Prepare, sterilize, install, or clean laboratory or healthcare equipment. May perform routine laboratory tasks and operate or inspect equipment.
Medical Equipment Preparers
SOC: 31-9093 O*NET: 31-9093.00
Median Salary
$46,490
per year
Job Growth
🚀 10%
Much Faster (2024-2034)
Annual Openings
10.9
projected jobs/year
Education Level
High school diploma or equivalent
Job Zone 2
Prepare, sterilize, install, or clean laboratory or healthcare equipment. May perform routine laboratory tasks and operate or inspect equipment.
What does a Medical Equipment Preparers do?
How much can you earn?
Entry Level
$35,400
10th percentile
Early Career
$38,910
25th percentile
Median
$46,490
50th percentile
Experienced
$56,160
75th percentile
Top Earners
$67,070
90th percentile
National Salary Distribution
10th
$35,400
25th
$38,910
Middle 50%
MEDIAN
$46,490
Mean: $48,990
75th
$56,160
90th
$67,070
Middle 50% of earners
Median salary
Mean (average)
Key Insights
- •Salary range spans $31,670 from entry level to top earners
- •Middle 50% earn between $38,910 and $56,160
- •Salary spread is 37.1% around the median, showing moderate variation
- •Total national employment: 72,760 professionals
What's the job outlook?
Job Market Intelligence
High Demand
Market demand
Medium Risk
Automation risk
Current Employment
National Employment:76,500
Top Industries
Hospitals60.3%
General Medical and Surgical Hospitals59.1%
Ambulatory Health Care Services21.8%
10-Year Outlook
Growth Rate:+10%
Annual Openings:10,900
Employment Projections
2024 (Current)76,500
Current
2034 (Projected)84,200
+10%
+7,600
Employment Change
+10%
Growth Rate
10
Year Projection
Growth Category: Faster than average
Geographic Salary & Employment Data
Explore where Medical Equipment Preparers professionals work across the United States
Showing 15 of 50 locations
California
8,630 jobs$62,7101.01x
New York
5,340 jobs$51,8801.19x
Florida
4,150 jobs$44,0700.90x
Texas
3,790 jobs$46,0100.58x
Ohio
3,210 jobs$44,1501.23x
Illinois
2,860 jobs$47,1001.00x
North Carolina
2,740 jobs$41,5901.18x
Pennsylvania
2,730 jobs$43,9200.96x
Michigan
2,550 jobs$45,2301.23x
New Jersey
2,230 jobs$49,0901.11x
Arizona
2,180 jobs$46,0601.45x
Virginia
2,040 jobs$44,7601.06x
Georgia
1,890 jobs$46,7000.83x
Oregon
1,690 jobs$49,0501.83x
Washington
1,680 jobs$51,1901.01x
Understanding the Data
Location Quotient (LQ):
- • LQ > 1.0: More jobs than national average
- • LQ = 1.0: Same as national average
- • LQ < 1.0: Fewer jobs than national average
Data Source:
Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024
Key Growth Factors
- •Faster than average growth expected
- •High current market demand
What skills do you need?
Top 10 Most Important Skills
#1
Customer and Personal Service
100%
#2
Critical Thinking
100%
#3
Near Vision
100%
#4
Quality Control Analysis
94%
#5
Problem Sensitivity
92%
#6
Monitoring
86%
#7
English Language
86%
#8
Oral Comprehension
82%
#9
Active Listening
80%
#10
Operations Monitoring
74%
Skills Overview
Customer and Personal Service
advanced5.0
100%
Critical Thinking
advanced5.0
100%
Near Vision
advanced5.0
100%
Quality Control Analysis
advanced4.7
94%
Problem Sensitivity
advanced4.6
92%
Monitoring
intermediate4.3
86%
English Language
intermediate4.3
86%
Oral Comprehension
intermediate4.1
82%
Skills are rated on a scale of 0-5, with 5 being the most important. The complexity level indicates how advanced the skill typically needs to be.
