Analytical and numerical models are developed to investigate the effect of orthotropy on the stress distribution in variable thickness solid and annular rotating disks. The plastic treatment is based on Hill&rsquo / s quadratic yield criterion, total deformation theory, and Swift&rsquo / s hardening law. The elastic-plastic stress distributions, residual stresses and radial displacement distributions are obtained after having analysed the cases of rotating solid disk, annular disk with rigid inclusion, annular disk subjected to either internal or external pressure. Thermal loading is also considered for the annular disk with rigid inclusion. Effects of different values of elastic and plastic orthotropy parameters are investigated. It is observed that the elastic orthotropy significantly affects the residual stresses in disks. The most remarkable effect of the plastic orthotropy is observed on the disk with rigid inclusion.