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Orthotists and Prosthetists in District of Columbia

Orthotists and Prosthetists in District of Columbia

Want to work as an Orthotists and Prosthetists in District of Columbia? Here’s what you need to know. Design, measure, fit, and adapt orthopedic braces, appliances or prostheses, such as limbs or facial parts for patients with disabling conditions.

What do Orthotists and Prosthetists Make in District of Columbia?

The orthotists and prosthetists working in District of Columbia, the median annual wage is $42,540 per year (or about $20.45/hour).Pay can range from $42,540 at the 10th percentile to $88,920 at the 90th percentile.

Wage Statistic Annual Hourly
10th percentile $42,540 $20.45
25th percentile $42,540 $20.45
Median (50th) $42,540 $20.45
75th percentile $42,770 $20.56
90th percentile $88,920 $42.75
Salary ranges for Orthotists and Prosthetists in District of Columbia

The location quotient — a measure of how concentrated this occupation is in District of Columbia relative to the national average — is 2.89, suggesting that orthotists and prosthetists are more concentrated here than the national average.

National Wage Comparison

Nationally, orthotists and prosthetists earn a median of $86,860 per year ($41.76/hour), below the District of Columbia median.

Orthotists and Prosthetists earnings in District of Columbia vs. the national average

Employment Outlook

National employment for 2,935,413 orthotists and prosthetists nationwide. In District of Columbia alone, around 130 people work in this role. That’s in line with the typical state median of 130.

Orthotists and Prosthetists in District of Columbia vs. the average state Forecasted number of jobs for Orthotists and Prosthetists

Top District of Columbia Metros for Orthotists and Prosthetists

The largest metro-area employers of orthotists and prosthetists in District of Columbia.

Metro Area Number Employed Annual Median Salary
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV 190 $42,770

Top States for Orthotists and Prosthetists Employment

The table below shows the states where the most orthotists and prosthetists work.

State Number Employed
California 1,370
Pennsylvania 570
North Carolina 460
Washington 420
Ohio 410
New York 410
Michigan 400
Texas 400
Florida 350
Missouri 310
Massachusetts 240
Georgia 190
Illinois 180
New Jersey 180
New Hampshire 180
Virginia 180
Wisconsin 150
Maine 140
Minnesota 140
District of Columbia 130

Highest-Paying States for Orthotists and Prosthetists

Where orthotists and prosthetists earn the most: orthotists and prosthetists.

State Annual Median Salary
New Jersey $110,760
Maine $98,520
Utah $92,070
California $91,870
Alabama $90,690
Washington $90,240
Mississippi $89,860
South Carolina $89,860
Massachusetts $86,510
Wisconsin $86,290

Skills

Key orthotists and prosthetists skills, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:

Critical Thinking  4.0 / 5
0
5
Reading Comprehension  4.0 / 5
0
5
Active Listening  4.0 / 5
0
5
Writing  4.0 / 5
0
5
Speaking  4.0 / 5
0
5
Complex Problem Solving  3.8 / 5
0
5

Knowledge Areas

Important knowledge areas for this occupation, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:

Customer and Personal Service  4.6 / 5
0
5
Medicine and Dentistry  4.3 / 5
0
5
Therapy and Counseling  4.0 / 5
0
5
Design  4.0 / 5
0
5
English Language  3.9 / 5
0
5
Psychology  3.9 / 5
0
5

Abilities

Top abilities for orthotists and prosthetists, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:

Written Comprehension  4.0 / 5
0
5
Inductive Reasoning  4.0 / 5
0
5
Oral Comprehension  4.0 / 5
0
5
Near Vision  4.0 / 5
0
5
Problem Sensitivity  4.0 / 5
0
5
Oral Expression  4.0 / 5
0
5

Daily Tasks

Common tasks include:

  • Fit, test, and evaluate devices on patients, and make adjustments for proper fit, function, and comfort.
  • Instruct patients in the use and care of orthoses and prostheses.
  • Maintain patients' records.
  • Examine, interview, and measure patients to determine their appliance needs and to identify factors that could affect appliance fit.
  • Select materials and components to be used, based on device design.
  • Design orthopedic and prosthetic devices, based on physicians' prescriptions and examination and measurement of patients.
  • Repair, rebuild, and modify prosthetic and orthopedic appliances.
  • Construct and fabricate appliances, or supervise others constructing the appliances.
  • Make and modify plaster casts of areas to be fitted with prostheses or orthoses to guide the device construction process.
  • Confer with physicians to formulate specifications and prescriptions for orthopedic or prosthetic devices.
  • Show and explain orthopedic and prosthetic appliances to healthcare workers.
  • Train and supervise support staff, such as orthopedic and prosthetic assistants and technicians.

Work Activities

  • Documenting/Recording Information
  • Assisting and Caring for Others
  • Making Decisions and Solving Problems
  • Performing for or Working Directly with the Public
  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
  • Working with Computers
  • Getting Information
  • Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work
  • Processing Information
  • Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
  • Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
  • Thinking Creatively

Tools & Technology

Common tools and software used in this occupation include: Hot technologies: Autodesk AutoCAD

What Major Will Prepare You For This Career?

Several college majors map to this occupation:

  • Rehabilitation Professions

Careers similar to orthotists and prosthetists include:

Also Known As

American Board Certified Orthotist (ABC Orthotist), Artificial Limb Fitter, Board Orthotist, Board Prosthetist, Certified Orthotic Fitter, Certified Orthotist (CO), Certified Pedorthist, Certified Prosthetist (CP), Certified Prosthetist Orthotist (CPO), LPO (Licensed Prosthetist Orthotist), Licensed Orthotist, Licensed Prosthetist, Orthopedic Assistant, Orthopedic Mechanic, Orthotic Clinician.

References

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