Medical equipment preparers
SOC Code: 31-9093
Medical equipment preparers carries a 35% AI exposure score (Medium automation risk), with a median annual wage of $46,490 and +10.0% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 76,500 workers. Full task breakdown, skills, and employer data are below.
Proportion of tasks susceptible to AI automation (O*NET analysis)
At 35% AI exposure, Medical equipment preparers sits 2 points below the 37.2% average across 832 U.S. occupations - more exposed than 46% of them. Most of its core tasks still require human judgment.
Where Medical equipment preparers sits among all occupations
AI-exposure score distribution across 832 U.S. occupations (O*NET task analysis). This occupation is marked in rose.
Medical equipment preparers has ai exposure of 35%. Distribution: 1 occupations at 0-10%; 43 occupations at 10-20%; 184 occupations at 20-30%; 332 occupations at 30-40%; 158 occupations at 40-50%; 64 occupations at 50-60%; 29 occupations at 60-70%; 15 occupations at 70-80%; 5 occupations at 80-90%; 1 occupations at 90-100%.
Source: O*NET task data (U.S. Department of Labor); AI-exposure scores are PlainWorkforce's analysis. As of BLS 2024–2034.
Medical equipment preparers vs. its occupational neighbors
AI exposure (horizontal) vs projected 2024–2034 growth (vertical) for occupations in the same SOC group. Medical equipment preparers is marked in rose; the top-left corner is the most future-proof.
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034 (growth) and O*NET (AI-exposure analysis by PlainWorkforce).
Employment Projections
Occupation Insight
Medical equipment preparers (SOC 31-9093) carries an AI exposure score of 35%, placing it in the Medium automation-risk tier. This score is computed from O*NET Database 30.0 task-level analysis, where each task an occupation performs is evaluated against current generative AI, robotic process automation, and machine-learning capabilities. A score below 40% reflects tasks anchored in physical dexterity, unstructured environments, or high-touch human interaction that current AI cannot reliably replicate.
The economic context matters alongside the risk score. BLS counted approximately 76,500 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a +10.0% change through 2034 - modest growth that keeps the occupation viable even as tasks evolve. Median annual compensation stands at $46,490, reflecting both skill scarcity and the value employers place on the tasks that remain difficult to automate. Entry typically requires High school diploma or equivalent, plus None of related experience.
For career planners, this profile should be read alongside the task, skill, and knowledge breakdowns below and the list of employers whose workforce composition includes Medical equipment preparers. Adjacent occupations shown further down offer lateral moves that preserve industry knowledge while potentially reducing exposure. Pair the AI exposure score with the BLS employment projection and wage percentiles above for a complete career assessment.
Education & Entry Requirements
Top Tasks (O*NET)
- 1. Operate and maintain steam autoclaves, keeping records of loads completed, items in loads, and maintenance procedures performed.
- 2. Clean instruments to prepare them for sterilization.
- 3. Record sterilizer test results.
- 4. Organize and assemble routine or specialty surgical instrument trays or other sterilized supplies, filling special requests as needed.
- 5. Examine equipment to detect leaks, worn or loose parts, or other indications of disrepair.
- 6. Report defective equipment to appropriate supervisors or staff.
- 7. Disinfect and sterilize equipment, such as respirators, hospital beds, or oxygen or dialysis equipment, using sterilizers, aerators, or washers.
- 8. Maintain records of inventory or equipment usage and order medical instruments or supplies when inventory is low.
- 9. Stock crash carts or other medical supplies.
- 10. Start equipment and observe gauges and equipment operation to detect malfunctions and to ensure equipment is operating to prescribed standards.
Key Skills Required
- Critical Thinking
- Monitoring
- Quality Control Analysis
- Active Listening
- Operations Monitoring
- Reading Comprehension
- Speaking
- Troubleshooting
- Active Learning
- Coordination
Knowledge Areas
- Customer and Personal Service
- English Language
- Biology
- Production and Processing
- Public Safety and Security
- Administrative
- Chemistry
- Mechanical
- Mathematics
- Computers and Electronics
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Medical equipment preparers?
Medical equipment preparers has an AI exposure score of 35%, indicating a medium level of automation risk. The majority of tasks in this role require human judgment, creativity, or physical presence that AI cannot easily replicate.
What is the job outlook for Medical equipment preparers?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Medical equipment preparers is projected to grow by 10.0% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 76,500 workers.
What skills are needed for Medical equipment preparers?
Key skills for Medical equipment preparers include Critical Thinking, Monitoring, Quality Control Analysis, and others. Typical entry-level education is High school diploma or equivalent.
How much do Medical equipment preparers earn?
The median annual wage for Medical equipment preparers is $46,490, according to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Actual earnings vary by location, experience, industry, and employer. The BLS publishes detailed wage percentiles by region in its Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program.
What education is required for Medical equipment preparers?
The typical entry-level education for Medical equipment preparers is High school diploma or equivalent. Employers generally expect None of related work experience. On-the-job training typically involves Moderate-term on-the-job training. Requirements can vary by employer and specialization.
Which companies employ Medical equipment preparers?
Medical equipment preparers roles exist across many industries and employers. Workforce composition is estimated from BLS industry-occupation employment distributions matched to SEC-registered public companies.
AI Exposure Rating
Medium automation risk based on 10 analyzed tasks. Most tasks require human judgment and are resistant to automation.
Related Occupations
Career Guides
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Data sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2024–2034 and O*NET Database 30.0. Employment figures are rounded. Wage data from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics (OES).