Contributor: Jordan Ellis, PE
Written: Sep 26, 2024 | Updated: Nov 30, 2025
Bioengineering, or biomedical engineering, is a rapidly growing field where the principles of biology, medicine, and engineering come together to create life-changing technologies. From artificial limbs to advanced imaging systems, bioengineers play a critical role in improving health and extending lives.
Whether you’re a student exploring this career or an experienced engineer looking to broaden your skills, understanding the path to becoming a bioengineer is essential. In this article, we’ll explore the educational requirements, key skills, and career opportunities in this exciting and impactful profession.
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What Do Bioengineers Do?
Bioengineers, also known as biomedical engineers, design and develop technologies that improve healthcare and save lives. Their work includes creating artificial organs, prosthetics, medical devices, and advanced imaging systems.
They also ensure these technologies operate safely and efficiently. Bioengineers work in research labs, hospitals, and manufacturing environments, collaborating with healthcare professionals to innovate new solutions.
Engineering as a whole is vital to our society’s advancement. Learn more about why engineering plays such a crucial role here.
Educational Requirements for Bioengineers
You need a bachelor’s degree
To become a bioengineer, a bachelor’s degree in bioengineering or biomedical engineering is typically required. This degree combines engineering principles with biological sciences, offering coursework in subjects like biology, chemistry, mechanics, and electrical engineering.
Students also gain hands-on experience through lab work and internships, which are highly valued by employers.
You may also need a graduate degree
For those looking to specialize or work in research and development, a graduate degree in bioengineering may be necessary, offering deeper knowledge in areas like biomaterials, medical imaging, or tissue engineering.
Academic Path: Finding the Right Degree Programs
Securing the proper education is the non-negotiable first step toward a career as a biomedical engineer. You must earn an undergraduate degree in biomedical engineering or a closely related field.
Choosing a Quality Program
When selecting an engineering program, look for institutions with strong accreditation and specialized tracks. The curriculum should blend foundational engineering studies with life sciences (like anatomy and physiology). For students, a Bachelor’s degree is often sufficient for entry-level jobs or a technician role, but a Master’s program is increasingly common for those who want to advance into research or specialized design. The core coursework focuses on signal processing, biomechanics, and bioinstrumentation.
How to Become a Licensed Professional Bioengineer
Becoming a Licensed Professional Engineer (PE) as a bioengineer can elevate your career by demonstrating expertise and commitment to the field. To achieve licensure, follow these steps:
- Earn a Bachelor’s Degree: Graduate from an accredited bioengineering or biomedical engineering program.
- Pass the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) Exam: Typically taken after earning your degree.
- Gain Work Experience: Accumulate four years of relevant experience under a licensed engineer.
- Pass the PE Exam: After gaining experience, pass the PE exam to become licensed.
Licensure enhances credibility and opens doors to leadership roles.
Check out this video about careers in bioengineering.
Bioengineer Salaries and Earning Potential
Bioengineers enjoy competitive salaries due to their specialized skills and the growing demand for healthcare innovations. The median annual salary for bioengineers is approximately $100,700, though this can vary based on industry, experience, and location.
Engineers working in sectors such as medical equipment manufacturing and scientific research tend to earn higher wages, with some roles offering salaries exceeding $120,000. As bioengineering continues to advance, professionals with additional certifications or a PE license can further boost their earning potential.
The following table lists the average annual salaries for bioengineers at various levels of experience.
| Job Title | Average Annual Salary (USD) |
| Entry-Level Bioengineer | $ 75,000.00 |
| Mid-Level Bioengineer | $ 95,000.00 |
| Senior Bioengineer | $ 110,000.00 |
| Bioengineering Manager | $ 130,000.00 |
| Bioengineer with PE License | $ 120,000.00 |
Continuing Education for Bioengineers
As bioengineering evolves, staying current with new technologies and industry advancements is essential for career growth. Whether you’re fulfilling licensure requirements or expanding your knowledge, look for courses that offer flexible learning options tailored to the needs of busy professionals.
Career Path and Advancement Opportunities
Bioengineers have a diverse range of career paths available, from entry-level positions in medical device manufacturing or research labs to advanced roles in healthcare innovation.
Early in your career, you might focus on designing and testing medical devices, collaborating with teams of doctors, scientists, and other engineers. As you gain experience, opportunities open up in project management, research and development, or regulatory affairs.
Earning a PE license or pursuing advanced degrees can further accelerate your career, leading to leadership roles such as bioengineering manager or director of research. Additionally, specialization in areas like biomechanics or tissue engineering can position you for consulting or executive roles in cutting-edge fields.
In-Demand Skills and The Future of Biomedical Equipment
The field relies heavily on continuous innovation, which demands a specific set of in-demand skills from biomedical engineers.
The Crucial Role of Research Skills
While technical design ability is essential, strong research skills are paramount. A significant portion of biomedical engineering involves clinical trials, data analysis, and the development of new prototypes. Whether you’re working on advanced medical imaging systems or prosthetic limbs, the ability to formulate hypotheses, conduct rigorous testing, and analyze complex biological data is essential. Furthermore, expertise in computer simulation and modeling systems is crucial for optimizing design before physical testing begins.
Employment and Innovation in Medical Technology
The primary focus of many biomedical engineers is the design, modification, and maintenance of biomedical equipment. This equipment ranges from common hospital devices to high-tech diagnostic tools and patient monitoring systems. The employment sector for biomedical engineers is robust, driven by the aging population and the constant need for technological advancement in healthcare. Biomedical equipment is the tangible output of our profession, requiring engineers to have a deep understanding of patient safety and regulatory compliance.
Conclusion
Becoming a bioengineer is a rewarding journey that combines science, technology, and innovation to improve lives. With the right education, licensure, and a commitment to continuous learning, bioengineers have numerous opportunities to grow and advance in this dynamic field. Whether you’re just starting out or seeking to deepen your expertise, the possibilities in bioengineering are vast and impactful.