Medical appliance technicians
SOC Code: 51-9082
Medical appliance technicians carries a 24% AI exposure score (Medium automation risk), with a median annual wage of $47,060 and +3.7% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 12,000 workers. Full task breakdown, skills, and employer data are below.
Proportion of tasks susceptible to AI automation (O*NET analysis)
AI Exposure vs Industry Growth
Total occupations tracked
832
Covering all SOC major groups
Data currency
2024
BLS Employment Projections
AI exposure avg
40%
Fleet-wide median across all roles
Composite score weighing O*NET task data completeness, BLS projection methodology, and cross-validation with employer risk grades.
Employment Projections
Occupation Insight
Medical appliance technicians (SOC 51-9082) carries an AI exposure score of 24%, placing it in the Medium automation-risk tier. This score is computed from O*NET Database 30.0 task-level analysis, where each task an occupation performs is evaluated against current generative AI, robotic process automation, and machine-learning capabilities. A score below 40% reflects tasks anchored in physical dexterity, unstructured environments, or high-touch human interaction that current AI cannot reliably replicate.
The economic context matters alongside the risk score. BLS counted approximately 12,000 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a +3.7% change through 2034 — modest growth that keeps the occupation viable even as tasks evolve. Median annual compensation stands at $47,060, reflecting both skill scarcity and the value employers place on the tasks that remain difficult to automate. Entry typically requires High school diploma or equivalent, plus None of related experience.
For career planners, this profile should be read alongside the task, skill, and knowledge breakdowns below and the list of employers whose workforce composition includes Medical appliance technicians. Adjacent occupations shown further down offer lateral moves that preserve industry knowledge while potentially reducing exposure. Pair the AI exposure score with the BLS employment projection and wage percentiles above for a complete career assessment.
Education & Entry Requirements
Top Tasks (O*NET)
- 1. Drill and tap holes for rivets, and glue, weld, bolt, or rivet parts together to form prosthetic or orthotic devices.
- 2. Read prescriptions or specifications to determine the type of product or device to be fabricated and the materials and tools required.
- 3. Make orthotic or prosthetic devices, using materials such as thermoplastic and thermosetting materials, metal alloys and leather, and hand or power tools.
- 4. Bend, form, and shape fabric or material to conform to prescribed contours of structural components.
- 5. Construct or receive casts or impressions of patients' torsos or limbs for use as cutting and fabrication patterns.
- 6. Repair, modify, or maintain medical supportive devices, such as artificial limbs, braces, or surgical supports, according to specifications.
- 7. Cover or pad metal or plastic structures or devices, using coverings such as rubber, leather, felt, plastic, or fiberglass.
- 8. Test medical supportive devices for proper alignment, movement, or biomechanical stability, using meters and alignment fixtures.
- 9. Lay out and mark dimensions of parts, using templates and precision measuring instruments.
- 10. Fit appliances onto patients, and make any necessary adjustments.
Key Skills Required
- Active Listening
- Critical Thinking
- Quality Control Analysis
- Reading Comprehension
- Speaking
- Troubleshooting
- Social Perceptiveness
- Operations Monitoring
- Complex Problem Solving
- Monitoring
Knowledge Areas
- Production and Processing
- Customer and Personal Service
- English Language
- Mechanical
- Design
- Education and Training
- Mathematics
- Administration and Management
- Administrative
- Engineering and Technology
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Medical appliance technicians?
Medical appliance technicians has an AI exposure score of 24%, indicating a medium level of automation risk. The majority of tasks in this role require human judgment, creativity, or physical presence that AI cannot easily replicate.
What is the job outlook for Medical appliance technicians?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Medical appliance technicians is projected to grow by 3.7% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 12,000 workers.
What skills are needed for Medical appliance technicians?
Key skills for Medical appliance technicians include Active Listening, Critical Thinking, Quality Control Analysis, and others. Typical entry-level education is High school diploma or equivalent.
How much do Medical appliance technicians earn?
The median annual wage for Medical appliance technicians is $47,060, according to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Actual earnings vary by location, experience, industry, and employer. The BLS publishes detailed wage percentiles by region in its Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program.
What education is required for Medical appliance technicians?
The typical entry-level education for Medical appliance technicians is High school diploma or equivalent. Employers generally expect None of related work experience. On-the-job training typically involves Moderate-term on-the-job training. Requirements can vary by employer and specialization.
Which companies employ Medical appliance technicians?
Medical appliance technicians roles exist across many industries and employers. Workforce composition is estimated from BLS industry-occupation employment distributions matched to SEC-registered public companies.
AI Exposure Rating
Medium automation risk based on 10 analyzed tasks. Most tasks require human judgment and are resistant to automation.
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Data sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2024–2034 and O*NET Database 30.0. Employment figures are rounded. Wage data from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics (OES).