Bioengineers and Biomedical Engineers
Apply knowledge of engineering, biology, chemistry, computer science, and biomechanical principles to the design, development, and evaluation of biological, agricultural, and health systems and products, such as artificial organs, prostheses, instrumentation, medical information systems, and health management and care delivery systems.
What it pays
Bioengineers and Biomedical Engineers earn a median of $52.58/hr — about $109,500 a year. The lowest-paid 10% earn $34.55/hr; the top 10% earn $80.86/hr. (Annual figures are approximate: hourly × 2,080.)
Bioengineers and Biomedical Engineers earn a median of $52.58/hr — about $109,500 a year. The lowest-paid 10% earn $34.55/hr; the top 10% earn $80.86/hr. (Annual figures are approximate: hourly × 2,080.)
What you'd actually do
- Evaluate the safety, efficiency, and effectiveness of biomedical equipment.
- Prepare technical reports, data summary documents, or research articles for scientific publication, regulatory submissions, or patent applications.
- Design or develop medical diagnostic or clinical instrumentation, equipment, or procedures, using the principles of engineering and biobehavioral sciences.
- Conduct research, along with life scientists, chemists, and medical scientists, on the engineering aspects of the biological systems of humans and animals.
- Adapt or design computer hardware or software for medical science uses.
- Maintain databases of experiment characteristics or results.
How you get there
Typical entry-level education: Bachelor's degree. Overall preparation: considerable preparation (Job Zone 4 of 5).
The feel of the work
The work splits time indoors and out; much of the day is spent working solo. (Compared against the other 818 careers in the guide.)
Working for yourself
About 0.2% of bioengineers and biomedical engineers are self-employed.
Who it tends to fit
This work tends to fit people who are analytical, hands-on and organized and detail-focused.
Work a simulated shift in this job — freeMake the real decisions this job involves, then see what your choices say about you.Related careers
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Quick questions
- How much does a bioengineers and biomedical engineer make?
- The median pay is $52.58 per hour — roughly $109,500 a year, with the real range running from about $34.55/hr (10th percentile) to $80.86/hr (90th percentile). Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
- Do you need a degree to be a bioengineers and biomedical engineer?
- The typical entry-level education is: Bachelor's degree. Overall preparation level: considerable preparation (Job Zone 4 of 5).
- What does a bioengineers and biomedical engineer actually do all day?
- Evaluate the safety, efficiency, and effectiveness of biomedical equipment. Prepare technical reports, data summary documents, or research articles for scientific publication, regulatory submissions, or patent applications. Design or develop medical diagnostic or clinical instrumentation, equipment, or procedures, using the principles of engineering and biobehavioral sciences.
Wages: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS. Tasks & interests: O*NET. Career pathways shown in the app are draft archetypes — verify before relying on them. Trailhead is a free career guide for students — honest numbers, no hype.
Trailhead is operated by FLEXVermont LLC. It is intended for high-school students age 13 and older, and the educators and families who support them, and is not directed to children under 13. Trailhead is provided for general informational and educational purposes only. It does not offer professional, financial, or career advice, and its wage figures and pathways are estimates that may not fit your situation — they should not be relied on as the sole basis for any decision.
Trailhead is operated by FLEXVermont LLC. It is intended for high-school students age 13 and older, and the educators and families who support them, and is not directed to children under 13. Trailhead is provided for general informational and educational purposes only. It does not offer professional, financial, or career advice, and its wage figures and pathways are estimates that may not fit your situation — they should not be relied on as the sole basis for any decision.