Bioengineers and Biomedical Engineers
Bioengineers and biomedical engineers apply engineering principles to biological and health challenges, designing artificial organs, prostheses, medical devices, and health systems. They work in hospitals, research laboratories, medical device companies, pharmaceutical firms, and academic institutions, combining expertise in engineering, biology, chemistry, and computer science.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against bioengineers and biomedical engineers and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
A typical week involves designing and testing medical devices or biological systems, analyzing experimental data using computer models, attending meetings with clinical staff or product teams, writing technical documentation, and troubleshooting equipment performance. Work splits between laboratory settings, offices for design work, and collaboration with physicians or other specialists to validate solutions.
Who this work suits
Holland code IRC. Investigative work is figuring things out: analysis, research, problem-solving. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
This work suits people who enjoy investigating complex problems systematically and building practical, hands-on solutions. You'd likely do well here if you're comfortable with both theoretical analysis and real-world engineering challenges, and you're driven by applying science directly to improve human health.
What it takes
Preparation: Considerable preparation (most need a bachelor’s degree and several years of experience). Most people in this occupation hold a master’s degree.
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Openings right now
- Biomedical Engineer · Veterans Health Administration · Tulsa, Oklahoma · $71125–$139166
- Supervisory Biomedical Engineer · Veterans Health Administration · Prescott, Arizona · $145052–$188573
- Supervisory Biomedical Engineer (Clinical) · Veterans Health Administration · North Little Rock, Arkansas · $106437–$138370
- Biomedical Engineer · Veterans Health Administration · Durham, North Carolina · $106727–$138748
- Supervisory Biomedical Engineer · Veterans Health Administration · Temple, Texas · $129232–$168003
- Supervisory Biomedical Engineer (Clinical) · Veterans Health Administration · Clarksburg, West Virginia · $136456–$177399
- BIOMEDICAL ENGINEER · Defense Health Agency · Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland · $121785–$158322
- Biomedical Engineer · Veterans Health Administration · Marion, Illinois · $50460–$116362
Openings are read from employers’ own career pages and public job boards and change daily. Search all openings (free account) to filter by distance, pay and how well you qualify.
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona | $124,330 | $141,230 | $163,560 | 610 |
| Idaho | $107,350 | $133,750 | $137,130 | — |
| California | $105,950 | $128,310 | $153,670 | 2,750 |
| Minnesota | $102,360 | $127,730 | $160,770 | 1,230 |
| Massachusetts | $100,240 | $127,570 | $150,220 | 4,740 |
| Pennsylvania | $97,640 | $122,560 | $137,870 | 950 |
| Oregon | $109,440 | $122,510 | $132,750 | 150 |
| New Jersey | $93,160 | $114,680 | $156,870 | 680 |
| Ohio | $99,620 | $111,550 | $132,350 | 700 |
| Colorado | $90,950 | $110,650 | $148,600 | — |
| Wisconsin | $84,090 | $110,430 | $149,040 | 180 |
| Oklahoma | $80,610 | $109,340 | $175,350 | 70 |
All 50 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico
Certifications people in this field hold
- Certified Reliability Engineer (CRE) — American Society for Quality
- Biomedical Imaging Electronics Technician (BIET) — ETA International
- Biomedical Electronics Technician (BMD) — ETA International
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Job titles in this occupation
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against bioengineers and biomedical engineers and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 17-2031.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.