Medical Equipment Preparers
O*NET 31-9093.00 · SOC 31-9093
Medical Equipment Preparer is a solid career choice. Median pay is $48k a year with +10.8% projected growth through 2035 (faster than average) and about 10,700 openings a year. AI exposure: Elevated.
Bureau of Labor Statistics projections 2025–2035 · Data updated 2026-07-27
What You'd Actually Do
- →Sterilize surgical instruments using autoclaves and chemical disinfectants
- →Assemble procedure trays with correct instruments for each surgery
- →Inspect equipment for damage or defects before patient use
- →Maintain inventory of sterile supplies and reorder as needed
- →Deliver sterilized equipment to operating rooms and procedure areas
Education & How to Get In
Medical Equipment Preparer roles typically require a high school diploma or equivalent, with most training happening on the job. This makes it one of the more accessible career paths, you can often start working while earning certifications or completing short-term training programs.
Get Started Learning
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Work Environment
Hands-on, labs, workshops, or field sites
Mixed, alternates between solo focused work and collaboration
A Day in the Life
While every role varies by employer and specialization, a typical day as a Medical Equipment Preparer involves a mix of core responsibilities:
Personality Fit (RIASEC)
Who Thrives as Medical Equipment Preparer?
Based on the interests and work style this role actually demands, these personality types tend to fit it best. Salary and growth tell you if a career is worth entering; personality fit tells you whether you'll still want it in five years.
Not sure which you are? Take the 7-minute quiz →
See Open Medical Equipment Preparer Roles
Browse live openings to get a feel for requirements and pay in your area.
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Job Outlook
Employment of Medical Equipment Preparers is projected to grow 10.8% from 2025 to 2035, faster than average for all occupations. The BLS flags this as a Bright Outlook occupation.
Will AI Replace This Job?
- ·46% routine cognitive tasks, high automation target
- ·36% physical tasks, limited by robotics progress
- ·Industry sector with low automation exposure
Scored from the mix of routine, creative, physical and social tasks the role involves, adjusted for sector and projected growth. An estimate, not a forecast.
Common Questions
How much does a Medical Equipment Preparer make?
The median Medical Equipment Preparer earns $48k a year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' May 2025 wage data. Half earn more than that and half earn less, and pay varies considerably by state, industry and experience.
Will AI replace Medical Equipment Preparer jobs?
Our model puts Medical Equipment Preparer at 45 out of 100 for automation exposure, which is elevated disruption risk. The main drivers: 46% routine cognitive tasks, high automation target; 36% physical tasks, limited by robotics progress.
Is Medical Equipment Preparer a growing field?
Employment is projected to grow 10.8% between 2025 and 2035, which is faster than average. That works out to roughly 10,700 openings a year, counting both new positions and people leaving the occupation.
What degree do you need to be a Medical Equipment Preparer?
Most Medical Equipment Preparer roles need a high school diploma or equivalent, with training happening on the job. A degree is not the usual route in.
How long does it take to become a Medical Equipment Preparer?
Typically under a year, usually a high school diploma plus short training. O*NET classes this role as Job Zone 2 of 5, which describes how much preparation people in it usually have.
Is a Medical Equipment Preparer career right for you?
Your personality, values, and strengths matter as much as the job market. Take the quiz to see your personalized Future-Fit Score for this career and hundreds more.
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