Filter:
Sort by:
Customer and Personal Service
advancedImportance100%
knowledge
5.0/5.0
Critical Thinking
advancedImportance100%
abilities
5.0/5.0
Near Vision
advancedImportance100%
abilities
5.0/5.0
Quality Control Analysis
advancedImportance94%
skills
4.7/5.0
Problem Sensitivity
advancedImportance92%
abilities
4.6/5.0
Monitoring
intermediateImportance86%
skills
4.3/5.0
English Language
intermediateImportance86%
knowledge
4.3/5.0
Oral Comprehension
intermediateImportance82%
abilities
4.1/5.0
Active Listening
intermediateImportance80%
skills
4.0/5.0
Operations Monitoring
intermediateImportance74%
skills
3.7/5.0
Oral Expression
intermediateImportance74%
abilities
3.7/5.0
Biology
intermediateImportance70%
knowledge
3.5/5.0
Highly Transferable Skills
These skills are valuable across multiple career paths, making career transitions easier:
Extruding, Forming, Pressing, and Compacting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders73%
5 shared skills
Engine and Other Machine Assemblers70%
5 shared skills
Adhesive Bonding Machine Operators and Tenders67%
5 shared skills
Agricultural Inspectors67%
5 shared skills
Carpenters67%
5 shared skills
Food and Tobacco Roasting, Baking, and Drying Machine Operators and Tenders67%
5 shared skills
Skills by Career Stage
Entry Level
Must Have:
- ✓Monitoring
- ✓Active Listening
- ✓Customer and Personal Service
- ✓English Language
Learn on the Job:
- →Troubleshooting
- →Speaking
- →Production and Processing
Mid Career
Expected:
- ✓Quality Control Analysis
- ✓Monitoring
- ✓Active Listening
- ✓Customer and Personal Service
- ✓English Language
Senior Level
Mastery Required:
- ★Quality Control Analysis
- ★Active Listening
- ★Customer and Personal Service
- ★English Language
- ★Critical Thinking
Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on developing the top 5 skills first - they have the highest impact on career success
- •Transferable skills open doors to related careers and provide flexibility
- •Balance technical skills with soft skills for well-rounded professional development
- •Entry-level positions prioritize foundational skills that can be built upon over time
What technology will you use?
Technology & Digital Skills
Essential technology proficiencies for Medical Equipment Preparers
Technology Intensity
High
Digital Literacy Requirements
This career requires advanced digital literacy
1
Basic
2
Intermediate
3
Advanced
4
Expert
Key Digital Competencies:
Proficiency with specialized softwareTechnical documentationData analysis toolsSystem integration
🔥
Hot Technologies in Demand
These technologies are currently trending and highly sought after in this field
Microsoft SharePoint
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Outlook
🔥 Hot TecheClinicalWorks EHR software
🔥 Hot TechMEDITECH software
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Office software
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft PowerPoint
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Excel
🔥 Hot TechKronos Workforce Timekeeper
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Word
🔥 Hot TechTechnology Stack
Technology Stack Overview
Key technologies used in this career
Microsoft SharePoint
Microsoft Outlook
eClinicalWorks EHR software
MEDITECH software
Microsoft Office software
Microsoft PowerPoint
Microsoft Excel
Kronos Workforce Timekeeper
Microsoft Word
📚 Technology Learning Resources
Recommended Certifications
- •Vendor-specific software certifications
- •Industry-recognized technology credentials
- •Professional development courses
Online Learning Platforms
- •LinkedIn Learning - Comprehensive technology courses
- •Coursera - University-level programs
- •Udemy - Practical skills training
💡 Technology Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on mastering hot technologies first - they're currently most in-demand
- •Build a portfolio demonstrating your proficiency with key tools and software
- •Stay current through continuous learning - technology evolves rapidly
- •Consider vendor certifications to validate your skills to employers
What's the work environment like?
🏢
Location
MOSTLY INDOOR
💪
Physical Demand
MODERATE
👥
Team Orientation
MOSTLY TEAM
🤝
Customer Interaction
CONSTANT
💡Is This Work Environment Right for You?
Consider these factors when evaluating if you'll thrive in this work environment:
- •Are you comfortable working in mostly indoor environments?
- •Can you meet moderate physical demands?
- •Do you enjoy mostly team team environments?
- •Are you comfortable working with safety protocols and protective equipment?
What are the key tasks?
Tasks & Responsibilities
15
Core Tasks
8
Daily Tasks
20
Work Activities
0
Emerging Tasks
Filter:
Sort by:
General Responsibilities (11)Documentation & Record-Keeping (4)
1
Organize and assemble routine or specialty surgical instrument trays or other sterilized supplies, filling special requests as needed.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities100% perform100%
2
Clean instruments to prepare them for sterilization.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Documentation & Record-Keeping97% perform98%
3
Operate and maintain steam autoclaves, keeping records of loads completed, items in loads, and maintenance procedures performed.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Documentation & Record-Keeping94% perform96%
4
Record sterilizer test results.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Documentation & Record-Keeping91% perform94%
5
Disinfect and sterilize equipment, such as respirators, hospital beds, or oxygen or dialysis equipment, using sterilizers, aerators, or washers.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities88% perform92%
6
Start equipment and observe gauges and equipment operation to detect malfunctions and to ensure equipment is operating to prescribed standards.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities85% perform90%
7
Examine equipment to detect leaks, worn or loose parts, or other indications of disrepair.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities82% perform88%
8
Report defective equipment to appropriate supervisors or staff.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities79% perform86%
9
Check sterile supplies to ensure that they are not outdated.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
General Responsibilities76% perform84%
10
Attend hospital in-service programs related to areas of work specialization.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
General Responsibilities73% perform82%
💡 Key Takeaways
- •Daily tasks focus primarily on general responsibilities activities
- •47% of tasks are performed by most workers in this occupation
- •Career advancement brings increased leadership and strategic responsibilities
What career paths are available?
