Orthotists and prosthetists
SOC Code: 29-2091
Orthotists and prosthetists carries a 21% AI exposure score (Medium automation risk), with a median annual wage of $78,310 and +13.3% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 10,100 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
Orthotists and prosthetists (SOC 29-2091) carries an AI exposure score of 21%, 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 10,100 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a +13.3% change through 2034 — a strong growth outlook that compensates meaningfully for automation risk. Median annual compensation stands at $78,310, reflecting both skill scarcity and the value employers place on the tasks that remain difficult to automate. Entry typically requires Master's degree, 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 Orthotists and prosthetists. 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. Fit, test, and evaluate devices on patients, and make adjustments for proper fit, function, and comfort.
- 2. Instruct patients in the use and care of orthoses and prostheses.
- 3. Maintain patients' records.
- 4. Examine, interview, and measure patients to determine their appliance needs and to identify factors that could affect appliance fit.
- 5. Select materials and components to be used, based on device design.
- 6. Design orthopedic and prosthetic devices, based on physicians' prescriptions and examination and measurement of patients.
- 7. Repair, rebuild, and modify prosthetic and orthopedic appliances.
- 8. Construct and fabricate appliances, or supervise others constructing the appliances.
- 9. Make and modify plaster casts of areas to be fitted with prostheses or orthoses to guide the device construction process.
- 10. Confer with physicians to formulate specifications and prescriptions for orthopedic or prosthetic devices.
Key Skills Required
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Writing
- Speaking
- Critical Thinking
- Active Learning
- Social Perceptiveness
- Service Orientation
- Complex Problem Solving
- Monitoring
Knowledge Areas
- Customer and Personal Service
- Medicine and Dentistry
- Design
- Therapy and Counseling
- English Language
- Psychology
- Mechanical
- Education and Training
- Production and Processing
- Administration and Management
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Orthotists and prosthetists?
Orthotists and prosthetists has an AI exposure score of 21%, 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 Orthotists and prosthetists?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Orthotists and prosthetists is projected to grow by 13.3% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 10,100 workers.
What skills are needed for Orthotists and prosthetists?
Key skills for Orthotists and prosthetists include Reading Comprehension, Active Listening, Writing, and others. Typical entry-level education is Master's degree.
How much do Orthotists and prosthetists earn?
The median annual wage for Orthotists and prosthetists is $78,310, 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 Orthotists and prosthetists?
The typical entry-level education for Orthotists and prosthetists is Master's degree. Employers generally expect None of related work experience. On-the-job training typically involves Internship/residency. Requirements can vary by employer and specialization.
Which companies employ Orthotists and prosthetists?
Orthotists and prosthetists 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.
Related Occupations
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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).