Biomedical Engineer Salary, Outlook & Career Guide

What Does a Biomedical Engineer Do?

Biomedical engineers combine engineering principles with biological sciences to design and create equipment, devices, computer systems, and software used in healthcare. They work at the intersection of medicine and technology to improve patient care and solve complex medical challenges.

On a typical day, biomedical engineers might design artificial organs, develop diagnostic equipment, install and maintain medical devices, or collaborate with physicians and scientists to improve healthcare technology. They work in laboratories, hospitals, manufacturing facilities, and research centers.

Key responsibilities include:

Designing medical equipment like artificial organs, prosthetics, and diagnostic machines
Installing, testing, and maintaining biomedical equipment
Training clinicians on proper equipment use
Developing computer software for medical applications
Conducting research on biological systems and engineering applications
Preparing technical reports and presenting findings

Education & Requirements

Typical Education: Bachelor's degree in biomedical engineering, bioengineering, or related engineering field required. Some positions require a master's degree or Ph.D. for research roles.
Certifications: Optional Professional Engineer (PE) license for advanced roles. Specialty certifications available through professional organizations.
Key Skills: Advanced math (calculus, statistics), biology and chemistry knowledge, CAD software proficiency, problem-solving, analytical thinking, and strong communication skills.
Experience: Entry-level positions typically require internship or co-op experience during college. No prior work experience required for new graduates.

Salary Information

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2024 data):

Median Annual Salary: $106,950 ($51.42/hour)
Entry-Level (10th percentile): $71,860
Experienced (90th percentile): $165,060
Top-Paying Industries: Engineering services ($125,010), Professional equipment wholesalers ($122,520), R&D ($108,990)
Top-Paying Sectors: Healthcare and social assistance ($95,440), Medical equipment manufacturing ($103,020)

Job Outlook & Growth

Employment is projected to grow 5% from 2024 to 2034, faster than the average for all occupations. This growth translates to approximately 1,100 new jobs over the decade, with about 1,300 total openings annually when including replacement needs.

Growth drivers include:

Aging population: Increasing demand for medical devices like hip/knee replacements and diagnostic equipment
Medical innovation: Continued development of advanced prosthetics, artificial organs, and diagnostic technologies
Healthcare expansion: Growing public awareness driving demand for biomedical solutions
Cross-industry collaboration: Expansion into agriculture, manufacturing, and other sectors beyond traditional healthcare

How to Break Into This Field

Education: Earn a bachelor's degree in biomedical engineering from an ABET-accredited program. Focus on biology, chemistry, physics, and engineering design courses. Many programs include lab work and hands-on projects.
Entry-Level Roles: Start as a junior biomedical engineer, research associate, quality assurance engineer, or technical support specialist in medical device companies.
Build Skills: Gain proficiency in CAD software, MATLAB, and statistical modeling. Complete internships or co-ops during college. Work on projects involving medical device design or biological systems.
Network: Join the Biomedical Engineering Society (BMES), attend conferences like the IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Conference, connect with professionals on LinkedIn.
Apply Strategically: Target medical device manufacturers (Medtronic, Boston Scientific), research institutions, hospitals, and biotech companies. Use Indeed, LinkedIn, and specialized engineering job boards.

Career Path & Advancement

Typical progression: Entry-level engineer → Senior engineer → Lead engineer → Engineering manager or Principal engineer (IC track).

With experience, biomedical engineers can advance to supervise teams, manage large projects, or specialize in areas like biomechanics, clinical engineering, or genetic engineering. Many pursue graduate degrees to lead research teams or transition into medical/dental school, patent law, or business management (MBA).

Pros & Cons

Pros

High earning potential with median salary over $106K
Meaningful work directly improving human health and saving lives
Strong job growth faster than national average
Diverse specializations from artificial organs to genetic engineering
Innovation-focused field with cutting-edge technology

Cons

Rigorous education requires advanced math and science
Long hours common, especially during product development cycles
High pressure when working on life-critical medical devices
Continuous learning required to keep pace with rapid technology changes
Regulatory complexity navigating FDA approvals can be challenging

Related Careers

If you're interested in Biomedical Engineer, you might also consider:

Mechanical Engineer – Design mechanical systems and devices ($102,320 median)
Chemical Engineer – Apply chemistry principles to manufacturing ($121,860 median)
Medical Scientist – Conduct research to improve human health ($100,590 median)
Materials Engineer – Develop new materials for products ($108,310 median)
Electrical Engineer – Design electrical and electronic systems ($118,780 median)

Data Source

All salary and employment data sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)Occupational Outlook Handbook. Data reflects May 2024 estimates and 2024-2034 projections.

Biomedical Engineer Career Guide