Top Skills for This Career
BLS identifies these as the three highest-rated skills for this detailed occupation. TrustInEd adds the plain-language explanations so visitors understand what each skill means.
Using computers, software, digital systems, and technology to complete work and solve problems.
Examining information carefully, recognizing patterns, and using evidence to reach sound conclusions.
Understanding written information and communicating ideas clearly in writing.
How Do You Prepare for This Career?
BLS describes the typical preparation for this occupation. Requirements can vary by employer, state, licensing rules and individual circumstances.
How to Become One
How to Become a Bioengineer or Biomedical Engineer Bioengineers and biomedical engineers frequently work in research and development or in quality assurance. Bioengineers and biomedical engineers typically need a bachelor’s degree in bioengineering, biomedical engineering, or a related engineering field. Some positions require a graduate degree.
Education
In high school, students interested in becoming bioengineers or biomedical engineers should take classes in sciences such as chemistry, physics, and biology. They should also study math, including algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and calculus. If available, classes in drafting, mechanical drawing, and computer programming are also useful. At the bachelor’s degree level, prospective bioengineers should study bioengineering, biomedical, or other engineering fields. Students who pursue other engineering degrees, such as mechanical or electrical, may benefit from taking biological science courses. Bachelor’s degree programs in bioengineering and biomedical engineering focus on engineering and biological sciences. These programs typically include laboratory- and classroom-based courses in biological sciences and subjects such as fluid and solid mechanics, circuit design, and biomaterials. These programs also include substantial
Training
in engineering design. As part of their study, students may have an opportunity to participate in co-ops or internships with hospitals and medical device and pharmaceutical manufacturing companies. Advancement Bioengineers and biomedical engineers may increase their responsibilities as they gain experience or advanced degrees. To lead a research team, a bioengineer or biomedical engineer typically needs a graduate degree. Those who are interested in basic research may become medical scientists. Some bioengineers attend medical or dental school to specialize in techniques such as using electric impulses in new ways to get muscles moving again. Others earn law degrees and work as patent attorneys. Still others pursue a master’s degree in business administration (MBA) and move into managerial positions. For more information, see the profiles on lawyers and architectural and engineering managers.
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Pay
the median annual wage for all workers was $50,980.
Job Outlook
Job Outlook Employment of bioengineers and biomedical engineers is projected to grow 8 percent from 2025 to 2035, much faster than the average for all occupations. About 1,200 openings for bioengineers and biomedical engineers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. Employment Bioengineers and biomedical engineers are expected to see employment growth as demand for biomedical devices and procedures, such as hip and knee replacements, continues to increase. In addition, with continued public awareness of medical advances, increasing numbers of people will likely seek biomedical solutions to their health problems. Bioengineers and biomedical engineers are expected to continue to collaborate with scientists, other medical researchers, and manufacturers to address a range of injuries and physical disabilities. Their work in healthcare, manufacturing, agriculture, and other fields is expanding the possibilities for biomedical engineering products and services. Bioengineers and Biomedical Engineers Percent change in employment, projected 2025–35 Bioengineers and biomedical engineers 8% Engineers 8% Total, all occupations 3% Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy.
What They Do
What Bioengineers and Biomedical Engineers Do
Bioengineers and biomedical engineers combine engineering principles with sciences to design and create equipment, devices, computer systems, and software.
Duties
Bioengineers and biomedical engineers typically do the following:
- Design equipment and devices, such as artificial internal organs, replacements for body parts, and machines for diagnosing medical problems
- Install, maintain, or provide technical support for biomedical equipment
- Collaborate with manufacturing staff on the safety and effectiveness of biomedical equipment
- Train clinicians and others on the proper use of biomedical equipment
- Work with scientists to research how engineering principles apply to biological systems
- Develop statistical models or simulations using statistical or modeling software
- Prepare procedures and write technical reports and research papers
- Present research findings to a variety of audiences, including scientists, clinicians, managers, other engineers, and the public
- Design or conduct followup experiments as needed
Bioengineers and biomedical engineers frequently work in research and development or quality assurance.
The work of bioengineers spans many fields. For example, although their expertise is in engineering and biology, they often design computer software to run complicated instruments, such as three-dimensional x-ray machines. Others use their knowledge of chemistry and biology to develop new drug therapies. Still others draw on math and statistics to understand signals transmitted by the brain or heart. Some are involved in sales.
Biomedical engineers focus on advances in technology and medicine to develop new devices and equipment for improving human health. For example, they might design software to run medical equipment or computer simulations to test new drug therapies. In addition, they design and build artificial body parts, such as hip and knee joints, or develop materials to make replacement parts. They also design rehabilitative exercise equipment.
The following are examples of types of bioengineers and biomedical engineers:
Biochemical engineers focus on cell structures and microscopic systems to create products for bioremediation, biological waste treatment, and other uses.
Bioinstrumentation engineers use electronics, computer science, and measurement principles to develop tools for diagnosing and treating medical problems.
Biomaterials engineers study naturally occurring or laboratory-designed substances for use in medical devices or implants.
Biomechanics engineers study thermodynamics and other systems to solve biological or medical problems.
Clinical engineers apply medical technology to improve healthcare.
Genetic engineers alter the genetic makeup of organism using recombinant deoxyribonucleic acid (rDNA) technology, such as in developing vitamin-fortified food crops to prevent disease in humans.
Rehabilitation engineers develop devices that aid people who are recovering from or adapting to physical or cognitive impairments.
Systems physiologists use engineering tools to understand how biological systems function and respond to changes in their environment.
Other bioengineering occupations are described in separate profiles; see, for example, chemical engineers and agricultural engineers. Some people with training in biomedical engineering become postsecondary teachers.
Work Environment
Work Environment
Bioengineers and biomedical engineers held about 23,800 jobs in 2025. The largest employers of bioengineers and biomedical engineers were as follows:
| Research and development in the physical, engineering, and life sciences | 22% |
| Medical equipment and supplies manufacturing | 10 |
| Healthcare and social assistance | 10 |
| Educational services; state, local, and private | 9 |
| Navigational, measuring, electromedical, and control instruments manufacturing | 8 |
Bioengineers and biomedical engineers work on teams with scientists, healthcare workers, or other engineers. Where and how they work depends on the project. For example, a biomedical engineer who has developed a new device might spend hours in a hospital to ensure that the device works as planned. If the device needs adjusting, the engineer might need to suggest alterations in the manufacturing process.
Work Schedules
Most bioengineers and biomedical engineers work full time, and some work more than 40 hours per week.
Important Qualities
The following are examples of qualities that are important for these workers to perform their duties. For more information, visit the Employment Projections (EP) skills data page. Analytical skills. Bioengineers and biomedical engineers must assess the needs of patients and customers prior to designing products. Communication skills. Because bioengineers and biomedical engineers sometimes work with patients and customers and frequently work on teams, they must be able to express themselves clearly in discussions. They also write reports and research papers. Creativity. Bioengineers and biomedical engineers must be creative to come up with innovations in healthcare equipment and devices. Math skills. Bioengineers and biomedical engineers use calculus and other advanced math and statistics for analysis, design, and troubleshooting in their work. Problem-solving skills. Bioengineers and biomedical engineers typically deal with intricate biological systems. They must be able to work independently and with others to incorporate ideas into the complex problem-solving process.
More Information
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about bioengineers and biomedical engineers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
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Start with ED →Career data and occupational profile text are sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook and Employment Projections program. Education requirements are typical entry-level requirements and may vary by employer, state, occupation or individual circumstance. View the official BLS profile.