Biomedical engineers

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Biomedical engineers develop devices and procedures that solve medical and health-related problems by combining biology and medicine with engineering. Many biomedical engineers do research, along with life scientists, chemists and medical scientists, on the engineering aspects of the biological systems of humans and animals.

Biomedical engineers also design devices used in various medical procedures, such as the computers used to analyze blood or the laser systems used in corrective eye surgery. They develop artificial organs, imaging systems such as ultrasound and devices for automating insulin injections or controlling body functions.

Most engineers in this specialty require a sound background in one of the more basic engineering specialties, such as mechanical or electronics engineering, in addition to specialized biomedical training. Some specialties within biomedical engineering include biomaterials, biomechanics, medical imaging, rehabilitation and orthopedic engineering.

Job outlook

Employment of biomedical engineers is expected to increase faster than the average for all occupations through 2010. The aging population and the focus on health issues will increase the demand for better medical devices and systems designed by biomedical engineers. For example, computer-assisted surgery and cellular and tissue engineering are being more heavily researched and are developing rapidly. In addition, the rehabilitation and orthopedic engineering specialties are growing quickly, increasing the need for more biomedical engineers. Along with the demand for more sophisticated medical equipment and procedures is an increased concern for cost efficiency and effectiveness that also will increase the need for biomedical engineers.

Earnings

Biomedical engineers held about 7,200 jobs in 2000. Manufacturing industries employed 30% of all biomedical engineers, primarily in the medical instruments and supplies industries. Many others worked for health services. Some also worked on a contract basis for government agencies or as independent consultants.

Median annual earnings of biomedical engineers were $57,480 in 2000.

According to a 2001 salary survey by the National Association of Colleges and Employers, bachelor's degree candidates in biomedical engineering received starting offers averaging $47,850 a year and master's degree candidates, on average, were offered $62,600.

Related links

For more information about biomedical engineers:

Biomedical Engineering Society, 8401 Corporate Dr., Suite 110, Landover, MD 20785-2224.

Adapted from the Labor Department's Occupational Outlook Handbook.