What Is the Average Salary of a Bioengineer?
Bioengineers study the engineering aspects of biological systems and design medical hardware and software. Find information about a career in bioengineering, bioengineer salaries, and job growth information.
Career Overview
The terms 'bioengineer' and 'biomedical engineer' are often used interchangeably. Since the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports the salary and job growth statistics of biomedical engineers, the numbers reported in this article will refer to the job title of biomedical engineer. A bachelor's degree in a relevant field, such as biomedical engineering, materials engineering, or electrical engineering, is required for a career in bioengineering. Many online biomedical engineering degree programs are available. The table below offers a brief overview of the career.
| Required Education | Bachelor's degree |
| Key Skills | Knowledge of biology, engineering, and medical and science software; critical thinking; communication skills; analytical skills; problem solving; mathematical skills |
| Job Growth (2018-2028) | 4% |
| Annual Median Pay (May 2018) | $88,550 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)
What Does a Bioengineer Do?
Bioengineers are experts in both engineering and biology. Biomedical engineers design medical equipment, software, and devices. Some develop artificial organs and body parts while others develop drug therapies. A bioengineer may focus upon maintaining, operating, and repairing medical equipment. Another career path for bioengineers is in research, where they focus upon studying biological systems from an engineering perspective.
Readers should note that, in some cases, the term bioengineer will refer to a broader field of study, research, and design than the term biomedical engineer. The term bioengineer may also refer to someone who uses their expertise in biology and engineering to research and work in animal health, plant health, and agriculture.
How Much Do Bioengineers Make?
Average Bioengineer Salary
The BLS reports that, in May of 2018, the annual median pay of all biomedical engineers was $88,550. The median hourly pay was $42.57. The top ten percent earned $144,350 or more while the bottom ten percent earned $51,890 or less. The average salary of a biomedical engineer will vary according to industry and location.
Average Salary By Industry
The BLS reported that, in May of 2018, the top-paying industry for biomedical engineers was Computer Systems Design and Related Services, with an annual mean wage (average salary) of $120,190. This was followed by Semiconductor and Other Electronic Component Manufacturing, with an annual average salary of $112,410. The industry with the highest level of employment of biomedical engineers in May 2018 was Medical Equipment and Supplies Manufacturing, where the annual mean wage was $93,560. The industry with the second-highest level of employment for biomedical engineers was Pharmaceutical and Medicine Manufacturing, where the annual mean salary was $95,970.
Average Salary By Location
In May 2018, biomedical engineers in Minnesota earned the highest annual mean wage in comparison to biomedical engineers in other states: $114,380. Biomedical engineers in New Jersey earned the second-highest annual mean wage by location, which was $113,140. The lowest annual mean wage in May 2018 was reported in South Carolina, at $64,460. The state with the highest rate of employment for biomedical engineers was California, where they earned an annual mean wage of $101,210. Following California was Massachusetts, where bioengineers earned an annual mean wage of $105,580.
Projected Job Growth
The BLS projects that biomedical engineering will have an average job growth rate of 4% between 2018 and 2028. The BLS predicts that three main factors will contribute to an increase in the number of jobs for biomedical engineers. First is the development of new technologies that can be used within a medical setting. Second, the aging population will fuel an increase in demand for medical devices, such as joint replacements. Third, as the general public becomes more informed about advances in medical technology, patients will become more likely to request these technologies and devices from their healthcare providers.