Biomedical Engineer Salary Guide

Biomedical engineers apply engineering principles and biological sciences to design, develop, and maintain medical devices, diagnostics, and healthcare technologies. They work across product development, testing, regulatory compliance, clinical support, and manufacturing to translate medical needs into safe, effective solutions.

What is the average Biomedical Engineer salary?

Entry Level

$60,000 - $75,000

Mid Level

$75,000 - $100,000

Senior Level

$100,000 - $140,000

How does Biomedical Engineer salary grow with experience?

$60,000 - $75,000
0-2
$75,000 - $90,000
3-5
$90,000 - $115,000
6-9
$110,000 - $140,000++
10+
Base (min)
Top of range (max)
Max: $140k

Biomedical Engineer salary by location

San Francisco Bay Area (CA)$95,000 - $150,000
Boston / Cambridge (MA)$90,000 - $140,000
New York City (NY)$85,000 - $135,000
Seattle (WA)$80,000 - $125,000
Raleigh-Durham / Research Triangle (NC)$70,000 - $110,000
Base (min)
Top of range (max)

What factors affect a Biomedical Engineer's salary?

  • Industry and employer type (medical device, biotech, pharma, hospitals, research labs)
  • Location and local cost of living (tech/biotech hubs pay premiums)
  • Education and advanced degrees (M.S., Ph.D.) and relevant certifications
  • Specialized technical skills (regulatory compliance, device software, biomechanics, clinical trial experience)
  • Role scope: R&D vs. manufacturing/quality/regulatory vs. management

Frequently Asked Questions About Biomedical Engineer Salaries

What is the average salary for a biomedical engineer in the U.S.?

The average U.S. biomedical engineer salary typically ranges from about $75,000 to $110,000 depending on experience, industry, and location, with entry roles near $60k–$75k and senior roles often exceeding $100k.

How much does location affect biomedical engineering pay?

Location significantly affects pay: biotech and medtech hubs (e.g., Bay Area, Boston, NYC) pay 15–40% more than the national average due to cost of living and concentration of high-value employers.

What skills increase a biomedical engineer's salary?

Specialized skills that boost pay include medical device design, regulatory (FDA) knowledge, clinical trials, software/firmware for devices, biomechanics, and experience with quality systems (ISO 13485).

Do biomedical engineers make more with advanced degrees?

Yes. A master’s or PhD typically leads to higher pay: advanced degrees often translate to faster progression into senior R&D, management, or specialist roles that pay substantially more than bachelor-level positions.

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