Medical Equipment Preparers
Medical equipment preparers sterilize, clean, and maintain laboratory and healthcare equipment used in hospitals, clinics, and diagnostic facilities. They prepare instruments for procedures, operate sterilization equipment, and perform routine inspections and maintenance tasks. This work ensures equipment functions safely and meets infection control standards.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against medical equipment preparers and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
A typical week involves cleaning and sterilizing surgical instruments and medical devices using specialized equipment like autoclaves. Preparers inspect equipment for damage, document maintenance activities, and organize instruments for storage or transport to operating rooms and departments. They follow established protocols for handling hazardous materials and may assist with equipment installation or troubleshooting when needed.
Who this work suits
Holland code RCI. Realistic work is hands-on, practical work with tools, machines or the outdoors. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You thrive in structured environments with clear procedures and prefer concrete, hands-on tasks. You're reliable and detail-oriented, comfortable following established protocols, and satisfied by the tangible results of keeping equipment functional and safe for patient care.
What it takes
Preparation: Some preparation (usually high school; some on-the-job training). Most people in this occupation hold a certificate or training program.
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | $49,650 | $61,370 | $77,660 | 8,720 |
| Washington | $47,440 | $58,830 | $63,700 | 1,670 |
| Massachusetts | $48,650 | $58,580 | $63,710 | 1,900 |
| New York | $46,890 | $57,320 | $62,250 | 5,190 |
| Delaware | $49,870 | $53,300 | $58,460 | 190 |
| Hawaii | $49,600 | $51,630 | $58,700 | 220 |
| Rhode Island | $47,580 | $51,460 | $59,610 | 190 |
| New Jersey | $48,060 | $50,280 | $60,260 | 2,440 |
| Minnesota | $46,330 | $50,070 | $58,790 | 1,390 |
| Alaska | $48,520 | $49,920 | $61,490 | 220 |
| Vermont | $47,190 | $48,990 | $60,370 | 140 |
| New Hampshire | $45,430 | $48,900 | $58,460 | 380 |
All 50 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico
Certifications people in this field hold
- Certified Ambulatory Surgery Technician (CAST) — Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution
- Certified Surgical Instrument Specialist (CSIP) — Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution
- Certified Sterile Processing and Distribution Technician (CSPDT) — Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution
- Certified Instrumentation Specialist (CIS) — Healthcare Sterile Processing Association
- Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) — Healthcare Sterile Processing Association
- Certified Sterile Processing Management (CSPM) — Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Job titles in this occupation
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against medical equipment preparers and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 31-9093.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.