To become a biomedical engineer you typically need a bachelor's degree in bioengineering, biomedical engineering or a related engineering field, and some jobs ask for a graduate degree. Students who take a different engineering degree, such as mechanical or electrical, can still get in, especially if they add biological science courses.
Biomedical engineers design the equipment medicine depends on: artificial internal organs, replacements for body parts and machines that diagnose medical problems. They mix engineering with biology, and the work runs from the lab to the hospital ward.
The US facts come from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Outlook Handbook profile for bioengineers and biomedical engineers, and the UK route comes from the National Careers Service clinical engineer profile. I read both as of October 2026.
Biomedical engineer pay and jobs at a glance
| Measure | BLS figure |
|---|---|
| Typical entry education | Bachelor's degree |
| Median pay (May 2025) | $109,370 a year |
| Lowest 10% earned less than | $71,850 |
| Highest 10% earned more than | $168,180 |
| Jobs in 2025 | 23,800 |
| Projected growth, 2025 to 2035 | 8%, much faster than average |
| Openings each year | About 1,200 |
These are May 2025 medians, as published as of October 2026. Research and development is the biggest employer, with 22% of jobs.
How to become a biomedical engineer, step by step
- Build the right subjects at school. BLS recommends chemistry, physics and biology, plus algebra, geometry, trigonometry and calculus. Drafting, mechanical drawing and computer programming help too.
- Choose your degree. Study bioengineering or biomedical engineering, or another engineering field with added biological science courses.
- Look for hands-on design work. BLS says these programs include substantial training in engineering design, alongside subjects such as fluid and solid mechanics, circuit design and biomaterials.
- Take a co-op or internship. Students may get placements with hospitals and medical device and pharmaceutical companies, which is where many first jobs come from.
- Decide on a graduate degree. To lead a research team, BLS says you typically need one.
The main specialties
BLS describes several areas you can focus on once you're in the field:
- Bioinstrumentation engineers use electronics, computer science and measurement to build tools for diagnosing and treating medical problems.
- Biomaterials engineers study natural or lab-designed substances for use in medical devices or implants.
- Clinical engineers apply medical technology to improve healthcare.
- Rehabilitation engineers develop devices that help people recovering from or adapting to physical or cognitive impairments.
The work also crosses into software. BLS points out that bioengineers often design the programs that run complex instruments, such as three-dimensional x-ray machines. If coding is the part you enjoy most, my guide on how to become a software engineer covers that route.
What a biomedical engineer does each day
BLS lists a mix of design, testing and teaching. Depending on the role, you'll typically:
- design equipment and devices, such as artificial internal organs and machines that diagnose medical problems
- install, maintain or support biomedical equipment
- work with manufacturing staff on the safety and effectiveness of that equipment
- train clinicians and others to use it
- build statistical models or simulations with modeling software
- write technical reports and research papers, and present findings to scientists, clinicians, managers and the public
BLS adds that many work in research and development or quality assurance, and some move into sales. Most work full time, and some put in more than 40 hours a week.
Where biomedical engineers earn the most
Pay depends a lot on the industry. BLS reported these medians for May 2025:
| Industry | Median pay (May 2025) |
|---|---|
| Navigational, measuring, electromedical and control instruments manufacturing | $130,340 |
| Research and development in the physical, engineering and life sciences | $125,160 |
| Medical equipment and supplies manufacturing | $107,550 |
| Healthcare and social assistance | $103,170 |
| Educational services; state, local and private | $75,040 |
The gap between instrument manufacturing and education is large, so think about where you want to work before you specialize.
Skills that help
BLS lists five qualities for the job. You'll need analytical skills to assess what patients and customers need before you design anything, and communication skills because you'll work in teams and write reports and research papers.
Creativity matters for coming up with new healthcare devices. Math skills matter because you'll use calculus, advanced math and statistics for design and troubleshooting. And problem solving is the core of it, since you'll be working with complex biological systems, sometimes alone and often with others.
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Where the career can lead
BLS lists some interesting next steps. Some bioengineers go to medical or dental school. Others earn law degrees and become patent attorneys, or take an MBA and move into management. Those interested in basic research may become medical scientists.
If this career is not quite right, compare it with the one in the epidemiologist career guide.
The UK route
In the UK the hospital version of this job is usually called a clinical engineer. The National Careers Service says you can do a degree and then apply for the NHS Scientist Training Programme, a 3-year programme that combines NHS employment with a postgraduate master's degree. There's a lot of competition for places, so hospital volunteering helps.
Without a degree, you could join the NHS Practitioner Training Programme, also 3 years, or a Healthcare Science Practitioner Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship. You'll need to register with the Health and Care Professions Council. If imaging equipment is what interests you, see how to become a radiology tech for the hands-on side of the same machines.
My verdict
Biomedical engineering pays well, with a BLS median of $109,370, and grows faster than average, but it's a small field with about 1,200 openings a year. Get the math and science in place early, choose a degree with plenty of design work, and use internships with hospitals or device makers to get your foot in the door.
Readers exploring work options may find the geologist career guide useful.
Frequently asked questions
What degree do you need to be a biomedical engineer?
BLS says you typically need a bachelor's degree in bioengineering, biomedical engineering or a related engineering field. Some positions need a graduate degree.
How much do biomedical engineers make?
BLS reported a median of $109,370 a year in May 2025, with the highest 10% earning more than $168,180, as of October 2026.
Can a mechanical engineer become a biomedical engineer?
Yes. BLS says students with other engineering degrees, such as mechanical or electrical, may benefit from adding biological science courses.
What is a biomedical engineer called in the NHS?
The National Careers Service profile is clinical engineer. The usual route is a degree then the NHS Scientist Training Programme.
