Biomedical Engineer Salary Guide for 2025

by Imed Bouchrika, Phd

Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist

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How much do biomedical engineers typically earn?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, a biomedical engineer earns an average annual income of $115,020, which is well above the national average wage. At the 10th to 25th percentiles, entry- to early-level professionals may earn between $71,860 to $86,630. 

However, as their experience grows, they may reach the median wage, which is $106,950. Senior-level engineers may experience salaries around $133,570, while top earners reach as much as $165,060 per year.

This range shows the value of the profession and its contributions to healthcare. Biomedical engineers possess a unique and specialized skill set that enables them to earn six-figure incomes. 

Some also strengthen their credentials through additional studies in related programs, like the shortest biochemistry online degree, which can broaden their expertise. 

What factors affect the salary of biomedical engineers?

The income of a biomedical engineer depends on several variables. Understanding these factors can help you make better choices about how you can maximize compensation.

• Education Level: A bachelor’s degree provides entry-level access, while a master’s or doctorate can lead to advanced positions. Some professionals also pursue complementary education, such as a fast track biotechnology graduate certificate online, to strengthen their skills.
• Work Experience: Experience directly impacts salary, with professionals who have several years in the field earning more than recent graduates.
• Industry: Different industries value biomedical engineering skills in unique ways, leading to variations in pay. Wholesale trade, medical device manufacturing, and consulting tend to offer higher salaries. 
• Geographic Location: States and metropolitan areas with strong healthcare and tech sectors usually provide higher wages. Relocating to these regions can significantly boost earning potential.
• Certifications and Skills: Engineers who expand their skill set beyond technical knowledge through certifications or additional training frequently earn higher compensation.
• Employer Size and Type: Large corporations and multinational firms often pay higher salaries than small businesses or startups, while academic and government institutions may pay less but provide job stability and research opportunities. 

Together, these variables shape the salary range for biomedical engineers at every stage of their career. By strategically investing in education, skills, and industry experience, you can map out your salary and personal growth in the field.

What are the top-paying states for biomedical engineers?

The statewide salary for a biomedical engineer reveals how geography influences average earnings. These are the five highest-paying states for the profession:

• Oklahoma: $130,550
• Rhode Island: $128,130
• New Mexico: $127,940
• California: $127,610
• Oregon: $127,590

Earning potential in these states is closely tied to industry presence and demand. Working as biomedical engineers in California or Oregon, for example, often involves contributing to the development of medical devices and biotechnology research in thriving innovation hubs.

Oklahoma benefits from a growing biotechnology sector and government-backed projects. New Mexico is following a similar path, and Rhode Island’s strong life sciences sector helps push compensation levels upward. These states stand out not only for their compensation levels but also for the opportunities they provide to engage in meaningful, high-impact work within the field.

For comparison, salary differences can mirror trends seen in healthcare roles such as emergency room nurse salary by state, where regional demand and cost of living also significantly impact pay.

In the chart below, I have highlighted the average annual salaries in the top-paying states for biomedical engineers.

Which cities have the highest biomedical engineer salaries?

In addition to states, differences in metropolitan areas determine the salary of a biomedical engineer. The BLS lists the following as the top-paying metros for bioengineers and biomedical engineers:

• San Jose–Sunnyvale–Santa Clara, CA: $146,330 
• San Francisco–Oakland–Fremont, CA: $138,950 
• Portland–Vancouver–Hillsboro, OR-WA: $131,280 
• Buffalo–Cheektowaga, NY: $130,170 
• Milwaukee–Waukesha, WI: $128,620 

These regions combine strong healthcare infrastructures, higher living costs, and expanding technology industries, which contribute to the elevated pay averages. Interestingly, most of these cities are not the top employers of biomedical engineers, except for the San Francisco–Oakland–Fremont area. 

This contrast emphasizes the difference between areas that pay the highest wages and those that hire the most professionals. Taking these factors into account can help you plan strategically when deciding where to establish your career in biomedical engineering. These dynamics are similar to shifts observed in highest paying tech jobs without a degree, where location and industry concentration drive significant differences in wages.

Which industry pays a biomedical engineer the most?

The salary of a biomedical engineer also depends on the industry. Some sectors offer higher wages due to the specialized knowledge required, the commercial value of biomedical products, and the role engineers play in advancing healthcare technologies. 

