How To Become An Equipment Manager: What It Is and Career Path

What is an equipment manager and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

3 min read

Starting up and running a business requires equipment for its proper functioning. After investing a fortune in purchasing the necessary equipment and accessories, such as computers, software and network systems, you want to hire someone to monitor and maintain them. These experts are equipment managers.

Equipment managers support the day-to-day operations for maintenance function, equipment procurement, and inventory management. They ensure optimal performance and efficiency of office machinery to help in business operations. Equipment managers also verify equipment conditions, supervise returns, and solve problems in a timely manner.

You'll need at least a bachelor's degree in business or kinesiology to be qualified for an equipment manager job. Expert equipment managers may demand a salary as high as $21.66 per hour for their services. That equates to over $45,000 every year. The job usually requires a full-time schedule with occasional weekends working.

ScoreEquipment ManagerUS Average

Salary

4.9

Avg. Salary $62,974

Avg. Salary $59,228

Diversity

2.5

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 1.24%

Asian 2.09%

Black or African American 8.11%

Hispanic or Latino 15.53%

Unknown 4.50%

White 68.53%

Gender

female 15.78%

male 84.22%

Age - 50

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 50

Stress Level

9.3

Stress level is very high

7.1 - high

Complexity Level

9.4

Complexity Level is advanced

7 - challenging

Work Life Balance

2.6

Work Life balance is poor

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become an equipment manager

Explore equipment manager education requirements

Most common equipment manager degrees

Bachelor's

62.5 %

Associate

16.8 %

High School Diploma

11.4 %

Start to develop specific equipment manager skills

Skills	Percentages
Equipment Maintenance	9.52%
Equipment Room	6.96%
Logistics	6.43%
Equipment Management	6.04%
Equipment Inventory	4.76%

Complete relevant equipment manager training and internships

Accountants spend an average of 3-6 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New equipment managers learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as an equipment manager based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real equipment manager resumes.

Gain additional equipment manager certifications

Equipment manager certifications can show employers you have a baseline of knowledge expected for the position. Certifications can also make you a more competitive candidate. Even if employers don't require a specific equipment manager certification, having one may help you stand out relative to other applicants.

The most common certifications for equipment managers include Certified Equipment Manager (CEM) and EPA Amusement Operators Safety Certification (EPA).

More About Certifications

Research equipment manager duties and responsibilities

Coordinate and manage all rental equipment for project including maintenance, rental, procurement and logistics
Manage and track progress of multiple automation retrofit projects going on simultaneously on manufacturing floor.
Implement and now managing a computer base preventative maintenance and unplan maintenance standardize process utilizing Directline/Megamation - CMMS.
Non-Commission officer in charge of the biomedical equipment repair shop.

Prepare your equipment manager resume

When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your equipment manager resume.

You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on an equipment manager resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

Choose From 10+ Customizable Equipment Manager Resume templates

Build a professional Equipment Manager resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your Equipment Manager resume.

Apply for equipment manager jobs

Now it's time to start searching for an equipment manager job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

Browse job boards for relevant postings
Consult your professional network
Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
Watch out for job scams

How do equipment managers rate their job?

5/5

Based On 1 Ratings

5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

Equipment Manager reviews

A zippia user wrote a review on Jun 2021

Pros

Performing Safe Crane Placement with standard procedures having soil tested area for ground bearing testing having good soil compaction for the foot-print of machine, matting of foundation pad to set up cranes machines etc. being aware of the areas around you and equipment along with the priority of the employees SAFETY . Sizing the right piece of equipment to perform the work, generating a critical lift with the load rated rigging called for the equipment ,plan regardless of size and cost, then performing a safe execution placement.

Cons

Not having a plan for what has to happen, Not having SAFETY in the plan , Not working together in the field as well in the office, & NOT having a contingency plan ..

5.0

A zippia user wrote a review on Jul 2019