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Biomedical Equipment Technician
Also called: BMET · Medical Equipment Repairer · Biomedical Technician · Clinical Engineering Technician
What biomedical equipment technicians do, what they earn, how long training takes and how to get started, with official BLS pay data and practical, job-level detail.
What does a biomedical equipment technician do?
Biomedical equipment technicians inspect, maintain, calibrate and repair medical devices such as patient monitors, infusion pumps, defibrillators, ventilators and imaging equipment. The median pay is $61,660 per year (BLS, May 2025), most people train for about 2 years, and employment is projected to grow +12.6% from 2025–35.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
- Median pay$61,660$29.64/hour · May 2025
- Job growth+12.6%2025–35, much faster than average
- Openings per year8,200Average, 2025–35
- Typical entry educationAssociate's degreeBLS classification
- Time to train2 yearsTypical program length
- U.S. jobs71,800Employment, 2025
What biomedical equipment technicians do
Biomedical equipment technicians, often called BMETs, keep hospital equipment safe and working. They perform preventive maintenance and electrical safety tests, calibrate devices, troubleshoot failures, replace parts, manage recalls and train clinical staff on equipment use. Some specialize in imaging, lab or sterilization equipment.
Most BMETs have an associate degree in biomedical equipment technology or electronics; many come from military training. The job sits between technology and patient care, and demand grows as hospitals use more connected devices.
Typical duties
- Perform preventive maintenance on medical devices
- Run electrical safety and performance tests
- Troubleshoot and repair equipment
- Calibrate devices to manufacturer specifications
- Manage recalls and device alerts
- Document work in a CMMS
- Train clinical staff on equipment
Work environment and schedule
BMETs work in hospitals, clinics and for equipment service companies. They split time between a workshop and clinical areas, including ICUs and operating rooms, following infection control rules.
Schedule: Most work full-time days, with on-call duty for urgent equipment failures. Field service technicians may travel between facilities.
A day in the life
- Check the work order queue and urgent requests from the ICU.
- Replace a faulty battery and test an infusion pump.
- Perform scheduled preventive maintenance on patient monitors.
- Troubleshoot a defibrillator that failed its self-test.
See a full day in the life of a biomedical equipment technician →
Biomedical Equipment Technician salary
Half of biomedical equipment technicians earned more than $61,660 and half earned less in May 2025. Pay ranged from about $38,490 for the lowest 10% to $98,280 for the top 10%.
Full biomedical equipment technician pay scale and hourly rates →
How to become a biomedical equipment technician
- Study electronics
- Complete a biomedical technology program
- Get hired as a BMET I
- Earn the CBET
- Specialize or lead
Most BMETs have an associate degree in biomedical equipment technology, electronics or a related field. Military biomedical training is a common path. Bachelor’s degrees support clinical engineering roles.
Step-by-step guide to becoming a biomedical equipment technician →
Skills and tools
Technical skills
- Electronics troubleshooting
- Medical device maintenance
- Electrical safety testing
- Calibration
- CMMS documentation
People skills
- Problem solving
- Communication with clinicians
- Calm under pressure
- Attention to detail
All biomedical equipment technician skills and tools →
Pros and cons
Pros
- Technology work that supports patient care
- Steady hospital demand
- Associate degree path
- Variety of devices
Cons
- On-call responsibilities
- Pressure when critical equipment fails
- Exposure to clinical environments
- Must keep learning new devices
Certifications and licenses
- Certified Biomedical Equipment Technician (CBET): AAMI credential for biomedical technicians.
- Certified Radiology Equipment Specialist (CRES): AAMI credential for imaging equipment.
- Certified Laboratory Equipment Specialist (CLES): AAMI credential for lab equipment.
- CompTIA A+ or Network+: IT certifications useful for networked medical devices.
Career path
- BMET I: Perform preventive maintenance and basic repairs.
- BMET II: Handle complex repairs and specialties.
- BMET III or Specialist: Work on imaging, lab or advanced systems.
- Clinical Engineering Supervisor or Manager: Lead equipment programs.
Learn the job before day one
Our Biomedical Equipment Technician training (10 hours, $89.99) covers the role, 15+ key terms, step-by-step procedures such as perform an electrical safety test and test an infusion pump, safety and how to land your first job.
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Biomedical Equipment Technician FAQ
Do BMETs need certification?
Not always, but the CBET is valued after experience.
Do BMETs work with patients?
They work in clinical areas but don’t provide patient care.
Is the military a good path?
Yes. Many BMETs train in military biomedical programs.
How much does a biomedical equipment technician make?
The median annual wage for biomedical equipment technicians was $61,660 ($29.64 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $38,490 and the highest 10% earned more than $98,280.
How long does it take to become a biomedical equipment technician?
Most people need about 2 years of training. Most BMETs have an associate degree in biomedical equipment technology, electronics or a related field. Military biomedical training is a common path. Bachelor’s degrees support clinical engineering roles.
Do you need a degree to be a biomedical equipment technician?
No four-year degree is typically required. BLS lists “associate's degree” as the typical entry-level education, plus moderate-term on-the-job training.
More biomedical equipment technician questions →
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 49-9062 (Medical equipment repairers).
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
- O*NET OnLine summary for Medical equipment repairers (U.S. Department of Labor).
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.