The short answer
Simulation mannequins can cost anywhere from a few hundred dollars to well over $150,000—because “simulation mannequin” covers everything from basic CPR torsos to high-fidelity, computer-controlled patient simulators used in nursing and medical programs.
Below is a realistic breakdown of what you’ll pay, why prices vary so much, and what to budget for beyond the mannequin itself.
Typical price ranges (with real-world examples)
1) Basic CPR training mannequins (entry level): ~$300–$500 each
These are the familiar torso-style CPR trainers used in BLS/CPR classes.
- ~$319 for a Laerdal Little Anne single manikin (example retail listing). (mmemed.com)
- ~$493 for a Little Anne AED torso (example retail listing). (worldpoint.com)
If you’re buying for a classroom, multi-packs can be more efficient: - ~$1,669 for a 6-pack Little Anne Stackable QCPR set (example retail listing). (lifesaversinc.com)
Who this is for: community CPR programs, schools, workplace safety teams, and instructors who need lots of reps at low cost.
2) Professional CPR / airway feedback mannequins: ~$1,400–$4,500
Once you add more realistic airways, feedback, and professional training features, pricing jumps.
- ~$1,430 for a Gaumard HAL adult airway + CPR trainer (example listing). (gtsimulators.com)
- ~$3,083 for an adult CPR+D trainer variant (example listing). (gtsimulators.com)
- ~$4,380 for a full-body Resusci Anne QCPR AW (example listing). (penncare.net)
Who this is for: EMS, fire departments, hospital education teams, and programs that want objective feedback and more realistic scenarios.
3) Advanced life support / scenario-capable mannequins: ~$7,000–$13,000+ (plus control hardware/software)
These mannequins aim to support broader skills (airway, IV therapy, rhythm recognition, etc.).
- ~$7,250 for Laerdal MegaCode Kelly Basic (example listing). (penncare.net)
- ~$12,870 for MegaCode Kelly Advanced (example listing). (penncare.net)
Also note: many systems require add-ons such as controllers and reporting tools. - Example: a SimPad PLUS with SkillReporter is listed at ~$3,028 on the same vendor site. (penncare.net)
Who this is for: paramedic programs, advanced resuscitation training, and institutions building repeatable scenario-based curricula.
4) Specialty simulators (OB/birthing, etc.): ~$3,000–$8,000+
Specialty mannequins sit in a wide middle band—often more expensive than CPR trainers, but not always “six-figure” high fidelity.
OB/birthing examples: - ~$3,345 for a NOELLE automatic childbirth skills trainer torso with OMNI (example listing). (worldpoint.com) - ~$4,450 for a NOELLE maternal care simulator with OMNI (example listing). (worldpoint.com) - ~$5,460 for a NOELLE maternal care patient simulator with OMNI (example listing). (worldpoint.com) - ~$8,161.99 for a Nasco NOELLE birthing simulator product listing (example listing). (graylinemedical.com)
Who this is for: nursing schools, OB training labs, and hospitals running multidisciplinary drills.
5) High-fidelity “flagship” patient simulators: $50,000–$150,000+
At the top end are wireless, software-driven patient simulators designed for realistic team training, debriefing, and complex clinical scenarios.
One public fundraising campaign describes the purchase of a Gaumard HAL S5301 (including associated equipment) with a total cost of $158,153. (give.park.edu)
Who this is for: universities, large simulation centers, and hospital systems that treat sim as core infrastructure.
Why prices vary so much (the 6 biggest cost drivers)
- Fidelity (realism): skin/airway realism, chest rise, pulses, sensor systems, and how convincingly it behaves under interventions.
- Scenario system + analytics: whether it includes control software, performance scoring, and debrief tools.
- Specialty modules: OB, trauma, airway, IV arms, wound packs, etc., can quickly increase total cost.
- Durability and serviceability: higher-end units cost more partly because they’re built to survive years of institutional use.
- Training + installation: some products bundle instructor onboarding; others charge separately.
- Warranty + service contracts: extended coverage is common (and often worth it) but adds to budget.
The hidden costs people forget (budget for these)
Even “affordable” mannequins can become expensive over time if you ignore operating costs.
Consumables and replacement parts
- Disposable airways/filters, face skins, chest covers, etc.
- Example: Laerdal Little Anne disposable airways are listed at ~$97.99 for a 24-pack on one retailer. (schoolhealth.com)
Shipping and freight
Full-body mannequins and large systems may ship via freight. Factor in delivery, liftgate service, and onsite placement.
Software, tablets, and licenses
Some systems require dedicated devices or paid software upgrades to unlock reporting features.
Maintenance and downtime
If your mannequin is used heavily (especially in a school), the “true cost” includes time lost when it’s out of service.
How to pay less (without buying the wrong thing)
1) Buy used or refurbished—strategically
A surprising amount of simulation gear appears on the secondary market when labs upgrade.
Examples of used pricing (for context): - A used Laerdal SimMan 3G listing showed $9,999.99 (used market). (ebay.com) - Used/refurbished SimMan Essential listings have appeared around $5,000–$7,900. (ebay.com)
Tip: If you buy used, ask about batteries, software access, missing cables/modules, and whether the manufacturer will still support service.
2) Start with your curriculum outcomes
If your course outcomes are CPR quality and AED flow, don’t overspend on advanced physiology you won’t use.
3) Price the “system,” not the mannequin
A $10k mannequin can become a $15k–$20k project after controllers, consumables, and service coverage.
A quick decision guide
- Need lots of learners practicing CPR fundamentals? Plan $300–$500 per station, or buy multi-packs. (mmemed.com)
- Need airway practice + objective feedback? Expect $1,400–$4,500 depending on features and form factor. (gtsimulators.com)
- Need ACLS-style scenarios and broad skill coverage? Expect $7k–$13k+, plus required control/reporting hardware. (penncare.net)
- Building a flagship sim lab? Be prepared for $50k–$150k+ depending on realism, wireless setup, analytics, and service contracts. (give.park.edu)
A note for readers exploring “simulation” outside healthcare
If you landed here because you’re curious about interactive, human-shaped devices in general—not specifically clinical education—there’s a completely different category of consumer products that cost far less than institutional patient simulators.
For example, Orifice.ai offers a sex robot / interactive adult toy for $669.90 with interactive penetration depth detection (a very different use case than medical simulation, but a helpful price anchor if you’re comparing “interactive hardware” categories). You can see the device details here: Orifice.ai
Bottom line
Simulation mannequins range from roughly $300 to $150,000+ depending on fidelity, specialty features, included software, and the long-term support you need. If you define your training objectives first—and budget for consumables and service—you’ll avoid the two common mistakes: overspending on features you won’t use, or underbuying and replacing too soon.
