Medical Equipment Repairers

Summary

What Medical Equipment Repairers Do About this section

Medical 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
• Explain and demonstrate how to operate medical equipment
• Make recommendations for new equipment

Medical equipment repairers, also known as biomedical equipment technicians or technologists, 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, such as x-ray machines, CAT scanners, and ultrasound equipment; voice-controlled operating tables; and electric wheelchairs. In addition, they repair medical equipment that dentists and optometrists 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 to recalibrate the equipment and fix the issue. They may consult technical manuals as needed.

Medical equipment repairers also perform routine scheduled maintenance to ensure that sophisticated equipment, such as x-ray machines and CAT scanners, is in good working order and meets regulatory compliance requirements.

Medical equipment repairers use a variety of test, measurement, and diagnostic tools. They may use electronic tools, such as multimeters (an electronic measuring device that combines several measures), network analyzers, and computers. Much of the equipment that they maintain and repair uses specialized test-equipment software. Repairers use this software to calibrate the machines. They also use hand tools, such as screwdrivers, wrenches, and soldering irons.

Medical equipment repairers may work closely with the information technology (IT) department to integrate new technologies and software. They also work closely with the IT department to maintain network and data security. They load software updates and patches on machines. They may be tasked with configuring and maintaining the network connectivity of medical equipment, ensuring that devices communicate effectively with electronic health records (EHR) systems and other digital infrastructure. They may also install cybersecurity software and implement security protocols to protect patient data and equipment.

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 About this section

Medical equipment repairers often must work in a patient-caring environment.

Medical equipment repairers held about 68,000 jobs in 2024. The largest employers of medical equipment repairers were as follows:

Medical equipment repairers may have to travel to perform repairs. Repairers often must wear personal protective equipment (PPE) when they work around patients, which can prevent exposure 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 may involve lifting and carrying heavy objects as well as working in tight spaces.

Work Schedules

Most medical equipment repairers work full time. Medical equipment repairers are sometimes expected to be on call, including evenings and weekends.

How to Become a Medical Equipment Repairer About this section

Medical equipment repairers need good technical skills in order to diagnose problems and fix equipment.

Medical equipment repairers typically need an associate’s degree or certificate in biomedical technology or a related field. Some may enter the occupation with a high school diploma and relevant training or work experience, such as having completed an apprenticeship.

Education

Education requirements for medical equipment repairers vary, depending on a worker’s experience and area of specialization. Some workers obtain an associate’s degree in biomedical equipment technology or engineering. Others may enter the occupation with a high school diploma and learn through on-the-job training.

Training

New workers observe experienced repairers for several months and provide help as needed. 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 and third-party vendors also may provide technical training.

Some medical equipment repairers enter the occupation through an apprenticeship program. Apprenticeship programs typically combine paid on-the-job training with technical instruction. Apprenticeships may be offered through community colleges, employers, or industry associations.

Other Experience

Some medical equipment repairers complete training and gain experience in the U.S. military. Those with relevant prior military experience as a biomedical equipment technician or with related experience in fields such as avionics or electromechanical repair may qualify for civilian jobs without completing additional education.

Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations

Although not mandatory, professional certification can demonstrate competency in the field. Information on certifications is available from CareerOneStop.

Important Qualities

The following are examples of qualities that are important for these workers to perform their duties. For more information, visit the Employment Projections (EP) skills data page.

Communication skills. Medical equipment repairers must effectively communicate technical information verbally and in writing to clients and coworkers.

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.

Physical strength. Medical equipment repairers may be required to lift or move heavy equipment.

Technical skills. Medical equipment repairers use sophisticated diagnostic tools when working on complex medical equipment. They must be familiar with the equipment’s internal parts, software systems, 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 About this section

The median annual wage for medical equipment repairers was $62,630 in May 2024. 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 $39,060, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $99,290.

In May 2024, the median annual wages for medical equipment repairers in the top industries in which they worked were as follows:

Most medical equipment repairers work full time. Medical equipment repairers are sometimes expected to be on call, including evenings and weekends.

Job Outlook About this section

Employment of medical equipment repairers is projected to grow 13 percent from 2024 to 2034, 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 prevalence of chronic diseases, 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.

State & Area Data About this section

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 below goes to OEWS data maps for employment and wages by state and area. Use the dropdown boxes to select an occupation.

• Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) Profiles

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.org. 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.

Contacts for More Information About this section

For information about certifications, visit CareerOneStop.

O*NET

Medical Equipment Repairers