Career Pathways
0
Advancement Opportunities
0
Lateral Move Options
0%
Avg. Salary Increase
Advancement Opportunities
Typical career progression paths from Medical Equipment Preparers
💡 Career Planning Tips
- •Most successful advancement happens after 3-5 years of experience
- •Lateral moves can provide valuable cross-functional experience for future leadership roles
- •Focus on developing skills that are transferable across multiple career paths
- •Consider industry trends when planning long-term career moves
Is this career right for you?
Personality & Values Fit
Is This Career Right for You?
Medical Equipment Preparers professionals typically have a RCI Holland code and highly value support
RRealistic
CConventional
IInvestigative
Important Personality Traits
Work styles that contribute to success as a Medical Equipment Preparers
Attention to Detail
CriticalAttention to Detail
Importance Level4.71
Dependability
CriticalDependability
Importance Level4.59
Cooperation
Very ImportantCooperation
Importance Level4.46
Independence
Very ImportantIndependence
Importance Level4.43
Stress Tolerance
Very ImportantStress Tolerance
Importance Level4.37
Integrity
Very ImportantIntegrity
Importance Level4.33
Complete Work Styles Profile
Attention to Detail
4.7
Dependability
4.6
Cooperation
4.5
Independence
4.4
Stress Tolerance
4.4
Integrity
4.3
Concern for Others
4.3
Social Orientation
4.3
Adaptability/Flexibility
4.2
Self-Control
4.2
💡 Tips for Career Fit Success
- •While personality fit is important, skills can be developed with practice and training
- •Consider informational interviews to better understand the day-to-day personality requirements
- •Work environments vary by employer - research specific companies for cultural fit
- •Your interests and values may evolve - reassess periodically throughout your career
What education is required?
Education Level
High school diploma or equivalent
Typical duration: High school diploma or GED
Preparation Level
Job Zone 2
Some Preparation Needed
Experience Needed
Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience may be helpful
📚 Education Requirement
Required Level:High school diploma or equivalent
These occupations usually require a high school diploma and may require some vocational training or job-related course work.
Training:
Training of a few months to a year
💼 Experience Requirement
Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience may be helpful
Common pathways to gain experience:
- • Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience
- • Vocational school programs (6 months to 2 years)
- • Industry certifications helpful
2
Job Zone Two: Some Preparation Needed
These occupations usually require a high school diploma and may require some vocational training or job-related course work.
Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experienceVocational school programs (6 months to 2 years)Industry certifications helpful
Ready to Start Your Journey?
Explore educational programs that can help you become a Medical Equipment Preparers.
Browse Training Programs →Trade Colleges That Train for Medical Equipment Preparers
Top trade colleges by completions in fields that prepare students for this career.
Ivy Tech Community College
Indianapolis, IN
11.1k program completions/year
Des Moines Area Community College
Ankeny, IA
2.2k program completions/year
South Florida Institute of Technology
Miami, FL
1.8k program completions/year
Hondros College of Nursing
Columbus, OH
1.7k program completions/year
Northwest Career College
Las Vegas, NV
1.5k program completions/year
Mountainland Technical College
Lehi, UT
1.4k program completions/year
Northeast Wisconsin Technical College
Green Bay, WI
1.3k program completions/year
Gateway Technical College
Kenosha, WI
1.3k program completions/year
College of Lake County
Grayslake, IL
1.3k program completions/year
Central Georgia Technical College
Warner Robins, GA
1.2k program completions/year
Bluegrass Community and Technical College
Lexington, KY
1.2k program completions/year
American Career College-Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA
1.2k program completions/year
From the Blog
Tools & Equipment
Essential Tools & Gear for Culinary Arts Students: A Complete Guide
Discover the must-have tools, safety gear, and equipment every culinary arts student needs — from knife kits to cookware, with budget tiers and buying advice.
Trade Programs
Medical Billing vs Medical Assistant: Two Healthcare Paths, Two Pay Ceilings
A side-by-side comparison of two of the most popular allied-health entry points — medical billing and coding versus medical assisting — covering training time, certification cost, BLS salary data, work environment, and the very different career ceilings that follow each path.
Career Guidance
Trade Careers That Don't Require Heavy Physical Labor
Not all trade careers involve heavy lifting — discover 7 well-paying trade paths that are primarily desk-based, diagnostic, or computer-driven, with salary data and training requirements for each.