With how much medical technology changes, more and more businesses are looking for biomedical engineers to help create innovative new products. So, what are biomedical engineering salaries, career paths and job outlook like?
The Average and Median Biomedical Engineering Salary – Fresh Data
Biomedical engineering is certainly a lucrative career, as even entry level jobs pay more than the national average for all occupations. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average biomedical engineering salary was $101,020 in 2021. The median was slightly lower, at $97,410. These numbers translate to around $47-$48 per hour.
Of course, your exact salary will depend on a number of factors. These include your experience level, the company you work for, and the state you work in. For instance, entry level jobs might pay closer to $60,680 – that’s how much the lowest-paid 10% of bioengineers and biomedical engineers made last year.
And, as with most engineering disciplines, biomedical engineering salaries only go up from there. In fact, the highest-paid employees – those in the top percentile – make a whopping $154,750 per year!
Biomedical Engineering Salaries over the Years
It’s not surprising that salaries for biomedical engineers have actually increased quite a bit over the last few years. In 2016, the average salary was $89,970, so biomedical engineers have seen a pay increase of around $11,000 – or 12% – in just five years. Here’s more data on average biomedical engineering salaries:
- 2010 – $84,780;
- 2012 – $91,200;
- 2014 – $91,760;
- 2016 – $89,970;
- 2018 – $98,340.
As you can see, salaries have been on a general trend upwards, with a small dip in recent years. However, it’s important to note that these numbers are averages. So, your specific salary could be higher or lower than the average, depending on a number of factors.
The Average Biomedical Engineering Salary by State
If you’re looking to maximize your earnings as a biomedical engineer, you might want to consider working in one of these states. Here are the five states with the highest average salary for biomedical engineers:
- New Mexico – $134,120;
- Arizona – $120,970;
- Minnesota – $119,250;
- Connecticut – $116,430;
- Massachusetts – $115,670.
Of course, there are other factors to consider when deciding where to work. And some of this data can be explained by the higher cost of living in certain states, like Massachusetts.
What about the five lowest-paying states? These are: Nebraska ($70,940), Iowa ($73,170), Missouri ($77,040), Alabama ($80,370) and Kentucky ($80,760). Biomedical engineering salaries in all other states ranged from $81,000 to $114,000.
The Biomedical Engineering Job Outlook
Now that we’ve answered the question, “How much do biomedical engineers make?” it’s time to look at job outlook. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of biomedical engineers is expected to grow by just 6% from 2020 to 2030. That’s as fast as the average for all occupations.
They project that 1,400 biomedical engineering jobs will open each year, on average, over the next decade. Many of these jobs are going to open because current employees will be retiring. So, if you’re looking for a stable career with good job security, biomedical engineering is a decent choice.
The Biomedical Engineering Career Path
Most biomedical engineers have at least a bachelor’s degree in biomedical engineering, although some jobs might require a master’s degree or even a PhD. And, like most engineering disciplines, there are a number of different specializations within biomedical engineering. These include:
- tissue engineering;
- rehabilitation engineering;
- implant design;
- drug delivery;
- medical devices;
- biosensors;
- biomaterials.
Most biomedical engineers start their career in an entry-level position and then move up the ladder as they gain experience. With time and experience, you might eventually become a project manager, team leader or even an executive at your company.
Generally, no state licensing is required to work as a biomedical engineer. However, some states require licensure for certain types of jobs, like those involving the design of medical devices.
What Do Biomedical Engineers Do, in General?
Biomedical engineers use their knowledge of engineering, biology and medicine to develop new medical devices, drugs and treatments. They might work on developing artificial organs or designing new prosthetics. Or, they might create new diagnostic tools, such as X-ray machines or computer software that detects signals transmitted by the brain.
They usually work in teams with other engineers, doctors and scientists. And they often collaborate with other engineers outside their field, like electrical engineers or mechanical engineers.
Biomedical engineering is a relatively new field. It only emerged in the last century, as a result of advances in technology. And it’s still evolving. So, if you’re looking for an exciting and ever-changing career, biomedical engineering might be the right choice for you.
Biomedical Engineering Salaries Are Great. The Job Growth Is Average
So, there you have it: everything you need to know about the biomedical engineering salary. If you’re thinking of becoming a biomedical engineer, you can expect to make a good salary. And, while the job growth is only average, there are many specializations within the field to choose from.
