Biomedical Engineering Salary in the US

A vocation in two of the most sought-after careers: engineering and medicine, which leads to a fulfilling and financially rewarding career – Biomedical Engineering. If this is what you want to do, it might help first begin with knowing the average biomedical engineering salary in the US.

Basically, engineers specialize in innovating and designing technological solutions to satisfy the medical needs of individuals. 

If you have ever wanted to have a mix of both, continue to read. Future in this article, we will be discussing:

• What biomedical engineering is
• Who is a biomedical engineer?
• Responsibilities of biomedical engineers
• Requirements to become a biomedical engineer
• The biomedical engineering salary in the US
• How to become a Biomedical Engineer in the Us, as well as everything else you need to know.

Stay with me!

What is Biomedical Engineering?

Basically, Biomedical Engineering is the process of applying the principles and problem-solving techniques of engineering and medicine to offer creative and innovative solutions to medical needs. It is a profession that researches and creates innovative futuristic technologies that help to provide adequate healthcare to patients in the medical industry.

The main goal of biomedical engineering is to enhance effectiveness and proper patient healthcare by innovatively creating medical instruments, devices, and software to improve the quality of life. 

This work of biomedical engineering is demonstrated throughout healthcare: from diagnosis, analysis, treatment, and recovery.  Even better, it has further penetrated the public’s conscience through the addition of implantable medical devices, some of which includes artificial hips, pacemakers, and more advanced futuristic technologies such as the 3-D printing of biological organs and stem cell engineering.

Who is a Biomedical Engineer?

A biomedical engineer is an expert who creates effective technologies using advanced engineering and medical concepts and designs to offer health solutions to biological and medical problems.

Basically, a biomedical engineer specializes in creating and developing life-saving medicine and technologies for the healthcare industry. 

Also, they assist in the development of biocompatible prostheses, pharmaceutical drugs, imaging equipment as well as other medical products that help in the health industry in aspects like diagnosing and treating patients. 

What Does a Biomedical Engineer Do?

Basically, the job of a biomedical engineer involves a wide variety of disciplines which are opportunities in various industries as well.

A biomedical engineer focuses on designing and developing new technologies. In academia, a biomedical engineer specializes in researching and promoting medically possible innovations. Also, they test, implement and specialize in developing new diagnostic tools and medical equipment.

In government, a biomedical engineer focuses on establishing adequate safety standards for medical devices.

In general, biomedical engineers help to create a recreation of human organs that aid in transplants as well as in assisting individuals all around the world to live better. They do this by developing recently implantable as well as external devices such as prosthetics, dental products, coronary stents, pacemakers, orthopedic implants, and ambulatory devices.

Biomedical Engineer Job Description

The following are the job descriptions of a biomedical engineer. A biomedical engineer must:

• Possess the ability to research, develop, design, and custom-modify artificial limbs, medical devices as well as products.
• Have the ability to develop new techniques and devices addressing health-related issues.
• Be able to develop artificial limbs, heart pacemakers, heart valves as well as other implants to make the life of patients better.
• Possess the ability to analyze as well as evaluate the company’s prototype medical devices.
• Must assist R&D team in developing and designing automated immunohematology test systems, MRI and drug delivery equipment, as well as other robotic surgical instruments.
• Have the ability to develop as well as examine and validate testing methods.
• Have the ability to troubleshoot problems in the design and development of medical devices and surgical instruments.
• Possess the ability to carry out studies on biological issues. This could include sample preparations, statistical analysis, collating, evaluating, and documenting study results.
• Have the ability to organize and handle the helpful clinical trials for medical products and devices for patients.
• Have the ability to perform managing and testing. This will include field testing of clinical equipment as well as medical devices in hospitals.
• Possess effective communication skills to interact with manufacturers as well as to buy or sell medical devices, surgical products, and instruments.
• Be able to create, organize and effectively manage medical information systems as well as healthcare delivery systems.
• Have the ability to nationally as well as globally keep up to date with the most advanced developments in the field. 

How Long Does it Take to Become a Biomedical Engineer?

The following provides an overview of how long it takes to become a biomedical engineer in the US. 

1. High School

While this may vary across states, it takes about four years to complete a high school degree. However, some schools may complete in three and others a little more. 

2. Undergraduate Degree

A bachelor’s degree in biomedical engineering can take up to four years to complete and obtain. However, this can vary if you decide to take on a significant course each year or if you get into college with credit.

3. Graduate Degree

A graduate degree will take about two years to complete and longer than a doctorate. 

4. Professional Licensure

To obtain a professional license as a biomedical engineer, you must work in a field for at least four years or more.

In general, it takes between 13 and 14 years to become a professional biomedical engineer unless there are exceptions and/or you have already completed your undergraduate and graduate studies.

