Medical Equipment Preparers Salary 2025: $47,700 Median, 10% Job Growth
Medical Equipment Preparers earned a median salary of $47,700 in 2024, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The mean hourly wage is about $23, with the top 10% earning above $69,950 and the bottom 10% below $36,410. With 77,420 people employed in the occupation and a projected 10% growth rate—much faster than average—this is a stable, accessible healthcare role that pays a solid middle-class wage.
How much Medical Equipment Preparers earn
The national median salary for Medical Equipment Preparers is $47,700 per year. Half of workers earn between roughly $36,410 and $69,950, representing the 10th and 90th percentiles. The mean annual wage is $50,510, which works out to about $23 per hour.
Pay varies by experience, employer, and location. Hospitals and surgical centers tend to pay near the median, while government and outpatient clinics may offer different scales.
Pay by state
Where you work matters a lot for this occupation. The highest-paying state is California, with an average salary of $61,370. Washington follows at $58,830, Massachusetts at $58,580, New York at $57,320, and Delaware at $53,300.
At the lower end, Louisiana pays an average of $35,960, Alabama $35,800, and Mississippi $35,160. That's a gap of roughly $26,000 between the highest and lowest states.
How to become a Medical Equipment Preparer
Most Medical Equipment Preparers enter the field with a high school diploma or equivalent. On-the-job training is common, lasting a few weeks to a few months. Some employers prefer candidates with a postsecondary certificate in sterile processing or a related field, but it's not always required.
Steps include: earning a high school diploma or GED; applying for entry-level positions in hospitals, surgical centers, or clinics; completing on-the-job training; and optionally earning the Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) credential through the Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA) to improve job prospects.
- High school diploma or equivalent (required)
- On-the-job training (typically 1–3 months)
- Optional certification: CRCST from HSPA or CBSPD
- No state license required in most states
Job outlook
Employment of Medical Equipment Preparers is projected to grow 10% from 2024 to 2034, much faster than the average for all occupations. That translates to about 10,900 new job openings each year, many of them due to replacement needs as workers retire or leave the field.
The demand is driven by an aging population requiring more surgeries and medical procedures, plus advances in medical equipment that need careful handling and sterilization.
Frequently asked questions
What is the starting salary for a Medical Equipment Preparer?
Entry-level workers (10th percentile) earn about $36,410 or less. Most start near the bottom of the range and move up with experience.
Do I need a degree to become a Medical Equipment Preparer?
No, a high school diploma is typically sufficient. Many employers provide on-the-job training. Certification can help with advancement but is not mandatory.
What states pay Medical Equipment Preparers the most?
California ($61,370), Washington ($58,830), Massachusetts ($58,580), New York ($57,320), and Delaware ($53,300) are the top-paying states.
Salary figures are U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates (OEWS / Employment Projections). For informational purposes only; not career or financial advice. See the full Medical Equipment Preparers data.