Biomedical Engineer Salary in USA 2025
Medical devices, healthcare technology, and bioengineer pay
Average Biomedical Engineer Salary
How Much Do Biomedical Engineers Earn in 2025?
Biomedical engineers combine engineering principles with medical sciences to design and create equipment, devices, computer systems, and software used in healthcare. They develop artificial organs, prostheses, medical imaging devices, diagnostic equipment, and health informatics systems.
2025 biomedical engineer salaries reflect strong healthcare technology demand: average $75,000–$105,000, with entry-level starting at $60,000–$75,000 and senior engineers earning $110,000–$150,000. BLS reports median annual wage of $99,550.
Specialization significantly impacts pay: medical device engineers command $85,000–$120,000, R&D positions $90,000–$130,000, and regulatory affairs specialists $100,000–$140,000. BLS projects 5% growth (faster than average) for biomedical engineering through 2032, driven by aging population and medical technology advances. For context, see the average salary in the US.
Biomedical Engineer Salary Snapshot
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| BLS Median | $99,550 |
| National Average Range | $75,000–$105,000 |
| Entry-Level (0–2 yrs) | $60,000–$75,000 |
| Mid-Level (3–7 yrs) | $80,000–$105,000 |
| Senior (7+ yrs) | $105,000–$140,000 |
| Principal/Staff | $130,000–$175,000 |
| Hourly Rate | $38–$65/hour |
Use our salary calculator to convert rates.
Biomedical Engineer Salary by Specialization
Specialization creates significant salary premiums:
| Specialization | Salary Range | Premium vs General |
|---|---|---|
| Regulatory Affairs | $100K–$140K | +25–40% |
| R&D/Product Development | $90K–$130K | +15–30% |
| Medical Device Design | $85K–$120K | +10–20% |
| Clinical Engineering | $75K–$100K | +5–10% |
| Biomechanics | $80K–$115K | +10–15% |
| Tissue Engineering | $80K–$120K | +10–20% |
| General Biomedical | $70K–$95K | Baseline |
Regulatory Affairs Specialist (Highest Premium)
Salary: $100,000–$140,000 (+25–40% premium)
Navigates FDA approval processes, ensures compliance with medical device regulations, manages submissions and audits. High demand due to complex regulatory environment.
R&D / Product Development Engineer
Salary: $90,000–$130,000 (+15–30% premium)
Designs new medical devices, develops prototypes, conducts testing and validation. Innovation-focused role at device manufacturers.
Medical Device Design Engineer
Salary: $85,000–$120,000 (+10–20% premium)
Creates device specifications, CAD modeling, materials selection, design for manufacturing. Core role at medical device companies.
Clinical Engineer
Salary: $75,000–$100,000 (+5–10% premium)
Works in hospitals managing medical equipment, ensuring safety, training staff, advising on technology purchases.
Biomedical Engineer Salary by Experience Level
| Experience Level | Salary Range | Typical Responsibilities |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (0–2 yrs) | $60K–$75K | Testing, documentation, support |
| Mid-level (3–5 yrs) | $75K–$95K | Design, project components |
| Senior (5–10 yrs) | $95K–$125K | Lead projects, mentoring |
| Staff/Principal (10+ yrs) | $120K–$160K | Technical leadership |
| Director/VP | $150K–$220K | Department leadership |
Entry-Level Biomedical Engineer (0–2 Years)
Salary: $60,000–$75,000
Focus: Testing, documentation, quality assurance support, design assistance.
Requirements: BS in Biomedical Engineering, Bioengineering, or related field. Internship experience valuable.
Senior Biomedical Engineer (5–10 Years)
Salary: $95,000–$125,000
Focus: Lead design projects, cross-functional collaboration, regulatory submissions, mentoring juniors.
Staff/Principal Engineer (10+ Years)
Salary: $120,000–$160,000
Focus: Technical strategy, innovation leadership, patent development, executive communication.
Biomedical Engineer Salary by Location
| Location | Salary Range | Key Factors |
|---|---|---|
| Boston, MA | $95K–$140K | Medtech hub, highest pay |
| San Francisco Bay Area | $95K–$135K | Biotech concentration |
| Minneapolis, MN | $85K–$120K | Medtronic, medical devices |
| San Diego, CA | $85K–$120K | Biotech cluster |
| New Jersey | $85K–$115K | Pharma/device companies |
| National Average | $75K–$105K | Baseline |
Boston (Highest-Paying)
Salary: $95,000–$140,000 (+25–35% premium)
Global medtech hub with major device companies, research hospitals, and biotech startups. Highest concentration of biomedical engineering jobs.
