CFChooseField
Production

Medical Appliance Technicians

Construct, maintain, or repair medical supportive devices such as braces, orthotics and prosthetic devices, joints, arch supports, and other surgical and medical appliances.

Visual summary of pay, outlook, skills, interests, and preparation for Medical Appliance Technicians
Download graphic

Median pay

$47,060
Median annual pay for Medical Appliance Technicians.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
View source ↗

10-year growth

3.7%
Projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
View source ↗

Annual openings

1,500
Projected annual openings, including growth and replacement demand.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
View source ↗

Employment

12,000
Estimated U.S. employment for Medical Appliance Technicians in 2024.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
View source ↗

Jobs added or lost

+400
Projected numeric employment change from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
View source ↗

Entry preparation

High school diploma or equivalent
Typical additional preparation: Moderate-term on-the-job training.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024 profile
View source ↗
O*NET occupation profile

What the work involves

Strongest O*NET signals first.

Essential skills

  1. 1Active Listening
  2. 2Critical Thinking
  3. 3Reading Comprehension
  4. 4Speaking
  5. 5Monitoring
  6. 6Active Learning

Knowledge areas

  1. 1Production and Processing
  2. 2Customer and Personal Service
  3. 3English Language
  4. 4Mechanical
  5. 5Design
  6. 6Education and Training

Abilities

  1. 1Near Vision
  2. 2Oral Comprehension
  3. 3Problem Sensitivity
  4. 4Arm-Hand Steadiness
  5. 5Deductive Reasoning
  6. 6Oral Expression

Career interests

  1. 1Realistic
  2. 2Investigative
  3. 3Conventional
  4. 4Social
  5. 5Artistic
  6. 6Enterprising

Work styles

  1. 1Attention to Detail
  2. 2Dependability
  3. 3Cautiousness
  4. 4Integrity
  5. 5Perseverance
  6. 6Achievement Orientation

Work activities

  1. 1Getting Information
  2. 2Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
  3. 3Making Decisions and Solving Problems
  4. 4Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
  5. 5Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work
  6. 6Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events

Work context

  1. 1Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
  2. 2Exposed to Contaminants
  3. 3Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
  4. 4Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
  5. 5Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
  6. 6Frequency of Decision Making

Representative tasks

  • Drill and tap holes for rivets, and glue, weld, bolt, or rivet parts together to form prosthetic or orthotic devices.
  • Read prescriptions or specifications to determine the type of product or device to be fabricated and the materials and tools required.
  • Make orthotic or prosthetic devices, using materials such as thermoplastic and thermosetting materials, metal alloys and leather, and hand or power tools.
  • Bend, form, and shape fabric or material to conform to prescribed contours of structural components.
  • Construct or receive casts or impressions of patients' torsos or limbs for use as cutting and fabrication patterns.
  • Repair, modify, or maintain medical supportive devices, such as artificial limbs, braces, or surgical supports, according to specifications.
  • Cover or pad metal or plastic structures or devices, using coverings such as rubber, leather, felt, plastic, or fiberglass.
  • Test medical supportive devices for proper alignment, movement, or biomechanical stability, using meters and alignment fixtures.

Software and tools

Autodesk AutoCAD · hot technologyMicrosoft Excel · hot technologyMicrosoft Office software · hot technologyMicrosoft Outlook · hot technologyMicrosoft Word · hot technologyFootmaxx Metascan softwareGait analysis softwareOhio Willow Wood OMEGA Tracer SystemOrthotic fabrication softwareSeattle Systems ShapemakerSoftSource CADviewVorum Research Corporation CANFIT-PLUS

Sources

BLS provides national pay, employment, and projections. O*NET provides skills, interests, preparation, tasks, work context, and tools.

ChooseField compares fields using public labor-market and professional sources.