These industries report the highest annual mean wages for the field:

• Wholesale Trade Agents and Brokers ($162,070): In this sector, biomedical engineers may work on evaluating, sourcing, or improving biomedical equipment and medical technologies for distribution. They ensure products meet regulatory standards and function effectively for hospitals and laboratories. 
• Architectural, Engineering, and Related Services ($128,710): Engineers in this industry collaborate on designing healthcare facilities by integrating advanced medical equipment into hospital systems, or supporting the development of specialized laboratories. Their technical expertise ensures structures can support the latest biomedical technologies. 
• Merchant Wholesalers, Nondurable Goods ($126,730): Biomedical engineers working here may focus on the distribution of consumable medical supplies, such as surgical tools, testing kits, and laboratory materials. They also contribute technical insights that help wholesalers select reliable products and improve supply chain efficiency. 
• Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services ($124,950): In consulting, biomedical engineers advise businesses and institutions on adopting new technologies, meeting compliance standards, and improving healthcare systems. They analyze processes and recommend strategies that increase patient safety. 
• Management of Companies and Enterprises ($123,490): Biomedical engineers may oversee product development, manage research teams, or evaluate investments in new medical technologies. This is where an accelerated master’s in engineering management online can bridge technical expertise with business acumen.

These sectors demonstrate the diverse opportunities for biomedical engineers, showing how they can contribute not only to healthcare but also to the broader economy. 

What certifications can boost biomedical engineer salary?

Professional certifications can play an important role in advancing the career of a biomedical engineer. Certifications serve as evidence of specialized knowledge, leadership skills, and commitment to industry standards. Biomedical engineers can attain the following certifications to boost their incomes:

• Certified Clinical Engineer (CCE): This credential demonstrates advanced expertise in clinical engineering, focusing on the safe and effective use of medical technologies. 
• Certified Biomedical Equipment Technician (CBET): This certification validates the ability to maintain, calibrate, and repair medical equipment used in patient care. 
• Certified Healthcare Technology Manager (CHTM): This focuses on leadership and management skills and prepares professionals to oversee biomedical teams and large-scale technology projects.
• Certified Medical Device Auditor (CMDA): Holders of this credential can conduct audits, assess risk management practices, and verify that products meet safety and performance benchmarks. 

Data from the STEM Labor Force shows that 39% of STEM and 23% of science and engineering occupations held professional certifications or licenses in 2020 (National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics, 2024). This highlights that in addition to a traditional degree, STEM workers often pursue certifications to enhance their expertise and remain competitive.

Alternatively, biomedical engineers can earn cross-disciplinary certifications, such as the shortest user interface design online course, particularly in designing user-friendly medical devices or tools. Taking up one or more of these credentials not only strengthens your professional credibility but also leads to potentially higher salaries and greater opportunities for career advancement.

What is the salary outlook for biomedical engineers?

STEM occupations ($103,580) generally earn above the average pay ($49,500) due to their unique skills, as well as advancements in healthcare technology. According to the BLS, jobs in the health, life and physical science, engineering, mathematics, and information technology fields had consistent high wages. 

For instance, professionals working as researchers, development specialists, designers, or practitioners in these domains earn around $118,000 to $124,000 yearly. Similarly, those in sales earn about $116,240. High wages are even more evident in managerial positions, where salaries reach $177,520.  

Notably, technologists and technicians in the same domain earn much lower, between the $57,000 and $67,000 range, due to their limited skills and knowledge. However, a bachelor’s education as a biomedical engineer can surely improve these figures. 

These consistently high figures tell us that the salary outlook for biomedical engineers continues to remain promising, with opportunities for growth tied to healthcare innovation and the broader expansion of science-driven industries. This is similar to the trajectory of professionals tracking cyber security salary with masters degree, where advanced qualifications open doors to higher-paying leadership roles.

This chart reveals the wages of STEM jobs in specific subdomains.

How can a biomedical engineer increase their salary?

Through strategic career choices, biomedical engineers can position themselves for higher-paying opportunities. They can achieve this by exploring one of or combining these options:

• Adding a Specialization: A biomedical engineer focusing on high-demand areas, such as biomechanics, cellular, tissue, and biomaterials, biomedical imaging, or medical devices, can set them apart. Specialists are valued more highly for their targeted expertise. 
• Earning Certifications: Industry-recognized certifications can leverage higher salaries because biomedical engineers can take on complex and regulated tasks.
• Pursuing Advanced Education: A master’s or doctorate often opens doors to leadership, research, and teaching roles. Continuing education also signals commitment to employers, making candidates more competitive.
• Expanding Technical Skills: Learning additional competencies, like programming, data analysis, and systems integration, can help boost earning potential. Training in adjacent fields through the best IT training bootcamps can enhance technical versatility.
• Gaining Leadership Experience: Supervisory or project management roles typically offer higher salaries than technical-only positions. Demonstrating leadership potential often accelerates career advancement.
• Exploring Industry Transitions: Shifting from lower-paying sectors into high-paying ones can result in salary growth. Industry transitions allow engineers to leverage existing skills in more lucrative contexts. 

