By combining biology and medicine with engineering, biomedical
engineers develop devices and procedures that solve medical and
health-related problems. Many do research, along with life scientists,
chemists, and medical scientists, to develop and evaluate systems and
products for use in the fields of biology and health, such as artificial
organs, prostheses (artificial devices that replace missing body parts),
instrumentation, medical information systems, and health management and
care delivery systems. (See biological
scientists, medical
scientists, and chemists
and materials scientists elsewhere in the Handbook.)
Biomedical engineers design devices used in various medical procedures,
such as the computers used to analyze blood or the laser systems used in
corrective eye surgery. They develop artificial organs, imaging systems
such as magnetic resonance, ultrasound, and x-ray, and devices for
automating insulin injections or controlling body functions. Most
engineers in this specialty require a sound background in one of the
basic engineering specialties, such as mechanical or electronics
engineering, in addition to specialized biomedical training. Some
specialties within biomedical engineering include biomaterials,
biomechanics, medical imaging, rehabilitation engineering, and
orthopedic engineering.
Unlike many other engineering specialties, a graduate degree is
recommended or required for many entry-level jobs.
Biomedical engineers held about 7,600 jobs in 2002. Manufacturing
industries employed 38 percent of all biomedical engineers, primarily in
the pharmaceutical and medicine manufacturing and medical instruments
and supplies industries. Many others worked for hospitals. Some also
worked for government agencies or as independent consultants.
Employment of biomedical engineers is expected to faster
than the average for all occupations through 2012. The aging of the
population and the focus on health issues will increase the demand for
better medical devices and equipment designed by biomedical engineers.
For example, computer-assisted surgery and molecular, cellular, and
tissue engineering are being more heavily researched and are developing
rapidly. In addition, the rehabilitation and orthopedic engineering
specialties are growing quickly, increasing the need for biomedical
engineers. Along with the demand for more sophisticated medical
equipment and procedures is an increased concern for cost efficiency and
effectiveness that also will boost demand for biomedical engineers.
However, because of the growing interest in this field, the number of
degrees granted in biomedical engineering has increased greatly, leading
to the potential for competition for jobs.
Median annual earnings of biomedical engineers were $60,410 in 2002.
The middle 50 percent earned between $58,320 and $88,830. The lowest 10
percent earned less than $48,450, and the highest 10 percent earned more
than $107,520.
According to a 2003 salary survey by the National Association of
Colleges and Employers, bachelor’s degree candidates in biomedical
engineering received starting offers averaging $39,126 a year, and
master’s degree candidates, on average, were offered $61,000.
See the introduction to the section on engineers for information on
working conditions, training requirements, and other sources of
additional information.
Suggested citation: Bureau of Labor Statistics,
U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook,
2004-05 Edition,
Biomedical Engineers
, on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/oco/
ocos262.htm
(visited January 27, 2005).
