Bioengineers and Biomedical Engineers

What They Do: Bioengineers and biomedical engineers combine engineering principles with sciences to design and create equipment, devices, computer systems, and software.

Work Environment: Bioengineers and biomedical engineers work in manufacturing, in research facilities, and for a variety of other employers. Most work full time, and some work more than 40 hours per week.

How to Become One: Bioengineers and biomedical engineers typically need a bachelor’s degree in bioengineering or biomedical engineering or in a related engineering field. Some positions require a graduate degree.

Salary: The median annual wage for bioengineers and biomedical engineers is $97,410.

Job Outlook: Employment of bioengineers and biomedical engineers is projected to grow 10 percent over the next ten years, faster than the average for all occupations.

Related Careers: Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of bioengineers and biomedical engineers with similar occupations.

Following is everything you need to know about a career as a Bioengineer or Biomedical Engineer with lots of details. As a first step, take a look at some of the following jobs, which are real jobs with real employers. You will be able to see the very real job career requirements for employers who are actively hiring. The link will open in a new tab so that you can come back to this page to continue reading about the career:

Top 3 Bioengineer Jobs

• Senior Bioengineering Expert - Lonza - Barrington, NH

  United States, Portsmouth (New Hampshire) Today, Lonza is a global leader in life sciences operating across five continents. While we work in science, there's no magic formula to how we do it. Our ...

• Senior Bioengineering Expert - Lonza - Greenland, NH

  United States, Portsmouth (New Hampshire) Today, Lonza is a global leader in life sciences operating across five continents. While we work in science, there's no magic formula to how we do it. Our ...

• Dr. Gerald Timm Endowed Associate/Professor, Department of Urology - University of Minnesota - Minneapolis, MN

  Cellular and molecular bioengineering College of Science & Engineering Department of Biomedical Engineering Ranked among the top biomedical engineering programs nationally, the department focuses on ...

See all Bioengineer jobs

Top 3 Biomedical Engineer Jobs

• Dr. Gerald Timm Endowed Associate/Professor, Department of Urology - University of Minnesota - Minneapolis, MN

  Cellular and molecular bioengineering College of Science & Engineering Department of Biomedical Engineering Ranked among the top biomedical engineering programs nationally, the department focuses on ...

• Precision Analyst - VIDA Diagnostics Inc - Oxford, IA

  Associate Degree in Science, Radiological Science, Biomedical Engineering , Mathematics or a related field or equivalent education and experience. Must be highly motivated and detail oriented and ...

• Physician Neurology-Pediatric - Competitive Salary - CHOC Children's Hospital - Orange, CA

  Faculty members have also mentored biomedical engineers . Our multidisciplinary programs include a high-risk infant bridge clinic, Ketogenic Diet, and TSC Clinic with support from neuropsychology ...

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What Bioengineers and Biomedical Engineers Do[About this section] [To Top]

Bioengineers and biomedical engineers combine engineering principles with sciences to design and create equipment, devices, computer systems, and software.

Duties of Bioengineers and Biomedical Engineers

Bioengineers and biomedical engineers typically do the following:

• Design equipment and devices, such as artificial internal organs, replacements for body parts, and machines for diagnosing medical problems
• Install, maintain, or provide technical support for biomedical equipment
• Collaborate with manufacturing staff on the safety and effectiveness of biomedical equipment
• Train clinicians and others on the proper use of biomedical equipment
• Work with scientists to research how engineering principles applyto biological systems
• Develop statistical models or simulations using statistical or modeling software
• Prepare procedures andwrite technical reports and research papers
• Present research findings to a variety of audiences, including scientists,clinicians, managers, otherengineers, and the public
• Design or conduct followup experiments as needed

Bioengineers and biomedical engineers frequently work in research and development or quality assurance.

The work of bioengineers spans many fields. For example, although their expertise is in engineering and biology, they often design computer software to run complicated instruments, such as three-dimensional x-ray machines. Others use their knowledge of chemistry and biology to develop new drug therapies. Still others draw on math and statistics to understand signals transmitted by the brain or heart. Some are involved in sales.

Biomedical engineers focus on advances in technology and medicine to develop new devices and equipment for improving human health. For example, they might design software to run medical equipment or computer simulations to test new drug therapies. In addition, they design and build artificial body parts, such as hip and knee joints, or develop materials to make replacement parts. They also design rehabilitative exercise equipment.

