Orthotech pay increases by 3% in 2008

A copy of the full report, which includes detailed analysis and informative salary charts, is provided exclusively to NAOT members. For more information, please contact (317) 205-9484 or naot@hp-assoc.com.

The average salary for an orthopaedic technologist increased slightly between 2006 and 2008, according to the results of the National Association of Orthopaedic Technologists’ (NAOT) compensation and benefits survey.  The report, based on data provided by nearly 300 orthotechs from around the country, found the average 2008 salary was $44,458, a 3% increase from the 2006 average of $43,231.

A composite of all data collected in 2008 found that orthotechs have, on average, 23.5 years of experience, have worked 9 years for their current employer, have earned their OTC credential, work 44 hours per week, have health insurance through their employer but the employee pays $165 of the monthly premium, and the employer pays $1,037 per year for professional education.

The NAOT salary survey provides average salaries based on years of experience, geographic region, type of employment, level of education, and certification.  In addition, valuable data on after-hour-call pay, health and life insurance benefits, flex time and average amount of employer-funded continuing education was collected. 

Starting salary for orthotechs with 1-3 years experience decreased by nearly 7% with an average 2008 salary of $29,375, while their counterparts with 20+ years experience saw a 17% increase in their earnings.   Orthotechs with 4-5 years of experience averaged $35,417 in annual salary; 6-10 years - $42,049; 11-15 years - $48,041; 16-20 years - $43,750; 21-24 years - $58,333; and 25+ years - $56,136.

With regard to employment status, 76% indicated that they were full-time, but paid hourly, 19% held a full-time, salaried position, and only 5% stated that they had a part-time position that paid hourly.  Orthopaedic technologists working in a private-practice environment saw an average 12% increase in their salaries, and earned more than their counterparts working in hospital and clinical settings.  The average 2008 salary for orthotechs working in a private practice setting was $47,703, compared to $43,500 in the military, $42,743 in a hospital and $39,310 in a clinic.

Orthotechs certified by the National Board for Certification of Orthopaedic Technologists (NBCOT) continue to significantly out earn their non-certified counterparts – in 2008, the difference was $10,000.  OTCs saw a 4% increase in their earnings between 2006 and 2008, while non-certified orthotechs experienced a 4% decrease.