Minneapolis
Salary: $85,000–$120,000 (+15–20% premium)
Medical device capital—Medtronic, Boston Scientific, Abbott, St. Jude Medical. Strong device manufacturing focus.
Biomedical Engineer Salary by Industry Setting
| Industry/Setting | Salary Range | Key Factors |
|---|---|---|
| Medical Device Companies | $85K–$130K | Highest pay, R&D focus |
| Pharmaceutical | $80K–$120K | Drug delivery, diagnostics |
| Biotech Startups | $75K–$110K + equity | Lower base, equity upside |
| Hospitals/Healthcare | $70K–$100K | Clinical engineering |
| Government/Research | $65K–$95K | NIH, FDA, national labs |
| Academia | $60K–$90K | Research focus |
Medical Device Companies (Highest Pay)
Salary: $85,000–$130,000
Top employers: Medtronic, Johnson & Johnson, Abbott, Boston Scientific, Stryker, Zimmer Biomet.
Why high: Revenue-generating product development, competitive talent market, specialized skills valued.
How to Increase Your Biomedical Engineer Salary
Specialize in Regulatory Affairs
Regulatory specialists earn $100K–$140K versus general $70K–$95K (+40–50%).
Target Medical Device Companies
Device companies pay $85K–$130K versus hospitals $70K–$100K (+20–30%).
Relocate to Medtech Hubs
Boston/Minneapolis pay $85K–$140K versus national $75K–$105K (+15–35%).
Pursue Advanced Degree
MS adds $10K–$20K. PhD opens R&D leadership roles ($120K–$180K). MBA valuable for management track.
Earn Professional Engineer (PE) License
PE license adds credibility, may add $5K–$15K in certain roles.
Progress to Technical Leadership
Principal engineers earn $120K–$160K versus senior $95K–$125K (+25–30%).
See our salary negotiation guide for strategies.
Career Path and Related Roles
| Career Stage | Position | Salary Range |
|---|---|---|
| Entry | Biomedical Engineer I | $60K–$75K |
| Mid | Biomedical Engineer II | $80K–$100K |
| Senior | Senior Biomedical Engineer | $100K–$130K |
| Principal | Principal/Staff Engineer | $125K–$165K |
| Management | Engineering Manager | $130K–$175K |
| Executive | VP Engineering/R&D | $175K–$250K |
Related Roles
Mechanical Engineer: $75,000–$110,000
Chemical Engineer: $80,000–$120,000
Quality Engineer (Medical): $75,000–$110,000
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average biomedical engineer salary in 2025?
Biomedical engineers earn $75,000–$105,000 on average. BLS reports median of $99,550. Entry-level earns $60,000–$75,000, mid-level $80,000–$105,000, senior $105,000–$140,000, and principal/staff $130,000–$175,000.
Can biomedical engineers make $100K?
Yes. Senior biomedical engineers commonly earn $100K–$140K. Medical device companies pay $85K–$130K. Regulatory affairs specialists earn $100K–$140K. Boston/SF markets pay $95K–$140K. With 5+ years experience, $100K is achievable. See jobs that pay $100K.
Is biomedical engineering worth it?
Yes, for those passionate about healthcare technology. Strong salaries ($60K–$160K range), 5% job growth (faster than average), meaningful work improving patient outcomes. Requires BS minimum, competitive entry-level market. Medical device industry offers best combination of pay and stability.
What type of biomedical engineer earns the most?
Regulatory affairs specialists ($100K–$140K), R&D/product development engineers ($90K–$130K), and medical device design engineers at major companies ($85K–$120K) earn highest. Principal/staff engineers reach $120K–$175K. Management track leads to VP/Director roles at $150K–$250K.
Where do biomedical engineers get paid the most?
Boston ($95K–$140K), San Francisco Bay Area ($95K–$135K), Minneapolis ($85K–$120K), and San Diego ($85K–$120K). These medtech hubs have highest concentration of device companies and pay 15–35% premiums over national average.