The following are examples of types of bioengineers and biomedical engineers:

Biochemical engineers focus on cell structures and microscopic systems to create products for bioremediation, biological waste treatment, and other uses.

Bioinstrumentation engineers use electronics, computer science, and measurement principles to develop tools for diagnosing and treating medical problems.

Biomaterials engineers study naturally occurring or laboratory-designed substances for use in medical devices or implants.

Biomechanics engineers study thermodynamics and other systems to solve biological or medical problems.

Clinical engineers apply medical technology to improve healthcare.

Genetic engineers alter the genetic makeup of organism using recombinant deoxyribonucleic acid (rDNA) technology, such as in developing vitamin-fortified food crops to prevent disease in humans.

Rehabilitation engineers develop devices that aid people who are recovering from or adapting to physical or cognitive impairments.

Systems physiologists use engineering tools to understand how biological systems function and respond to changes in their environment.

Other bioengineering occupations are described in separate profiles; see, for example, chemical engineers and agricultural engineers. Some people with training in biomedical engineering become postsecondary teachers.

Work Environment for Bioengineers and Biomedical Engineers[About this section] [To Top]

Bioengineers and biomedical engineers hold about 17,900 jobs. The largest employers of biomedical engineers are as follows:

Research and development in the physical, engineering, and life sciences	28%
Medical equipment and supplies manufacturing	14%
Healthcare and social assistance	8%
Navigational, measuring, electromedical, and control instruments manufacturing	7%
Colleges, universities, and professional schools; state, local, and private	5%

Bioengineers and biomedical engineers work on teams with scientists, healthcare workers, or other engineers. Where and how they work depends on the project. For example, a biomedical engineer who has developed a new device might spend hours in a hospital to ensure that the device works as planned. If the device needs adjusting, the engineer might need to suggest alterations in the manufacturing process.

Biomedical Engineer Work Schedules

Most bioengineers and biomedical engineers work full time, and some work more than 40 hours per week.

How to Become a Biomedical Engineer[About this section] [To Top]

Get the education you need: Find schools for Bioengineers and Biomedical Engineers near you!

Bioengineers and biomedical engineers typically need a bachelor’s degree in bioengineering, biomedical engineering, or a related engineering field. Some positions require a graduate degree.

Education for Bioengineers and Biomedical Engineers

Bioengineers and biomedical engineers typically need a bachelor's degree in bioengineering, biomedical engineering, or a related engineering field. Some positions require a graduate degree.

In high school, students interested in becoming bioengineers or biomedical engineers should take classes in sciences such as chemistry, physics, and biology. They should also study math, including algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and calculus. If available, classes in drafting, mechanical drawing, and computer programming are also useful.

At the bachelor's degree level, prospective bioengineers should enter bioengineering or traditional engineering programs, such as mechanical and electrical. Students who pursue traditional engineering degrees may benefit from taking biological science courses.

Bachelor's degree programs in bioengineering and biomedical engineering focus on engineering and biological sciences. These programs typically include laboratory- and classroom-based courses in biological sciences and subjects such as fluid and solid mechanics, circuit design, and biomaterials.

These programs also include substantial training in engineering design. As part of their study, students may have an opportunity to participate in co-ops or internships with hospitals and medical device and pharmaceutical manufacturing companies. Bioengineering and biomedical engineering programs are accredited by ABET.

Important Qualities for Bioengineers and Biomedical Engineers

Analytical skills. Bioengineers and biomedical engineers must assess the needs of patients and customers prior to designing products.

Communication skills. Because bioengineers and biomedical engineers sometimes work with patients and customers and frequently work on teams, they must be able to express themselves clearly in discussions. They also write reports and research papers.

Creativity. Bioengineers and biomedical engineers must be creative to come up with innovations in healthcare equipment and devices.

Math skills. Bioengineers and biomedical engineers use calculus and other advanced math and statistics for analysis, design, and troubleshooting in their work.

Problem-solving skills. Bioengineers and biomedical engineers typically deal with intricate biological systems. They must be able to work independently and with others to incorporate ideas into the complex problem-solving process.

Advancement for Bioengineers and Biomedical Engineers

Bioengineers and biomedical engineers may increase their responsibilities as they gain experience or advanced degrees. To lead a research team, a bioengineer or biomedical engineer typically needs a graduate degree. Those who are interested in basic research may become medical scientists.

