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Medical Equipment Preparers

Job Zone 2 - Some preparation needed

Prepare, sterilize, install, or clean laboratory or healthcare equipment. May perform routine laboratory tasks and operate or inspect equipment.

Pay & job outlook

Median pay: $47,700/yr (U.S. national, May 2025)

$36,410$69,950

Typical range nationwide (10th–90th percentile). This is a population snapshot, not a personal prediction - actual pay varies by location, employer, and experience.

Job outlook: +10% projected growth, 20242034 — much faster than average.

About 10,900 openings per year, on average, over the decade.

Typical entry-level education: High school diploma or equivalent.

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS and Employment Projections.

Top skills
Critical ThinkingQuality Control AnalysisMonitoringOperations MonitoringActive ListeningReading ComprehensionSpeakingTroubleshootingActive LearningCoordination
Top knowledge areas
Customer and Personal ServiceEnglish LanguageBiologyProduction and ProcessingPublic Safety and SecurityAdministrativeChemistryMathematics
Core tasks

Operate and maintain steam autoclaves, keeping records of loads completed, items in loads, and maintenance procedures performed.

Clean instruments to prepare them for sterilization.

Record sterilizer test results.

Organize and assemble routine or specialty surgical instrument trays or other sterilized supplies, filling special requests as needed.

Examine equipment to detect leaks, worn or loose parts, or other indications of disrepair.

Report defective equipment to appropriate supervisors or staff.

Maintain records of inventory or equipment usage and order medical instruments or supplies when inventory is low.

Stock crash carts or other medical supplies.

Frequently asked questions

What's the median pay for Medical Equipment Preparers?

The median pay for Medical Equipment Preparers is $47,700 per year, per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

What's the job outlook for Medical Equipment Preparers?

Employment for Medical Equipment Preparers is projected to change +10% from 2024 to 2034 - much faster than average.

What education is typically required for Medical Equipment Preparers?

Typical entry-level education: High school diploma or equivalent.

How many job openings are there each year for Medical Equipment Preparers?

About 10,900 openings per year, on average, over the decade.