Find out how much biomedical engineers earn, what factors influence salaries, and why this fast-growing, high-paying field offers strong career prospects.
Biomedical engineers work at the intersection of medicine and engineering. From designing artificial organs and smart prosthetics to developing advanced medical imaging technologies, a biomedical engineering degree prepares students to drive the future of health care.
While biomedical engineering offers a fascinating and rewarding career path, you might be asking yourself: How much money will I make as a biomedical engineer?
Do biomedical engineers make good money?
In short: Yes, biomedical engineers make competitive salaries, especially when compared with national averages across all professions.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for biomedical engineers in the United States was $106,950 in 2024. This is significantly higher than the median salary for all U.S. occupations, which hovers around $49,500.
How much money you can make as a biomedical engineer depends on several factors, including experience, the type of biomedical engineering you work in, and geography.
Some industries that see a particularly strong demand for biomedical engineers include scientific research and development services, medical equipment and supplies manufacturing, and pharmaceutical and medicine manufacturing.
Location can certainly affect how much you make. States with robust health care, biotech, or medical device industries often pay more.
Below you’ll find salary ranges for biomedical engineers categorized by region in the United States. The median annual salary is there, but we also want to show what an income looks like at various percentiles. The lower point gives you an idea of where entry-level biomedical engineering jobs might land, while the upper percentile demonstrates what experience or an advanced biomedical engineering degree might help you earn.
| Geography | 10th | Median | 90th |
|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. | $71,860 | $106,950 | $165,160 |
| California | $83,990 | $125,700 | $173,630 |
| Massachusetts | $80,700 | $107,720 | $163,430 |
| Minnesota | $83,440 | $124,760 | $184,510 |
| Ohio | $79,140 | $117,960 | $165,570 |
| Texas | $54,840 | $97,160 | $151,330 |
| Washington | $64,510 | $125,010 | $182,250 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, published May 2024
If you are interested in numbers from other states, visit the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics website and select the state you’re interested in.
Cost of living also matters. If you live in Iowa City, a $91,760 salary (the median salary of all biomedical engineers in the state of Iowa, per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics) will offer you the same standard of living as $121,863 in San Francisco. It would be wise to plug numbers into a cost-of-living calculator to see how far a dollar in one region might stretch (or shrink) in a different ZIP code. There are many calculator options on the web; this one from SmartAsset has a broad selection of U.S. cities available for comparison.
10 states with the highest employment for biomedical engineers
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
How much does it cost to study biomedical engineering in the U.S.?
How much you pay to get a biomedical engineering degree depends on a variety of factors.
Five things that can influence how much it costs to study biomedical engineering include:
- Public vs. private:Private colleges and universities tend to be more expensive than their public counterparts. Meanwhile, if you go to a public institution, tuition will likely be lower if you are an in-state student versus an out-of-state student.
- Room and board:Tuition fees usually do not cover room and board. If you don’t want to live on campus, where your school is located can greatly influence how much you’ll pay for housing and other cost-of-living expenses.
- Online vs. in person:If you choose to pursue a degree through an online program, it’s possible that it may cost less — but not always.
- Financial aid:Many students can offset tuition costs with scholarships (merit-based and need-based), federal and state grants, work-study, or undergraduate research stipends. (Check out what scholarships are available to Iowa students.)
- Other expenses: Engineering programs sometimes cost more than other majors due to factors such as personnel, resources, and specialized equipment needed for the curriculum. These costs may be reflected in higher tuition or fees. In addition, you’ll also likely need to buy books and other necessary technology, equipment, or materials. Experiential learning opportunities, such as internships or field trips, also may require some added expense.
Average annual undergraduate cost (tuition/fees) to study biomedical engineering in the U.S.
$ 13,131
Public, in-state college/university
$ 33,882
Public, out-of-state college/university
$ 62,201
Private college/university
Source: IPEDS, 2023-24 bachelor’s degree completions in biomedical engineering
How hard is it to become a biomedical engineer?
Biomedical engineering can be a highly rewarding career, but students should be prepared for a rigorous academic journey.
Becoming a biomedical engineer requires a solid foundation in math, physics, chemistry, and biology. Depending on the type of biomedical engineering you pursue, you may be required to take classes in thermodynamics, biomechanics, tissue engineering, or biomedical instrumentation.
Some common challenges that biomedical engineering students face include:
- Balancing demanding coursework, labs, and design projects.
- Gaining experience through research and internships.
- Keeping pace with technological developments, such as AI, robotics, and sensors.
When choosing a college or university for biomedical engineering, look at the resources it offers to help students overcome some of these challenges, including tutoring, finding internships, participating in research, or writing résumés and cover letters.
For example, University of Iowa College of Engineering students can tap into resources such as Engineering Tutoring, Engineering Career Services, Undergraduate Research Opportunities, and the Hanson Center for Communication, among others. They also benefit from a strong partnership between the engineering college and the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine and University of Iowa Health Care.
With persistence and support, you’ll graduate with a skill set that’s in demand across industries.
Do biomedical engineers have a future?
Definitely. In fact, biomedical engineers are increasingly in demand, and the trend is expected to continue.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts about 1,300 openings for biomedical engineering jobs each year over the next decade.
Advancements in medical devices, imaging systems, and treatment methods are driving the need for professionals who can bridge the gap between engineering and health care.
This surge in medical technology innovation means biomedical engineers are needed not just in hospitals or labs, but in startups, device companies, research institutes, and even space medicine.