Some bioengineers attend medical or dental school to specialize in techniques such as using electric impulses in new ways to get muscles moving again. Others earn law degrees and work as patent attorneys. Still others pursue a master's degree in business administration (MBA) and move into managerial positions. For more information, see the profiles on lawyers and architectural and engineering managers.

Biomedical Engineer Salaries[About this section] [More salary/earnings info] [To Top]

The median annual wage for bioengineers and biomedical engineers is $97,410. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $60,680, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $154,750.

The median annual wages for bioengineers and biomedical engineers in the top industries in which they work are as follows:

Navigational, measuring, electromedical, and control instruments manufacturing	$104,050
Research and development in the physical, engineering, and life sciences	$98,610
Medical equipment and supplies manufacturing	$97,090
Healthcare and social assistance	$79,400
Colleges, universities, and professional schools; state, local, and private	$62,650

Most bioengineers and biomedical engineers work full time, and some work more than 40 hours per week.

Job Outlook for Bioengineers and Biomedical Engineers[About this section] [To Top]

Employment of bioengineers and biomedical engineers is projected to grow 10 percent over the next ten years, faster than the average for all occupations.

About 1,200 openings for bioengineers and biomedical engineers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

Employment of Bioengineers and Biomedical Engineers

Bioengineers and biomedical engineers are expected to see employment growth because of increasing technologies and their applications to medical equipment and devices. Smartphone technology and three-dimensional printing are examples of technology being applied to biomedical advances.

As the baby-boom generation lives longer and stays active, the demand for bioengineers and biomedical devices and procedures, such as hip and knee replacements, is expected to increase. In addition, as the public awareness of medical advances continues, increasing numbers of people will seek biomedical solutions to their health problems from their physicians.

Bioengineers and biomedical engineers work with scientists, other medical researchers, and manufacturers to address a range of injuries and physical disabilities. The ability of these engineers to collaborate on activities with workers from other fields is enlarging the range of applications for biomedical engineering products and services.

Careers Related to Bioengineers and Biomedical Engineers[About this section] [To Top]

Agricultural Engineers

Agricultural engineers attempt to solve agricultural problems concerning power supplies, the efficiency of machinery, the use of structures and facilities, pollution and environmental issues, and the storage and processing of agricultural products.

Architectural and Engineering Managers

Architectural and engineering managers plan, direct, and coordinate activities in architectural and engineering companies.

Biochemists and Biophysicists

Biochemists and biophysicists study the chemical and physical principles of living things and of biological processes, such as cell development, growth, heredity, and disease.

Chemical Engineers

Chemical engineers apply the principles of chemistry, biology, physics, and math to solve problems that involve the production or use of chemicals, fuel, drugs, food, and many other products. They design processes and equipment for large-scale manufacturing, plan and test production methods and byproducts treatment, and direct facility operations.

Electrical and Electronics Engineers

Electrical engineers design, develop, test, and supervise the manufacturing of electrical equipment, such as electric motors, radar and navigation systems, communications systems, and power generation equipment. Electronics engineers design and develop electronic equipment, including broadcast and communications systems, such as portable music players and Global Positioning System (GPS) devices.

Materials Engineers

Materials engineers develop, process, and test materials used to create a wide range of products, from computer chips and aircraft wings to golf clubs and biomedical devices. They study the properties and structures of metals, ceramics, plastics, composites, nanomaterials (extremely small substances), and other substances in order to create new materials that meet certain mechanical, electrical, and chemical requirements.

Mechanical Engineers

Mechanical engineers design, develop, build, and test mechanical and thermal sensors and devices, including tools, engines, and machines.

Physicians and Surgeons

Physicians and surgeons diagnose and treat injuries or illnesses. Physicians examine patients; take medical histories; prescribe medications; and order, perform, and interpret diagnostic tests. They counsel patients on diet, hygiene, and preventive healthcare. Surgeons operate on patients to treat injuries, such as broken bones; diseases, such as cancerous tumors; and deformities, such as cleft palates.

Sales Engineers

Sales engineers sell complex scientific and technological products or services to businesses. They must have extensive knowledge of the products' parts and functions and must understand the scientific processes that make these products work.

More Biomedical Engineer Information[About this section] [To Top]

For information about general engineering education and biomedical engineering career resources, visit

American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering

American Society for Engineering Education

Biomedical Engineering Society

IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society

Technology Student Association

For information about accredited engineering programs, visit

ABET