How does a biomedical engineer salary compare to other engineer incomes?

Salaries often vary depending on the complexity of the work, industry demand, and level of specialization. Although the compensation for a biomedical engineer is strong, comparing it with other engineering roles helps illustrate how incomes align across the profession.

• Mechanical Engineers ($110,080): These engineers design, develop, and test machines ranging from engines to manufacturing equipment. They work across industries such as automotive, energy, and robotics. 
• Materials Engineers ($116,380): Professionals in this area develop, test, and improve substances used in products like metals, ceramics, plastics, and composites. Their work supports aerospace, manufacturing, and biomedical applications. 
• Electronics Engineers ($132,500): These specialists design and develop electronic systems, including control systems, communication devices, and signal processing technologies. They are employed in telecommunications, defense, and consumer electronics. 
• Aerospace Engineers ($141,180): Aerospace professionals design, test, and improve aircraft, spacecraft, and satellite systems. Their work supports industries tied to defense, space exploration, and commercial aviation. 
• Computer Hardware Engineers ($156,770): These engineers focus on designing, testing, and improving physical computer components like processors, memory devices, and circuit boards. They typically work for technology companies, hardware manufacturers, or research institutions. 
• Engineering Managers ($175,710): They coordinate technical projects, oversee teams of engineers, and ensure that goals align with organizational objectives. Managers balance leadership responsibilities with resource allocation.

The earnings of biomedical engineers compare favorably with many other branches of engineering. Aspiring professionals must understand these salary comparisons to align their expectations with personal interests and financial goals. Salary awareness is especially relevant when weighing degree paths in other fields, such as accounting degree requirements, where education choices directly influence career earnings.

In the chart below, I have outlined the average annual salaries of various types of engineers in the United States.

What is the job outlook for a biomedical engineer?

The BLS projects an employment growth of 7.4% from 2023 to 2033 for bioengineers and biomedical engineers, which is faster than the average for all occupations. For a biomedical engineer, this outlook means stable employment prospects. However, opportunities are competitive, with only around 1,400 openings each year throughout the decade. 

The field’s job growth reflects ongoing advances in medical technology, as well as the rising demand and investment for devices and procedures that improve the quality of life. The increasing aging population also heightens the demand for professionals who can develop and improve biomedical solutions.

In addition, Statista’s report reveals that the U.S. medical devices market size is anticipated to reach $266.64 billion by 2030, showing a 6% compound annual growth rate from its projected value of $200.14 billion in 2025. 

This, in turn, could generate expanded opportunities for innovation and employment in prosthetics, imaging systems, and minimally invasive surgical tools. Graduates and early-career professionals can feel confident that their skills will remain in demand in a sector defined by innovation and impact.

Other Things You Should Know About Biomedical Engineer Salaries

What is the highest-paid biomedical engineer?

The highest-paid biomedical engineers typically work in wholesale trade, where annual wages can exceed $160,000. Senior-level and leadership positions, particularly in research and development, also command top salaries. However, experience, certifications, and location also influence earning potential. Gaining a specialization in popular fields, like cardiovascular biomedical engineering, can also boost income levels.

Which type of engineer is the highest paid?

Engineers in managerial positions often top the salary scale. Their ability to guide innovation and maintain operational efficiency makes them indispensable to organizations. Following closely are nuclear and computer hardware engineers, with median salaries exceeding $130,000 due to the complexity of their work. Aerospace engineers also command high pay, reflecting their specialized skills and contributions to technological advancement.

What does a biomedical engineer do?

A biomedical engineer designs and develops technologies that improve human health by combining engineering principles with biological sciences. Their work typically involves creating and testing prosthetics, artificial organs, medical imaging systems, drug-delivery devices, or diagnostic and surgical equipment or software. Many collaborate with physicians and researchers to bring new treatments from concept to clinical use. Overall, they bridge healthcare and engineering, focusing on innovations that directly impact patient outcomes and medical advancements.

How many years is biomedical engineering?

A typical biomedical engineering degree at the bachelor’s level takes four years of full-time study to complete. Some students extend their education by pursuing a master’s degree, which adds one to two more years, or a PhD, which may take four to six additional years. Accelerated or combined programs can shorten the timeline for motivated students.