Orthotist vs podiatrist

The differences between orthotists and podiatrists can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 1-2 years to become an orthotist, becoming a podiatrist takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a podiatrist has an average salary of $94,771, which is higher than the $52,238 average annual salary of an orthotist.

The top three skills for an orthotist include patients, orthotics and prosthetics. The most important skills for a podiatrist are patients, EMR, and patient care.

Orthotist vs podiatrist overview

	Orthotist	Podiatrist
Yearly salary	$52,238	$94,771
Hourly rate	$25.11	$45.56
Growth rate	17%	2%
Number of jobs	341	16,003
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 50%	Bachelor's Degree, 37%
Average age	43	47
Years of experience	2	4

Orthotist vs podiatrist salary

Orthotists and podiatrists have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Orthotist	Podiatrist
Average salary	$52,238	$94,771
Salary range	Between $24,000 And $110,000	Between $49,000 And $181,000
Highest paying City	Scranton, PA	Rockville, MD
Highest paying state	Alaska	Maryland
Best paying company	University of Rochester	Baylor Scott & White Health
Best paying industry	-	Health Care

Differences between orthotist and podiatrist education

There are a few differences between an orthotist and a podiatrist in terms of educational background:

	Orthotist	Podiatrist
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 50%	Bachelor's Degree, 37%
Most common major	Psychology	Podiatric Medicine
Most common college	Duke University	Kent State University

Orthotist vs podiatrist demographics

Here are the differences between orthotists' and podiatrists' demographics:

	Orthotist	Podiatrist
Average age	43	47
Gender ratio	Male, 75.0% Female, 25.0%	Male, 39.9% Female, 60.1%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 8.9% Unknown, 5.2% Hispanic or Latino, 18.2% Asian, 7.2% White, 59.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7%	Black or African American, 1.9% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 6.0% Asian, 13.3% White, 73.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1%
LGBT Percentage	8%	36%

Differences between orthotist and podiatrist duties and responsibilities

Orthotist example responsibilities.

Provide detail patient management to patient of proper use of custom and/or off-the-shelf orthotics as were prescribe.
Designate as department's long-term EMR 'super user' for inpatient and outpatient services.
Research products to ensure cost efficient materials are used for the most cost effective products build and make for patients.
Experience with microprocessor knees, body power and myoelectric upper extremity prosthetics.
Work as a certify breast prosthetic fitter.
Fabricate orthotic devices, including development of designs, selection of materials, and structural evaluation and modification.

Podiatrist example responsibilities.

Manage all incoming medical records requests (ensuring office is within HIPPA guidelines).
Utilize ultrasound, x-ray, casting, and orthotics.
Adhere to OSHA, CILA and HIPPA regulations.
Schedule appointments, register patients and verify patients' eligibility and claims status with insurance agencies.
Perform evaluations and treatments of patients with vascular, dermatological, orthopedic and neurological problems of the lower extremity.
Assist Dr.Guidice in office surgeries.

Orthotist vs podiatrist skills

Common orthotist skills

Patients, 51%
Orthotics, 14%
Prosthetics, 8%
Patients Needs, 7%
Treatment Plan, 6%
Health Professionals, 4%

Common podiatrist skills

Patients, 32%
EMR, 16%
Patient Care, 11%
Medical Care, 6%
Ankle, 4%
Test Results, 4%

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Orthotist
Orthotist vs Podiatrist

Updated January 8, 2025

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