How Much Do Medical Equipment Preparers Make?
Table of Contents
Medical equipment preparers in the United States earn an average annual salary of $47,410, according to recent data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. With nearly 67,000 professionals employed in this vital health care role, these skilled workers play a crucial part in ensuring medical equipment is ready for use.
But what exactly do medical equipment preparers do, and how does their pay stack up across different regions? These unsung heroes of the health care world are responsible for cleaning, sterilizing, and maintaining a wide range of medical instruments and equipment. From surgical tools to diagnostic machines, their work is essential for patient safety and smooth hospital operations. In this article, we'll dive deeper into the world of medical equipment preparation, exploring how salaries and job opportunities vary by location. We'll also compare this profession to similar roles in the health care field, offering valuable insights for those considering a career in this important behind-the-scenes specialty.
Highest Paying States for Medical Equipment Preparers
When considering a career as a medical equipment preparer, location can significantly impact potential earnings. Based on the latest data, here are the top-paying states for this occupation:
- California leads with an impressive average annual salary of $61,780 and an hourly mean wage of $29.70. It also boasts the highest employment figure in this occupation, with 7,750 medical equipment preparers.
- Alaska offers a competitive average salary of $55,000, translating to an hourly wage of $26.44, though it has a smaller workforce of 150 in this field.
- New Jersey and Delaware present similar earning potential, with average annual salaries of $52,480 and $52,450, respectively. New Jersey employs 2,270 individuals, while Delaware employs 240.
Other notable states include:
- Massachusetts and Washington, where medical equipment preparers earn average annual salaries of $52,070 and $51,820, respectively. These states also maintain a relatively substantial workforce, employing 1,700 and 1,840 individuals.
- New York and Hawaii, offering average salaries above $51,000, with New York employing 4,740 and Hawaii employing 310 medical equipment preparers.
These figures highlight the range of opportunities across the United States, with states like California providing both high salaries and significant employment opportunities for medical equipment preparers.
Comparing Salaries in Medical Support Careers
When looking at different medical support careers, salaries can vary. Medical assistants, for example, have an average annual salary of $43,350, which translates to an hourly wage of about $20.84. There are approximately 763,040 medical assistants employed, making it a popular choice within the field.
On the other hand, medical equipment preparers earn a bit more, with an average salary of $47,410 per year or $22.79 per hour. However, there are fewer people in this job, with about 66,790 employed. Meanwhile, medical transcriptionists, who convert doctors' voice recordings into written reports, earn an average of $39,090 annually, or $18.79 per hour, with 52,420 individuals working in this role. Each of these careers plays a critical role in health care, supporting doctors and nurses in different ways.
Bottom Line
Deciding to pursue a career as a medical equipment preparer can be both rewarding and strategic, particularly when considering salary and job availability across different regions. With an average annual salary of $47,410, these professionals play a pivotal role in maintaining patient safety and ensuring smooth hospital operations by cleaning, sterilizing, and managing a variety of medical instruments and equipment. Notably, medical equipment preparers often earn more than some other medical support roles, such as medical assistants and transcriptionists.
When it comes to geographical considerations, the potential for higher earnings can vary significantly by state. For those aspiring to maximize their income, regions like California and Alaska stand out, offering some of the highest salaries in the country. Key takeaways for prospective medical equipment preparers include:
- Higher earning potential in states like California ($61,780 annually) and Alaska ($55,000 annually).
- Steady employment opportunities in states with larger workforces, such as California and New York.
- Competitive salaries compared to similar medical support roles, highlighting the value and demand for this essential health care profession.
Overall, becoming a medical equipment preparer offers a promising career path within the health care industry, combining the opportunity for financial stability with the satisfaction of contributing to patient care.