How to Become a Biomedical Engineer

To become a biomedical engineer, there are certain requirements you need to meet and specific steps you need to follow. 

Although this may vary across states or be affected by some factors, generally, the following are the steps to take to become a professional biomedical engineer.

Obtain a High School Diploma or GED

This usually takes four years to obtain. It is an important requirement anyone looking to become a professional biomedical engineer must meet. 

While you are at it, it is essential to know that you are required to complete specific courses during your high school college. These courses or subjects include;

• Chemistry
• Biochemistry
• Biology
• Physics
• Mathematics
• Statistics
• Any other relevant and related subjects.

Earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Biomedical Engineering

Obtain a bachelor’s degree in biomedical engineering or any other related and relevant disciplines. Also, this usually takes up to four years to complete.

However, if you intend to instead pursue a graduate degree in biomedical engineering later, you can complete a bachelor’s degree in any engineering field.

Also, it is vital to keep in mind that you are only required to take engineering programs that have been accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET).

Gain Some Professional Experience

This usually takes up to one year or more. This is important to help you gain a better idea of what to expect upon graduation.

This step is your chance to find relevant employment or volunteer opportunities to practice and gain some experiences while you complete your degree.

Earn an Advanced Degree in Biomedical Engineering

Usually, this takes about two years or more; however, it is optional.

Basically, you can begin to work as a biomedical engineer once you have obtained your biomedical engineering bachelor’s degree or professionally after you have met the requirement mentioned above and gained some work experience through your volunteering or internship opportunity.

However, it is also good if you choose to further complete a graduate degree in biomedical engineering before starting to work professionally in the field.

A Simple Run-Down on How to Become a Biomedical Engineer in the US

Basically, here is a simple run-down of all the steps we have listed above:

Earn a bachelor’s degree

Earn a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent in the relevant subjects. This usually takes four years to complete. While at this, ensure that the biomedical engineering programs you are undertaking have received accreditation from the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET).

Complete a graduate degree

A graduate degree, otherwise known as a master’s degree in biomedical engineering, is specifically designed for individuals who desire to advance their careers in biomedical engineering. Otherwise, the graduate is entirely optional.

Also, just like the bachelor’s degree, your biomedical engineering graduate program must have received accreditation from the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET). 

Volunteer or apply to entry-level jobs

Having gained the necessary and relevant education and degrees, the next thing to do would be to gain work experience. 

You could either do this by seeking out internships or volunteer opportunities. If not, then you could apply for entry-level jobs and earn your experience while on the job. 

Become licensed

After four years of the previous step, you will have become a certified biomedical engineer and will further earn the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) license, 

This will help you offer your services to the public.

However, if you wish to continue, as it seems that there are always more levels to get on when you get to one higher level in your biomedical engineering career, you could take the Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exam to become a fully professional and licensed biomedical engineer.

What is a Biomedical Engineering Salary in the US?

According to Glassdoor, the estimated biomedical engineering salary in the US is $81,061 per year.

According to Indeed.com, a biomedical engineering salary is $92,620 per year.

Also, according to Money.usnews, the average Biomedical salary in the US is $92,620 per year. 

The source reveals that a biomedical engineering salary in 2020 was $92,620 in 2020. In the same year, the best-paid biomedical engineering salary was $118,930, while the lowest-paid was  $71,830 per year.

According to the United States Department of Labor, the biomedical engineer salary in the US is $98,340, with the top 10% of biomedical engineers earning $149,440.

What are the Requirements to Become a Biomedical Engineer?

The following are the general requirements you need to become a biomedical engineer.

• Bachelor’s degree in either biomedical engineering, biomedical science, or any other relevant, related field.
• Professional Licensed Engineer (PE) with the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES)
• Proof of working in the biomedical engineering field
• Must possess analytical and problem-solving skills
• Must be detail-oriented
• You must have an excellent eye for design as well as the technical ability to transform innovations into products
• Must possess effective communication skills
• Must have the ability to work individually and in a  team.
• You must possess the ability to empathize with others.

FAQs Biomedical Engineering Salary in the US

Conclusion

A biomedical engineering career is one of the most fulfilling careers in the US as well as globally. It is one that allows you to make significant differences in the lives of people. Imagine giving another hope of walking again after their leg has been amputated. If you want to help people, make a massive difference in the world, and earn highly while at it, you should consider becoming a biomedical engineer.

Reference

• https://www.mtu.edu/biomedical/department/what-is/#:~:text=Biomedical%20engineering%20is%20the%20application,engineering%20to%20biology%20and%20medicine.
• https://www.greatsampleresume.com/job-responsibilities/medical/biomedical-engineer
• https://www.betterteam.com/biomedical-engineer-job-description
• https://www.onlineengineeringprograms.com/faq/how-do-i-become-a-biomedical-engineer