Orthotists and Prosthetists vs. Registered Nurses: Who Earns More?
Registered Nurses out-earn Orthotists and Prosthetists by $16K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Orthotists and Prosthetists land at $81,110 and Registered Nurses at $97,550. The education gap is real: orthotists and prosthetist programs typically require bachelor's degree, while registered nurse programs require bachelor's degree. Top-paying state for Orthotists and Prosthetists is New Jersey ($118,950); for Registered Nurses it's California ($140,270).
Pay by state
States where both occupations have BLS data, sorted by Orthotists and Prosthetists median pay.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025. Highlighted value is higher in each row.
Common questions
Who earns more, Orthotists and Prosthetists or Registered Nurses?
Registered Nurses earn more nationally. The median is $81,110 for Orthotists and Prosthetists versus $97,550 for Registered Nurses, a difference of $16K. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.
Which has better job growth, Orthotists and Prosthetists or Registered Nurses?
Orthotists and Prosthetists has the better 10-year outlook at 13.3% projected growth, compared to 4.9% for the other field. Both are from BLS Employment Projections.
Which requires more education, Orthotists and Prosthetists or Registered Nurses?
Orthotists and Prosthetists typically requires bachelor's degree. Registered Nurses requires bachelor's degree. Education requirements vary by employer and state licensing board.
Where do Orthotists and Prosthetists get paid the most?
New Jersey is the top-paying state for Orthotists and Prosthetists at $118,950/year, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Major metro areas within that state typically pay even more than the state average.
How does Orthotists and Prosthetists vs. Registered Nurses pay differ by state?
The gap varies significantly by state. In New Jersey, Orthotists and Prosthetists earn $118,950 vs. $106,500 for Registered Nurses. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.