How to become a Bioengineer or Biomedical Engineer

Official title: Bioengineers and Biomedical Engineers

Also called: Biomedical Engineer, Biomedical Technician (Biomedical Tech), Engineer, Process Engineer, Research Engineer

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.

Main tasks

• Evaluate the safety, efficiency, and effectiveness of biomedical equipment.
• Prepare technical reports, data summary documents, or research articles for scientific publication, regulatory submissions, or patent applications.
• Design or develop medical diagnostic or clinical instrumentation, equipment, or procedures, using the principles of engineering and biobehavioral sciences.
• Conduct research, along with life scientists, chemists, and medical scientists, on the engineering aspects of the biological systems of humans and animals.
• Adapt or design computer hardware or software for medical science uses.
• Maintain databases of experiment characteristics or results.
• Develop statistical models or simulations, using statistical or modeling software.
• Read current scientific or trade literature to stay abreast of scientific, industrial, or technological advances.

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.

Typical education to start: Bachelor's degree

Read the full guide from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Ways in

• College: Engineering degrees, Offered by 36 universities in the US
• College: Science degrees, Offered by 36 universities in the US
• Licence: A licence is required in 46 states.

Pay · Outlook · AI and this job

• Median pay: $109,370 a year The middle half earn $86,980 to $136,600.
• About 23,800 people work in this job now, and about 25,700 are projected by 2035. (+7.6%)
• People already use generative AI for a good share of this work, which usually changes the job more than it replaces it. Microsoft Research rates its AI applicability as high.

Related jobs

• Transportation Engineers
• Water/Wastewater Engineers
• Environmental Engineers
• Health and Safety Engineers, Except Mining Safety Engineers and Inspectors
• Aerospace Engineers
• Agricultural Engineers

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Questions people ask

How do I become a Bioengineer or Biomedical Engineer?

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.

How much does a Bioengineer or Biomedical Engineer earn in the US?

Median full-time pay is $109,370 a year (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). The middle half earn $86,980 to $136,600.

Is a Bioengineer or Biomedical Engineer a growing career in the US?

Yes. Employment is projected to grow 8% by 2035, from about 23,800 to about 25,700 people (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).

Do you need a degree to become a Bioengineer or Biomedical Engineer?

Usually. 78% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Will AI change the work of a Bioengineer or Biomedical Engineer?

People already use generative AI for a good share of this work, which usually changes the job more than it replaces it. Microsoft Research rates its AI applicability as high.

Sources

• Microsoft Research: Working with AI: AI applicability by occupation (2025-12-22 (built on O*NET 29.0)), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-03
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Employment Projections (2025-35 (released 2026-08-27)), Public domain (BLS), retrieved 2026-10-03
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Outlook Handbook (2025-35 edition (published 2026-08-27)), Public domain (BLS); photographs excluded, retrieved 2026-10-03
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025), Public domain (BLS), retrieved 2026-10-03

Updated 2026-10-03

This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.