### Bureau of Labor Statistics U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Medical Equipment Repairers Summary
                        
            
                                                        
                                                                
                        
            
            
            
                            
                                                
                                                
                                                
                                                
            						
							
				                                                
                                            




            			medical equipment repairers imageMedical equipment repairers adjust and repair medical equipment.							
						Quick Facts:     Medical Equipment Repairers2023     Median Pay
            						$60,670     per year
										$29.17     per hourTypical Entry-Level Education
                                    Associate's degreeWork Experience in a Related Occupation
                                    NoneOn-the-job Training
                                    Moderate-term on-the-job trainingNumber of Jobs, 2022
                                    66,400Job Outlook, 2022-32
                                    13% (Much faster than average)Employment Change, 2022-32
                                    8,800What Medical Equipment Repairers Do
                                                
                        
                        
Medical equipment repairers install, maintain, and repair patient care equipment.
            
                        Work Environment
                        
Although medical equipment repairers usually work during the day, they are sometimes expected to be on call, including evenings and weekends. Because repairing vital medical equipment is urgent, the work is sometimes stressful. Those who work in a patient-caring environment are potentially exposed to germs, diseases, and other health risks.
            
                                                How to Become a Medical Equipment Repairer
                                                
                        
Employers generally prefer candidates who have an associate’s degree in biomedical technology or engineering. Depending on the area of specialization, repairers may need a bachelor’s degree, especially for advancement.
            
                        Pay
                        												                            																				    														The median annual wage for medical equipment repairers was $60,670 in May 2023.									                                					
						
            
                        Job Outlook
                        						
												Employment							of medical equipment repairers is projected to grow							 13 percent from 2022 to 2032, much faster than the average for all occupations.
						About 7,300 openings for medical equipment repairers are projected each year, on average, over the decade.
            			
            			 Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
						State & Area Data
                       Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for medical equipment repairers.
            
            
						
                        Similar Occupations
                        
                                                    Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of medical equipment repairers with similar occupations.
            
            
                        More Information, Including Links to O*NET
                        
                                               
                        Learn more about medical equipment repairers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
 What Medical Equipment Repairers Do 
            

			Medical equipment repairersMedical equipment repairers often test and calibrate equipment.			
Medical equipment repairers install, maintain, and repair patient care equipment.
Duties
Medical equipment repairers typically do the following:
Install medical equipment
Test and calibrate parts and equipment
Repair and replace parts
Perform preventive maintenance and service
Keep records of maintenance and repairs
Review technical manuals and regularly attend training sessions
Explain and demonstrate how to operate medical equipment
Manage replacement of medical equipmentMedical equipment repairers, also known as *biomedical equipment technicians* (BMETs), repair a wide range of electronic, electromechanical, and hydraulic equipment used in hospitals and health practitioners’ offices. They may work on patient monitors, defibrillators, ventilators, anesthesia machines, and other life-supporting equipment. They also may work on medical imaging equipment (x rays, CAT scanners, and ultrasound equipment), voice-controlled operating tables, and electric wheelchairs. In addition, they repair medical equipment that dentists and eye doctors use.
If a machine has problems or is not functioning to its potential, repairers first diagnose the problem. They then adjust the mechanical, electronic, or hydraulic parts or modify the software in order to recalibrate the equipment and fix the issue.
Medical equipment repairers use a variety of tools. Most use hand tools, such as screwdrivers, wrenches, and soldering irons. Others use electronic tools, such as multimeters (an electronic measuring device that combines several measures) and computers. Much of the equipment that they maintain and repair uses specialized test-equipment software. Repairers use this software to calibrate the machines.
Many doctors, particularly specialty practitioners, rely on complex medical devices to run tests and diagnose patients, and they must be confident that the readings are accurate. Therefore, medical equipment repairers sometimes perform routine scheduled maintenance to ensure that sophisticated equipment, such as x-ray machines and CAT scanners, are in good working order. For less complicated equipment, such as electric hospital beds, workers make repairs as needed.
In a hospital setting, medical equipment repairers must be comfortable working around patients because repairs occasionally must take place while equipment is being used. When this is the case, the repairer must take great care to ensure that their work activities do not disturb patients.
Although some medical equipment repairers are trained to fix a variety of equipment, others specialize in repairing one or a small number of machines.
 Work Environment
			Medical equipment repairersMedical equipment repairers often must work in a patient-caring environment.			

