biomedical engineers
$91,410
Median Annual Wage
19,800
Number of Jobs
4%
Job Outlook
What do biomedical engineers do?
Can’t decide whether you want to be a medical scientist or an engineer? Well, maybe you should consider being a biomedical engineer! When it gets down to it, biomedical engineers dedicate their career to making people’s lives better. They combine engineering principles with medical sciences to help people improve their quality of life, or help them with their disabilities. Additionally, they use their skills to design and create equipment, devices, computer systems, and software. From manufacturing companies to hospitals, you can find biomedical engineers working all over the place!
Design
Design biomedical equipment and devices, such as artificial internal organs, replacements for body parts, and machines for diagnosing medical problems
Install
Install, adjust, maintain, repair, or provide technical support for biomedical equipment
Evaluate
Evaluate the safety, efficiency, and effectiveness of biomedical equipment
Research
Research the engineering aspects of the biological systems of humans and animals with life scientists, chemists, and medical scientists
Train
Train clinicians and other personnel on the proper use of biomedical equipment
Present
Present research findings to scientists, nonscientist executives, clinicians, hospital management, engineers, other colleagues, and the public as well as write technical reports, and publish research papers
Work Environment
Biomedical engineers held about 19,800 jobs in 2018. The largest employers of biomedical engineers are shown on the right.
Biomedical engineers are team players: they work with other scientists, healthcare workers, and other engineers. Each job is different, because where and how they work depends on the project. For example, a biomedical engineer who has developed a new prosthetic device might have to spend hours in a hospital to determine whether the device works as planned. If the engineer finds a way to improve the device, she might have to return to the manufacturer to help alter the manufacturing process to improve the design.
- Medical equipment and supplies manufacturing – 19%
- Research and development in the physical, engineering, and life sciences – 16%
- Colleges, universities, and professional schools; state, local, and private – 10%
- Navigational, measuring, electromedical, and control instruments manufacturing – 9%
- Healthcare and social assistance – 9%
Work Schedule
Biomedical engineers usually work full time on a normal schedule. However, they may have to work additional hours occasionally to meet the needs of their patients, managers, colleagues, and clients. This isn’t unusual with an engineering occupation, though. Many engineers, including biomedical engineers, may have to work a little extra sometimes. In fact, some biomedical engineers work more than 40 hours per week!
PAY
$55,280
$91,410
$148,210
Low
The maximum annual wage for the lowest ten percent of biomedical engineers in 2019.
Median
The median annual pay wage for biomedical engineers in 2019.
High
The minimum annual wage for the top ten percent of biomedical engineers in 2019.
Median annual wages in top industries
- Navigational, measuring, electromedical, and control instruments manufacturing – $105,720
- Research and development in the physical, engineering, and life sciences – $92,230
- Medical equipment and supplies manufacturing – $89,400
- Healthcare and social assistance – $77,520
- Colleges, universities, and professional schools; state, local, and private – $73,300
Job Outlook
Employment of biomedical engineers is projected to grow 4% from 2018 to 2028 (about as fast as the average for all jobs). That means there will be about 700 more jobs available for biomedical engineers throughout this next decade!
Biomedical engineers will likely see employment growth because of the increasing possibilities brought by new technologies. Smartphone technology and three-dimensional printing are examples of technology being applied to biomedical advances. Additionally, increasing numbers of people will seek biomedical solutions to their health problems from their physicians as more people become aware of medical advances.
How do I become a biomedical engineer?
Bachelor's Degree
Biomedical engineers typically need a bachelor’s degree in biomedical engineering or bioengineering, or in a related engineering field. Traditional engineering degrees may be useful as well, especially if biological science courses are involved. Some jobs may require a graduate degree.
For High School Students
If you’re interested in becoming a biomedical engineer, you don’t have to wait until college to prepare! High school students can prepare for this career by taking classes in chemistry, physics, and biology. They should also take math courses including algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and calculus. Other classes such as drafting and computer programming would be valuable as well!
IMPORTANT Qualities
Analytical Skills
Biomedical engineers must analyze the needs of patients and customers to design appropriate solutions.
Communication Skills
Because biomedical engineers sometimes work with patients and frequently work on teams, they must express themselves clearly. They must seek others’ ideas and incorporate those ideas into the problem-solving process.
Creativity
Biomedical engineers must be creative to come up with innovative and integrative advances in healthcare equipment and devices.
Math Skills
Biomedical engineers use the principles of calculus and other advanced topics in math and statistics, for analysis, design, and troubleshooting in their work.
Problem-solving Skills
Biomedical engineers typically deal with and solve problems in complex biological systems.
Is there anything else I need to know in order to become a biomedical engineer?
We’ve covered almost everything about biomedical engineers including their salary, work schedule, job outlook, work environment, and education! Here are some common questions that one might ask about what it takes to become a biomedical engineer!
How long does it take to become a biomedical engineer?
Many employers prefer to hire biomedical engineers who have earned a bachelor’s degree in biomedical engineering or bioengineering. This college degree typically takes about 4 years for full-time students to earn. After you have completed your education, you can go directly into the workforce as a biomedical engineer, or start an internship! Although, it may take additional time and education to gain the necessary experience that is usually required for higher-paying jobs.
What are the best colleges to go to if I want to become a biomedical engineer?
There are many colleges that offer great programs for students that are interested in becoming biomedical engineers including the following;
- Johns Hopkins University (Whiting)
- Emory University – Georgia Institute of Technology
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology
- Duke University (Pratt)
- Stanford University
- University of California – Berkeley
- University of California – San Diego (Jacobs)
- University of Pennsylvania
- Boston University
- Columbia University (Fu Foundation)
- University of Michigan – Ann Arbor
Do I have to have a bachelor's degree in order to become a biomedical engineer?
Although having a bachelor’s degree isn’t required, it is highly recommended if you are interested in becoming a biomedical engineer! Many employers prefer to hire biomedical engineers who have a bachelor’s degree in biomedical engineering or bioengineering, and some positions in the workforce may require a graduate degree.
How many women are biomedical engineers compared to men?
Biomedial engineers have a much higher percentage of women than many other engineering occupations. About 40% of biomedical engineers are women, more than twice the overall engineering average! Most engineering fields are around 13% women, so biomedical engineering can be considered the exception.
How do I know if becoming a biomedical engineer is right for me?
As exciting as this job may seem, it is a lot of work – just like any other career in the workforce! If you are unsure if becoming a biomedical engineer is right for you, learn about it as much as you can! This career typically favors those who are interested in the S.T.E.M. fields. Although, you are in control of your future so it is up to you what you’d like to become!
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