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Sector

Careers in Medical Devices & Equipment

Medical devices and equipment manufacturing builds healthcare technology โ€” from surgical instruments to diagnostic equipment to implants. Hybrid work possible for some roles, with moderate credentials.

328K
U.S. jobs
In this sector
$61K
Median salary
Across all roles
Medical Devices & Equipment jobs by metro area
Bubble size = total employment
Medical Devices & Equipment employment by metro ยท ~393 areas
1.Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA5K
2.New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ5K
3.Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN4K
4.Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX3K
5.Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI3K

Jobs per 100K workforce โ€” measures industry density

1.Elkhart-Goshen, IN347.9
2.Columbus, IN305.1
3.Sheboygan, WI215.5
4.Spartanburg, SC199.5
5.Huntsville, AL191.1
BLS OEWS May 2024
Understanding this Sector
What it's like to work in Medical Devices & Equipment

Medical devices and equipment manufacturing produces healthcare technology โ€” there's satisfaction in making products that help patients, regulatory rigor, and quality-critical manufacturing. Many find meaning in healthcare connection.

The challenge can come from regulatory requirements and quality standards. FDA regulations govern medical devices strictly. Quality systems are extensive. Product development takes years through regulatory approval. Recalls are serious events.

The field varies by device type and role. Implantables differ from diagnostic equipment, surgical instruments, or disposables. R&D differs from manufacturing, quality, or regulatory affairs. Large medical device companies operate differently than startups.

For those who thrive here, the rewards are substantial: healthcare impact, strong compensation, quality-focused culture, and making products that matter. If you're drawn to medical devices, can work within regulatory frameworks, and want manufacturing with purpose, this sector offers excellent opportunities.

How people break in

Production is accessible. Engineering and quality roles require relevant degrees. Regulatory affairs develops through experience. Clinical backgrounds help for some roles.

Work environment tends toward
FDA regulatedQuality criticalEngineering intensiveInnovation drivenHealthcare applications
Industries it connects to
Salary vs. national average
-13%
$61K median vs. $71K national
$239K$179K$119K$60K$0K$16K$37K$150K$239K*387 metro areas across 50 states, sorted by salary level โ†’
Salary range across all medical devices & equipment roles
Where your dollar goes furthest
1. San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara$93K
2. Boulder$78K
3. Washington-Arlington-Alexandria$75K
4. Trenton-Princeton$71K
5. Durham-Chapel Hill$70K
BLS OEWS May 2024
* Top salaries exceed this figure. BLS caps reported wages at ~$240K to protect individual privacy in high-earning roles.

Median salaries range from ~$71K in mid-market metros to ~$104K in top-tier cities. But cost of living closes a lot of that gap โ€” metros with lower regional price parities often offer the best purchasing power.

Highest paying
San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara ยท $104K
San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont ยท $89K
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria ยท $82K
Best purchasing power
San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara ยท $93K adj.
Boulder ยท $78K adj.
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria ยท $75K adj.
Most jobs
New York ยท 22.1M
Los Angeles ยท 14.7M
Chicago ยท 10.8M
BLS OEWS May 2024 ยท BEA Regional Price Parities

What the data says about this sector

Beyond salary and job counts โ€” signals that shape the day-to-day experience of working in Medical Devices & Equipment.

๐Ÿšช
Annual Quit Rate
Based on all Manufacturing data
18%
People tend to stay in Manufacturing. Lower turnover often indicates better working conditions or higher switching costs.
โ†“ 4%vs. 22% all industries
๐Ÿข
Typical Employer Size
Small-skewed
Small businesses dominate. More variety in roles but less formal structure and benefits.
89%
Small
<50
9%
Mid
50โ€“249
3%
Large
250+
๐Ÿ 
Remote / Hybrid Prevalence
Hybrid common
Many roles can be done remotely. Location flexibility is a realistic expectation.
Mostly on-siteHybrid commonRemote-first
๐Ÿ“‹
Credential Density
Moderate
Most roles don't require formal credentials. Skills and experience matter more than certificates.
Few credentialsSome requiredMany required
๐Ÿค
Union Presence
Based on all Manufacturing data
~9%
Minimal union coverage means compensation is individually negotiated. Know your market rate going in.
โ†“ 9%vs. 11% all industries
BLS JOLTS 2024 ยท BLS QCEW 2024 ยท O*NET Work Context ยท BLS Union Members Summary 2024
Career Tracks

Career tracks in Medical Devices & Equipment

How jobs in this sector break down by function, and what they typically pay.

Admin & Office
10%
$63K median
Explore โ†’
Business Operations
9%
$77K median
Explore โ†’
Engineering
8%
$84K median
Explore โ†’
Sales
7%
$65K median
Explore โ†’
Transportation
7%
$51K median
Explore โ†’
Maintenance & Repair
7%
$56K median
Explore โ†’
Median salary for occupations employed within Medical Devices & Equipment. BLS OEWS May 2024.

Explore careers in Medical Devices & Equipment

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Federal data: BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics (May 2024) ยท BLS JOLTS 2024 ยท BLS QCEW 2024 ยท O*NET Work Context ยท BLS Employment Projections 2024โ€“2034
Truest editorial: Industry narrative, sector context, career track mapping, working signals analysis.