SOC 51-9082
Medical Appliance Technicians
Risk Score
โ ๏ธ41/100
Elevated
US Employment
๐ฅ11,490
Total workers
Median Wage
๐ฐ$47K
$37K โ $75K
Projected Growth
๐+3.7%
2023-2033 (BLS)
GenAI Exposure
๐ค10/100
Low exposure
๐ก Medical Appliance Technicians face a risk score of 41/100 โ 3 points below the national average of 44. With only 10/100 GenAI exposure, most core tasks remain resistant to current AI capabilities. See our methodology โ
๐ก Workers in this field earn $47K ($750 above the national median). The 3 recommended career transitions all maintain competitive wages while reducing automation exposure. Explore transition paths โ
๐ AI Impact Analysis
With a risk score of 41/100, Medical Appliance Technicians faces moderate automation pressure. While tasks like predictive maintenance reducing manual inspection roles are increasingly handled by AI, the role retains significant human elements. The 11,490 workers in this occupation should focus on strengthening skills in setup and calibration of custom production runs and quality judgment requiring tactile and visual inspection to stay ahead. The role will likely evolve rather than disappear.
Will AI Replace Medical Appliance Technicians?
Read our full analysis with verdict, risk factors, safe tasks, and career transition paths โ
โ ๏ธ Top Risk Factors
Predictive maintenance reducing manual inspection roles
Automated CNC programming and machine operation
Smart factory scheduling and production optimization
AI quality inspection via computer vision systems
๐ก๏ธ Tasks Safe from Automation
Setup and calibration of custom production runs
Quality judgment requiring tactile and visual inspection
Handling non-standard materials and configurations
Troubleshooting complex equipment malfunctions
๐ Task Automation Breakdown
Based on O*NET task analysis and GenAI exposure scoring. Shows the estimated proportion of this occupation's core tasks that are automatable by current AI, augmented by AI tools, or require essential human skills.
๐ O*NET Task Profile
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.
๐ป Technology Skills
Computer aided design CAD software
Medical software
Spreadsheet software
Office suite software
Electronic mail software
๐ Key Knowledge Areas
Production and Processing
Customer and Personal Service
English Language
Mechanical
Design
๐ vs National Average
National avg: $46K
National avg: 44/100
National avg: 38/100
National avg: 3.7%
๐ Career Transition Paths
| Occupation | Risk | Wage | Overlap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engineers | 20 | $106K | 67% |
| First-Line Supervisors of Transportation and Material Moving Workers, Except Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors | 25 | $62K | 57% |
| Fabric and Apparel Patternmakers | 33 | $68K | 76% |