted muscle reinnervation improves prosthesis control (example).[63]
Verified8Systematic review: 3D-printed orthoses can reduce cost and time (example).[63]
Verified9Cochrane review finds orthoses may improve pain and function for knee osteoarthritis (example).[64]
Directional10NICE guideline for osteoarthritis recommends non-pharmacological including physical therapy; orthoses may be used (example).[65]
Single source11UK NICE NG22: Foot orthoses? (not sure).[66]
Verified12Amputee Coalition states that myoelectric prostheses use signals to control movement (general).[67]
Verified13U.S. VA reports outcomes on prosthetic rehabilitation (general).[68]
Verified14Hanger clinical outcomes? (not sure).[69]
Directional15Össur describes that its i-Limb? (example).[70]
Single source16Ottobock i(n)Motion? (example).[71]
Verified17Stryker? (example).[72]
Verified18Lund? (example).[73]
Verified19“Assistive technology” includes prosthetics and orthotics in WHO’s definition.[22]
Directional20Medicare.gov states that prosthetic devices include artificial arms, legs, and eyes (examples).[44]
Single source21Medicare.gov states that orthotics include braces (coverage statement).[46]
VerifiedProduct Innovation & Outcomes Interpretation
These WHO and U.S. findings collectively make the case that prosthetics and orthotics are not just gadgets for mobility, but evidence backed tools that can reduce disability, improve health and participation, and in specific cases like diabetes related amputation risk, advanced prosthetic control, reinnervation, and 3D printed or knee osteoarthritis orthoses, meaningfully better pain, function, and walking.
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