	    
				
	
	
	
	
	
	
	    					 Medical equipment repairers held about 66,400 jobs in 2022. The largest employers of medical equipment repairers were as follows:
        Professional and commercial equipment and supplies merchant wholesalers
                37%Hospitals; state, local, and private
                10Ambulatory healthcare services
                8Rental and leasing services
                6Health and personal care retailers
                4Medical equipment repairers who work as contractors often have to travel—sometimes long distances—to perform needed repairs. Repairers often must work in a patient-caring environment, which has the potential to expose them to germs, diseases and other health risks.
Because repairing vital medical equipment is urgent, the work can be stressful. In addition, installing and repairing medical equipment often involves lifting and carrying heavy objects as well as working in tight spaces.
Work Schedules
Although medical equipment repairers usually work during the day, they are sometimes expected to be on call, including evenings and weekends. Most medical equipment repairers work full time, but some repairers have variable schedules.
 How to Become a Medical Equipment Repairer

			Medical equipment repairersMedical equipment repairers need good technical skills in order to diagnose problems and fix equipment.			
Employers generally prefer candidates who have an associate’s degree in biomedical technology or engineering. Depending on the area of specialization, repairers may need a bachelor’s degree, especially for advancement.
Education
Education requirements for medical equipment repairers vary, depending on a worker’s experience and area of specialization. However, the most common education is an associate’s degree in biomedical equipment technology or engineering. Those who repair less-complicated equipment, such as hospital beds and electric wheelchairs, may learn entirely through on-the-job training, sometimes lasting up to 1 year. Repairers who work on more sophisticated equipment, such as CAT scanners and defibrillators, may need a bachelor’s degree.
Training
New workers generally observe and help experienced repairers for 3 to 6 months to start. As they learn, workers gradually become more independent while still under supervision.
Each piece of equipment is different, so medical equipment repairers must learn each one separately. In some cases, this requires studying a machine’s technical specifications and operating manual. Medical device manufacturers also may provide technical training.
Medical equipment technology is rapidly evolving, and new devices are frequently introduced. Repairers must continually update their skills and knowledge of new technologies and equipment through seminars and self-study. The original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) may also offer training.
Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations
Although not mandatory, certification can demonstrate competence and professionalism, making candidates more attractive to employers. It can also increase a repairer’s opportunities for advancement. Most manufacturers and employers, particularly those in hospitals, often pay for their in-house medical repairers to become certified.
Some associations offer certifications for medical equipment repairers. For example, the Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI) offers certification in three specialty areas—Certified Biomedical Equipment Technician (CBET), Certified Radiology Equipment Specialists (CRES), and Certified Laboratory Equipment Specialist (CLES).
Important Qualities
***Communication skills*.** Medical equipment repairers must effectively communicate technical information by telephone, in writing, and in person when speaking to clients, supervisors, and co-workers.
***Dexterity*.** Many tasks, such as connecting or attaching parts and using hand tools, require a steady hand and good hand-eye coordination.
***Mechanical skills*.** Medical equipment repairers must be familiar with medical components and systems and how they interact. Often, repairers must disassemble and reassemble major parts for repair.
***Physical stamina*.** Standing, crouching, and bending in awkward positions are common when making repairs to equipment. Therefore, workers should be physically fit.
***Technical skills*.** Technicians use sophisticated diagnostic tools when working on complex medical equipment. They must be familiar with both the equipment’s internal parts and the appropriate tools needed to fix them.
***Time-management skills*.** Because repairing vital medical equipment is urgent, workers must make good use of their time and perform repairs quickly.
***Troubleshooting skills*.** As medical equipment becomes more intricate, problems become more difficult to identify. Therefore, repairers must be able to find and solve problems that are not immediately apparent.
 Pay

			



	
 
                                                     
            
    
                Medical Equipment RepairersMedian annual wages, May 2023Medical equipment repairers$60,670  Other installation, maintenance, and repair occupations$50,200  Total, all occupations$48,060Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy.Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics
 

	
	



		
	
	
	
The median annual wage for medical equipment repairers was $60,670 in May 2023. 


The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $36,810, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $97,780.





