Biomedical engineers apply engineering, biology, and medicine to create devices, systems, and processes that improve patient care.
This field spans medical device design, clinical engineering, and biomedical research.
As of 2026, biomedical engineers earn a median annual wage of approximately $99,550 according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
The field offers strong earning potential, particularly for those specializing in medical device manufacturing, tissue engineering, or health informatics systems.
For a broader engineering salary comparison, see the electrical engineer salary, mechanical engineer salary, civil engineer salary, and computer engineer salary — all of which offer useful benchmarks for candidates evaluating engineering specialization options.
Biomedical Engineers Salary by Specialization
Biomedical engineering encompasses multiple specializations with varying pay. Tissue engineers and those specializing in neural engineering tend to earn at the higher end. Clinical engineers who manage hospital equipment typically earn closer to the median.
Research engineers in academic settings may earn less than those in industry, though academic roles may offer different benefits and flexibility.
For related medical-science career pay comparisons, see the biomedical engineer salary individual guide and the genetic counselor salary for a clinical-science hybrid role.
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.
Entry-Level vs. Senior Biomedical Engineer Pay
Entry-level biomedical engineers with a bachelor's degree typically earn $60,000 to $75,000.
Mid-career engineers with five to ten years of experience commonly earn $85,000 to $115,000.
Senior engineers in managerial or principal engineering roles may earn $130,000 or more, especially in the medical device industry.
New graduates should set clear retirement savings goals early and explore whether a Roth IRA complements their employer 401(k).
Geographic Pay Variation
Biomedical engineering salaries vary by geography.
High-cost states with strong medical technology clusters, such as California, Massachusetts, and New Jersey, typically offer above-median wages.
The San Francisco Bay Area and Boston metro areas are particularly high-paying due to concentrations of biotech and medical device companies.
Engineers evaluating California positions should weigh the cost of living in California against the salary premium before relocating.
Career Path and Advancement
Biomedical engineers can advance into product development leadership, regulatory affairs, quality assurance management, or R&D director roles.
Many pursue MBA degrees to transition into medical device business development or healthcare technology management, which often command higher compensation.
Senior engineers moving into management benefit from understanding negotiating a salary offer for executive compensation packages, which may include equity and deferred components.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do biomedical engineers make in 2026?
The median annual wage is approximately $99,550. Salaries range from about $59,000 for entry-level positions to more than $160,000 for senior specialists per BLS data.
What is the job outlook for biomedical engineers?
The BLS projects approximately 10% employment growth through 2032, driven by medical technology innovation and an aging population.
What specializations pay most in biomedical engineering?
Medical device design, regulatory affairs specialization, and roles in pharmaceutical or biotech firms typically offer the highest salaries in the field.
Do biomedical engineers need a graduate degree?
Not necessarily for entry-level roles, but master's and doctoral degrees open doors to higher-paying research and senior engineering positions.
How do biomedical engineers compare to other engineers in pay?
Biomedical engineers' median wage is broadly comparable to many engineering fields but lower than petroleum, computer hardware, or aerospace engineers, which typically rank higher on the BLS pay scale.
For an engineering salary ladder comparison, see the electrical engineer salary (median ~$107,890), the civil engineer salary (~$95,890), and the mechanical engineer salary.
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 — https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes172031.htm
- FDA — Medical Device Regulatory Pathway — https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/device-advice-comprehensive-regulatory-assistance/overview-device-regulation
Last updated: April 27, 2026