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Bioengineers and Biomedical Engineers

Typical education: Master's degreeLower pressure Bright Outlook

What they do

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.

Kinds of work

  • Investigative: Science, research, figuring out how things work and solving complex problems.
  • Realistic: Hands-on work with tools, machines, plants or animals, often outdoors.
  • Conventional: Organizing information, following clear procedures and working with data and details.

Lower pressure: How much pressure workers in this job report: deadlines, conflict, dealing with upset people, the cost of mistakes, responsibility for others' safety, competition and long hours. It varies a lot from one employer to the next. Source: U.S. Department of Labor worker surveys.

Pay, tasks and more

Salary

United States $109,370 Median per year · $52.58/hr Most earn $71,850–$168,180

BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, 2025.

What you might do

  • Research new materials to be used for products, such as implanted artificial organs.
  • Recommend process formulas, instrumentation, or equipment specifications, based on results of bench or pilot experimentation.
  • Develop statistical models or simulations, using statistical or modeling software.
  • Develop methodologies for transferring procedures or biological processes from laboratories to commercial-scale manufacturing production.
  • Prepare technical reports, data summary documents, or research articles for scientific publication, regulatory submissions, or patent applications.
  • Read current scientific or trade literature to stay abreast of scientific, industrial, or technological advances.

Job outlook

Bright Outlook Rapid Growth

United States
8% more jobs by 2035, much faster than average · about 1,200 openings a year

Openings include new jobs and jobs left by workers who retire or change careers. Projections: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. "Bright Outlook": U.S. Department of Labor.

Where they work

  • Research and development in the physical, engineering, and life sciences22.2%
  • Medical equipment and supplies manufacturing10.1%
  • Colleges, universities, and professional schools8.9%
  • Navigational, measuring, electromedical, and control instruments manufacturing8.4%
  • Pharmaceutical and medicine manufacturing8.0%

Share of all workers in this career. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, National Employment Matrix.

Experience before this job: 6 months to 1 year

Career path

How people usually get into this career, from school to their first job and beyond.

Typical education: Master's degreeExperience before this job: 6 months to 1 year

This is not usually an entry-level job. Most people earn a master's degree and gain about 6 months to 1 year of related hands-on experience, so the path often takes about 6 years of school after high school.

  1. Bachelor's degree in biomedical engineering, bioengineering, or a related engineering field

    4 years

    You learn the core engineering, biology, and math skills, and you can start looking for internships or research work that builds experience for later.

  2. Master's degree in biomedical engineering, with an internship or co-op

    1-2 years

    Advanced coursework and a research project or hands-on internship give you the specialized skills and the practical experience employers usually look for.

  3. Biomedical Engineer

    Ongoing

    You design, test, and improve medical devices, prosthetics, imaging tools, or health systems, often working on a team with doctors and other specialists.

Where it can lead

  1. Senior Biomedical Engineer

    3-5 years of experience first

    You take on bigger projects, lead design work, mentor newer engineers, and make more of the decisions about how a product is built and tested.

  2. Biomedical Engineering Manager

    5-8 years of experience first

    You plan projects and budgets, manage a team of engineers, and coordinate with regulators, clinicians, and business leaders. Strong communication and leadership skills matter most here.

What you can do now

Ideas for high school and college students.

In high school

  • Take biology, chemistry, physics, and as much math as you canThese classes build the foundation you'll need for any engineering major, especially one that mixes medicine and machines.
  • Join a robotics, science fair, or engineering clubBuilding and testing projects with a team shows you how engineers solve real problems and gives you something concrete to talk about on applications.
  • Volunteer at a hospital, clinic, or nursing homeSpending time where medical devices and health care are used helps you understand the patient needs that biomedical engineers design for.
  • Learn basic coding on your own or in a classProgramming is used across biomedical engineering, from analyzing test data to controlling devices, so an early start helps.
  • Look for a summer job, job shadow, or STEM campAny of these gives you a chance to see science and engineering work up close and start building a résumé.

In college

  • Major in biomedical engineering or bioengineeringA major built for this field teaches the mix of biology, engineering, and design that the career needs. If your school doesn't offer it, a related engineering major with biology electives also works.
  • Get an internship, co-op, or research assistant jobHands-on work in a medical device company, hospital research lab, or university lab builds the roughly 6 months to 1 year of related experience employers typically expect.
  • Join a biomedical or engineering student organizationStudent groups often host design competitions, speakers, and networking events that help you meet people in the field and sharpen teamwork skills.
  • Take statistics, programming, and lab coursesData analysis, coding, and lab skills come up often in this work and will help you stand out when you apply to master's programs or jobs.
  • Plan for graduate school earlySince a master's degree is the typical education for this career, look at graduate programs, research interests, and professors' labs during your junior or senior year.

Tips for getting started

  • Get hands-on experience early. Internships, co-ops, and research assistant jobs count toward the practical experience employers look for, and they help you learn what kind of biomedical work you enjoy.
  • Build strong skills in math, programming (such as Python or MATLAB), and CAD design. These show up in many job ads and make you a stronger candidate for graduate programs.
  • Talk to working biomedical engineers. Ask about their day-to-day work and what they wish they had studied, so your choices now match what you want to do.

Related jobs that often lead here

Related jobs a step up

Education, experience and related careers: U.S. Department of Labor. The step-by-step path, where it can lead and what you can do now were written by AI as typical examples; many people take other ways.

College majors that lead here

Majors: U.S. Department of Education and BLS (CIP–SOC crosswalk). Earnings and debt: College Scorecard, typical across U.S. colleges.

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