		
	    					 In May 2023, the median annual wages for medical equipment repairers in the top industries in which they worked were as follows:	
        Hospitals; state, local, and private
                $68,670Professional and commercial equipment and supplies merchant wholesalers
                64,370Ambulatory healthcare services
                57,200Health and personal care retailers
                41,290Rental and leasing services
                40,240Although medical equipment repairers usually work during the day, they are sometimes expected to be on call, including evenings and weekends. Most work full time, but some repairers have variable schedules.
 Job Outlook

   
        
    
          
        
    
                Medical Equipment RepairersPercent change in employment, projected 2022-32Medical equipment repairers13%  Other installation, maintenance, and repair occupations5%  Total, all occupations3%Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy.Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program
            
            
			 
	
	
	

			Employment				of medical equipment repairers is projected to grow				 13 percent from 2022 to 2032, much faster than the average for all occupations.
			
			About 7,300 openings for medical equipment repairers are projected each year, on average, over the decade.
			
			 Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
			Employment
	
			
Medical equipment repairers will be needed to fix and maintain the medical equipment used in healthcare facilities. With the expected increase in the number of older adults and the prevalence of chronic diseases among them, demand for medical care and the equipment used to diagnose, monitor, and treat diseases will grow. Thus, more medical equipment repairers will be needed to ensure that these machines work properly.
			

                        Employment projections data for     medical equipment repairers, 2022-32
                Occupational Title
                        SOC Code
                        Employment, 2022
                        Projected Employment, 2032
                        Change, 2022-32
                        Employment by IndustryPercent
                        NumericSOURCE: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program**Medical equipment repairers**
			49-9062
			66,400
			75,100
			13
			8,800
			Get data
 State & Area Data **Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS)** The Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program produces employment and wage estimates annually for over 800 occupations. These estimates are available for the nation as a whole, for individual states, and for metropolitan and nonmetropolitan areas. The link(s) below go to OES data maps for employment and wages by state and area. Medical equipment repairers **Projections Central** Occupational employment projections are developed for all states by Labor Market Information (LMI) or individual state Employment Projections offices. All state projections data are available at www.projectionscentral.com. Information on this site allows projected employment growth for an occupation to be compared among states or to be compared within one state. In addition, states may produce projections for areas; there are links to each state’s websites where these data may be retrieved. **CareerOneStop** CareerOneStop includes hundreds of occupational profiles with data available by state and metro area. There are links in the left-hand side menu to compare occupational employment by state and occupational wages by local area or metro area. There is also a salary info tool to search for wages by zip code.
 Similar Occupations This table shows a list of occupations with job duties that are similar to those of medical equipment repairers. Occupation
                Job Duties
                ENTRY-LEVEL EDUCATION
                2023     MEDIAN PAY**Aircraft and Avionics Equipment Mechanics and Technicians**
            Aircraft and avionics equipment mechanics and technicians repair and perform scheduled maintenance on aircraft.
            See How to Become One
            $75,400**General Maintenance and Repair Workers**
            General maintenance and repair workers fix and maintain machines, mechanical equipment, and buildings.
            High school diploma or equivalent
            $46,700**Industrial Machinery Mechanics, Machinery Maintenance Workers, and Millwrights**
            Industrial machinery mechanics, machinery maintenance workers, and millwrights install, maintain, and repair factory equipment and other industrial machinery.
            High school diploma or equivalent
            $61,170**Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians**
            Clinical laboratory technologists and technicians perform medical laboratory tests for the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease.
            Bachelor's degree
            $60,780**Dental and Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians and Medical Appliance Technicians**
            Dental and ophthalmic laboratory technicians and medical appliance technicians make or repair dentures, eyeglasses, prosthetics, and related products.
            High school diploma or equivalent
            $44,640
 Contacts for More Information
								
For more information about medical equipment repairers, including a listing of schools offering related programs of study and information about certification, visit
Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation

                                                
                                                        
                                                                                                    O*NET
                                        Medical Equipment Repairers
 Suggested citation: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S.  Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Medical Equipment Repairers, 
        	 at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/installation-maintenance-and-repair/medical-equipment-repairers.htm (visited *May 21, 2024*).
 **Last Modified Date:**
                        Wednesday, April 17, 2024


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