How to become a medical equipment preparer

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

Steps to get there

Most employers expect usually requires a high school diploma or ged, though some occupations may not..Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training.

What medical equipment preparers do

• Examine equipment to detect leaks, worn or loose parts, or other indications of disrepair.
• Record sterilizer test results.
• Operate and maintain steam autoclaves, keeping records of loads completed, items in loads, and maintenance procedures performed.
• Disinfect and sterilize equipment, such as respirators, hospital beds, or oxygen or dialysis equipment, using sterilizers, aerators, or washers.
• Maintain records of inventory or equipment usage and order medical instruments or supplies when inventory is low.
• Report defective equipment to appropriate supervisors or staff.

Skills that matter most

• Critical Thinking
• Monitoring
• Active Listening
• Reading Comprehension
• Speaking
• Active Learning
• Writing
• Learning Strategies

Is medical equipment preparer a good career?

On the numbers, this job is close to the average across occupations. Median pay is 6% below the all-occupation median. Whether it fits you depends on the work itself, the schooling you are willing to do and where you want to live.

Where it pays most

• California $61,370
• Washington $58,830
• Massachusetts $58,580
• New York $57,320
• Delaware $53,300

Medical Equipment Preparers salary by state and city

Sources: O*NET® 31.0 (CC BY 4.0, USDOL/ETA) and BLS Employment Projections 2025–35. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025.