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.
Also called: Analytical Biochemical Engineer, Biochemical Development Engineer, Biochemical Engineer, Biochemistry Chemical Engineering Analyst, Bioengineer, Bioinformatics Engineer
Median pay
$109,370
per year, U.S.
Pay range (10th–90th)
$71,850 – $168,180
People employed
23,480
Holland code
IRC
Investigative · Realistic · Conventional
Updated October 2026 · Data: O*NET 31.0 and BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
Is this career right for you?
These are the things that stand out in this job compared with other U.S. jobs (O*NET 31.0 work context). Answer honestly.
- 1.Do you want variety, with new tasks often?
- 2.Are you happy working mostly on your own, with little contact with others?
- 3.Do you prefer a steady pace without constant deadlines?
Bioengineers and Biomedical Engineers pay by state
Highest-paying states
Annual median pay by state (36 states and DC with published data). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025.
Bioengineers and Biomedical Engineers salary in every state →
What bioengineers and biomedical engineers do
- 01Evaluate the safety, efficiency, and effectiveness of biomedical equipment.
- 02Prepare technical reports, data summary documents, or research articles for scientific publication, regulatory submissions, or patent applications.
- 03Design or develop medical diagnostic or clinical instrumentation, equipment, or procedures, using the principles of engineering and biobehavioral sciences.
- 04Conduct research, along with life scientists, chemists, and medical scientists, on the engineering aspects of the biological systems of humans and animals.
- 05Adapt or design computer hardware or software for medical science uses.
- 06Maintain databases of experiment characteristics or results.
Skills that matter most
- Speaking
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Writing
- Critical Thinking
- Mathematics
Knowledge
- Engineering and Technology
- Computers and Electronics
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Design
Work styles that stand out
- Dependability
- Attention to Detail
- Integrity
- Cautiousness
- Intellectual Curiosity
Education and first steps
Share of workers by required education, as reported to O*NET.
How people get started
- Usually needs a bachelor's degree (O*NET Job Zone 4).
- Related work experience: none.
- On-the-job training: over 3 months, up to and including 6 months.
Most common answers from O*NET 31.0 Education, Training and Experience.
Interest fit (Holland code)
O*NET occupational interest scores, scale 1–7. Take the Free Career Test to compare with your own.
Career changes
Change from bioengineers and biomedical engineers
- Biochemists and Biophysicists83% · +16%
- Bioinformatics Scientists82% · group pay
- Materials Scientists78% · +8%
- Molecular and Cellular Biologists74% · group pay
- Bioinformatics Technicians74% · group pay
Change into bioengineers and biomedical engineers
Jobs whose skills carry over best (skill match, their median pay).
- Bioinformatics Scientists84% · $98,920
- Biochemists and Biophysicists80% · $127,410
- Bioinformatics Technicians80% · $81,490
- Materials Scientists78% · $117,790
- Molecular and Cellular Biologists76% · $98,920
Majors that lead here
- Bioengineering and Biomedical Engineering
- Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering
- Biological/Biosystems Engineering
From the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk.