Biomedical engineer

What does a biomedical engineer do?

• Design and develop medical devices, implants, artificial limbs or diagnostic equipment.
• Test devices in laboratories to check that they are safe, reliable and effective.
• Work with doctors, nurses and patients to understand clinical needs.
• Prepare technical files and evidence for medical device regulators.
• Manage, maintain and safety-check medical equipment in hospitals.
• Research new materials, sensors or software for healthcare.
• Train clinical staff to use equipment correctly.

Where do they work?

Biomedical engineers work for medical device and equipment manufacturers, hospitals and health services, universities and research institutes, and government regulators. Industry roles are mostly in offices, laboratories and production sites. Clinical engineers in hospitals also spend time on wards and in operating theatres, managing equipment and advising staff. Jobs tend to be concentrated in cities with medical technology companies or large hospitals. Hours are usually regular, although hospital roles may include on-call duty.

What skills do you need?

• Engineering design and analysis
• Human anatomy and physiology
• Biomaterials and biomechanics
• Electronics, sensors and signal processing
• Medical device regulations and quality systems
• Programming and data analysis
• Careful documentation
• Communication with clinical staff

Official skills profile (ESCO)

Essential skills listed for this occupation in ESCO, the European Commission's multilingual classification of skills and occupations.

• assess the feasibility of implementing developments
• perform scientific research
• approve engineering design
• develop test procedures
• adjust engineering designs
• collect biological data
• execute analytical mathematical calculations
• apply scientific methods

Essential knowledge: medical devices materials · biology · mathematics · engineering processes · engineering principles · biomedical engineering · test procedures · genetics

How do you become a biomedical engineer?

Most biomedical engineers study biomedical engineering, or study mechanical or electrical engineering and then specialise. Where biomedical engineering is offered as a first degree, it often takes four years. A master's degree is common, and research roles often need a PhD. Internships with device companies or hospital engineering departments give useful experience. Some countries have formal training schemes for hospital work. In the UK, for example, clinical engineers can train through the NHS Scientist Training Programme and register as clinical scientists. Graduates in physics or biomedical science can enter the field through a relevant master's.

1. Biomedical engineering degree. A biomedical engineering degree combines engineering subjects such as mechanics, electronics and materials with biology, physiology and medical applications. It is the most direct route into medical device design and research. Check whether the programme is accredited by a professional engineering body, because this matters for later professional registration.
2. Mechanical or electrical engineering, then specialise. Many employers hire mechanical and electrical engineers and train them in medical applications. This route gives you broad engineering skills and more options outside healthcare. A master's in biomedical engineering, a final-year project on a medical device or an internship with a device company can help you move into the field.
3. Science degree and master's. Graduates in physics, biomedical science or a related science can take a master's in biomedical or clinical engineering. This route suits people who want to work in research, medical imaging or hospital engineering. Some design roles still prefer candidates whose first degree is in engineering.

Degrees that lead to this career

• Mechanical engineering

  A mechanical engineering degree teaches how to design, analyse and make machines and systems that move or use energy, from engines and robots to medical devices and power plants.

  5 linked careers

• Electrical engineering

  An electrical engineering degree teaches how to design and build systems that generate, control and use electricity, from power grids and motors to circuits, chips and communication networks.

  5 linked careers

• Biomedical science

  A biomedical science degree teaches the biology of human health and disease, and how laboratory tests help doctors diagnose and treat patients.

  6 linked careers

• Physics

  A physics degree explores the laws that govern the universe, from particles and atoms to materials, energy and stars, using mathematics, experiments and computer models.

  6 linked careers

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Do you need a licence to work as a biomedical engineer?

You usually do not need a personal licence to work as a biomedical engineer. However, the devices you work on are strictly regulated, for example by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the United States and under EU medical device rules in Europe. Some hospital roles are regulated: in the UK, clinical scientists must register with the Health and Care Professions Council. Chartered or licensed engineer status is voluntary for most roles. Check the rules in your country.

How much does a biomedical engineer earn?

Pay in the United States

• $109,370Median annual wage, May 2025
• $71,850–$168,180Range from the lowest-paid 10% to the highest-paid 10%
• 23.5KPeople employed in the US

US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, SOC 17-2031, May 2025. National estimates across all industries; excludes the self-employed.

Earnings of Professionals around the world

Most countries do not publish pay for single job titles. The International Labour Organization collects median monthly earnings for broad occupation groups instead. This career belongs to ISCO-08 major group 2, "Professionals". The table covers the whole group, which includes biomedical engineer and many other occupations.

Source: ILOSTAT, median monthly earnings of employees, latest year available. PPP$ adjusts for price differences between countries so figures can be compared. "vs all employees" compares the group's median with the median for all occupations in the same country.

Career progression

1. Graduate or junior biomedical engineer
2. Biomedical engineer
3. Senior engineer or specialist
4. Lead engineer or regulatory affairs manager
5. Head of research and development or clinical engineering

Job outlook

Ageing populations, more people living with long-term illness and growing health spending in many countries support long-term demand for medical technology. Growth areas include wearable devices, robotic surgery, medical imaging, digital health and personalised implants. The field is small compared with mechanical or electrical engineering, and entry-level jobs can be competitive. Because regulation is strict, skills in quality systems and regulatory affairs are valued as much as design skills.

Questions about becoming a biomedical engineer

Is biomedical engineering a good career?

It can be rewarding because your work directly improves patient care. Demand for medical technology is steady, but the field is smaller than mainstream engineering, so graduate jobs can be competitive. Many employers prefer a master's degree or strong practical experience. A solid base in mechanical, electrical or software engineering keeps more options open.

What is the difference between biomedical engineering and biomedical science?

Biomedical engineering applies engineering to design devices and technology for healthcare. Biomedical science studies human biology and disease, usually in laboratories, and leads to careers such as biomedical scientist in hospital laboratories. Engineers build tools, while biomedical scientists test samples and study how the body works. The two fields often work together in research.

Do biomedical engineers work in hospitals?

Some do. Clinical engineers in hospitals manage medical equipment, check that it is safe, advise on buying new devices and sometimes support patients who use specialist technology. Most biomedical engineers, however, work for companies that design and make medical devices, or in university and research laboratories.

Should I study biomedical engineering or mechanical engineering?

Biomedical engineering is a good choice if you are sure you want to work in healthcare technology. Mechanical or electrical engineering gives you a broader base and more job options, and you can still specialise in medical devices later through a master's or your first job. Compare course content and accreditation before you decide.

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• Electrical engineer

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Sources

1. US Bureau of Labor Statistics — Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics — SOC 17-2031, national estimates, May 2025
2. ILOSTAT — Median monthly earnings of employees by occupation — ISCO-08 major groups, latest year per country
3. European Commission — ESCO occupation profile — ESCO code 2149.4.1

How to cite this page: CourseToJob (2026). How to become a biomedical engineer: degrees, skills and salary. https://coursetojob.com/careers/biomedical-engineer/ (accessed September 26, 2026)

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