Biomedical Engineer
What They Do:
Biomedical engineering is a field that combines engineering expertise and specialized medical knowledge. Some biomedical engineers design prosthetic limbs and artificial organs or regenerate tissue. Others create drug formulations, develop pharmaceuticals or collect and analyze biological data.
So what makes this field so appealing? In addition to being one of the highest-paid engineering jobs, it’s a career that gives back to society by helping to improve world health.
A word of caution for those not interested in a challenge: If you want to pursue this career in healthcare you will have to work hard to stay current with new developments and rapid technological changes.
Qualifications:
A bachelor’s degree.
Master’s degree or Ph.D. in biological engineering.
Electrical, mechanical and chemical engineers can also work in this field.
What They Make:
The 2016 median pay was $85,620 per year according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Where They Work:
Most biomedical engineers work for device companies that make everything from surgical tools to MRIs. Biomedical engineers might also work in universities, hospitals, labs, industry and regulatory agencies.
Career Outlook:
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of biomedical engineers is projected to grow 23 percent from 2014 to 2024, much faster than the average for all occupations. Growing technology and its application to medical equipment and devices, along with an aging population, will increase demand for the work of biomedical engineers.
Source:
Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Biomedical Engineers,
on the Internet at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/biomedical-engineers.htm (visited December 2017)
Updated November 2018
