Biomedical engineers combine engineering principles with biological and medical sciences to design systems, equipment, and devices used in healthcare.
Products they develop include diagnostic equipment, medical imaging systems, prosthetics, and drug delivery systems.
As of 2026, the median annual wage for biomedical engineers is approximately $99,550 per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Earnings depend on specialization, sector (medical device manufacturing vs. academic research vs. hospital settings), geographic location, and education level.
For a broader engineering salary comparison, the mechanical engineer salary (~$99,000) sits at a similar level, while the computer engineer salary (~$138,000) demonstrates how software-intensive specialties can command a premium.
Biomedical Engineer Salary Overview
The BLS reports a median annual wage of approximately $99,550 for biomedical engineers. The bottom 10% earn around $59,000, while the top 10% earn more than $160,000. Engineers working in medical device manufacturing and pharmaceutical firms typically earn above the median.
Compared to other engineering disciplines, biomedical engineering sits in the middle tier of compensation.
A electrical engineer salary averages around $107,000, an civil engineer salary around $95,000, and the general engineer salary across all disciplines is approximately $100,000.
The software engineer salary typically starts above $130,000, reflecting stronger demand in technology sectors.
For a complete breakdown of how any hourly wage in these ranges translates to annual, monthly, weekly, and after-tax take-home, see our hourly-to-annual salary conversion guides.
Salary by Industry Sector
Medical equipment and supplies manufacturing is the largest employer of biomedical engineers and pays competitively.
Scientific research and development services also employ a significant share and tend to offer higher salaries for experienced engineers.
Hospitals and ambulatory care settings employ biomedical engineers in clinical engineering roles maintaining and managing medical equipment.
Biomedical engineers in pharmaceutical research often earn above the median, particularly those with expertise in drug delivery systems or regulatory affairs.
Geographic concentration of med-tech companies in states like California and Massachusetts elevates wages in those regions — but candidates should weigh those salaries against the cost of living in California to understand real purchasing power.
Impact of Education on Salary
A bachelor's degree in biomedical engineering is the standard entry-level requirement.
Engineers with master's degrees or PhDs typically earn more and may be preferred for research and senior design roles.
Many biomedical engineers also earn professional engineer (PE) licenses, which can increase earning potential.
Graduate students financing their education should understand the student loan interest deduction available for qualifying federal loan interest.
Engineers with advanced degrees who transition into research roles should also explore opening a Roth IRA in the earlier, lower-income graduate years before attending salaries phase out direct contribution eligibility.
Job Outlook
The BLS projects employment of biomedical engineers to grow by approximately 10% through 2032, faster than the national average. Growth is driven by aging populations requiring more medical devices, expanding healthcare technology, and advances in personalized medicine.
Biomedical engineers who build careers in high-growth specialties — such as AI-assisted diagnostics, wearable health monitoring, or regenerative medicine — may see compensation rise above current medians as the industry evolves.
Engineers at all career stages should prioritize maximizing retirement contributions from early in their careers, allowing compound interest to build wealth alongside career income growth.
Understanding where your savings stand relative to average net worth by age is a useful regular check-in.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the median salary for a biomedical engineer in 2026?
The median annual wage is approximately $99,550 per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Where do biomedical engineers earn the most?
California, Massachusetts, and New Jersey tend to rank among the highest-paying states for biomedical engineers due to concentrations of medical device and pharmaceutical companies. Engineers evaluating California positions should factor in the cost of living in California when comparing offers.
Does a graduate degree increase biomedical engineering pay?
Generally yes. Engineers with master's or doctoral degrees typically access higher-level research and senior engineering positions with higher compensation. The return on investment can be substantial for those targeting R&D roles at major med-tech firms.
What industries employ the most biomedical engineers?
Medical equipment manufacturing, scientific research, hospitals, and pharmaceutical companies are the primary employers of biomedical engineers.
Is biomedical engineering a good career?
Yes. The BLS projects solid employment growth, and median salaries are well above the national average for all occupations. Biomedical engineers who effectively negotiate their salary offer at hire and subsequent reviews can meaningfully increase lifetime earnings.
High earners in this field should also explore high-yield savings accounts for short-term savings goals alongside long-term retirement investing.
Sources & References
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics — Biomedical Engineers — https://www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/biomedical-engineers.htm
- BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics — Biomedical Engineers — https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes172031.htm
- FDA — Medical Devices Overview — https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices
Last updated: April 27, 2026