Bioengineering blends the technical skills of engineering with expertise in biological science, resulting in a versatile skill set that applies to many industries. Whether you’re a recent graduate or considering this degree specialization, researching available job opportunities can help you find a fulfilling position. In this article, we explore 12 bioengineering jobs, including the national average salary and primary duties of each position.
What types of bioengineering degree jobs are available?
Bioengineering degree jobs can include a range of positions in a variety of industries. Your choices may depend on your degree concentration, your career goals and your working style or preferences. Industry options can include education and academia, engineering, technology, medical science and business. Because bioengineering is a very specialized and technical degree, your value may allow you more choice of positions and employers.
12 bioengineering degree jobs
Finding a well-fitting position involves research into the various bioengineering degree jobs on the market. This list represents a cross-section of bioengineering positions, along with average salary and regular duties:
1. Teacher
National average salary: $23,881 per year
Primary duties: A teacher equipped with a degree in bioengineering can work in an elementary, middle or high school environment, educating groups of students in math and sciences. They plan lessons and grade assignments and tests. During school hours, they educate students about information under state requirements. Teachers relay scientific data clearly for the grade level by generating learning plans that accommodate student needs.
2. Graduate assistant
National average salary: $36,814 per year
Primary duties: A bioengineering graduate assistant helps with active research for university-associated projects while taking classes for a graduate degree. They may run experiments, gather data and organize data according to research parameters. Graduate assistants contribute to the department’s work by completing tasks such as routine administration, research and data collection. These professionals research grants, write papers and offer support to the university’s biology and engineering research.
3. Consultant
National average salary: $62,897 per year
Primary duties: A consultant in biotechnology conducts assessments and provides advice about various biological and engineering matters. Working in public policy, nonprofit and the private sector, they conduct in-depth research and generate experiments in order to gather necessary data. They run tests, collect data and complete analyses. Bioengineering consultants work with hardware and software in all phases of development, run diagnostics and advise on potential improvements.
4. Bioprocess engineer
National average salary: $75,453 per year
Primary duties: A bioprocess engineer analyzes, develops and improves the systems used to manufacture biological processes. Through careful experimentation and observation, they work to improve process efficiencies, product quality and employee safety conditions. Bioprocess engineers may work in agricultural research and development, food processing plants, pharmaceutical companies, biotechnology companies or alternative fuel manufacturers. They design, supervise and troubleshoot the equipment involved in these technologies.
5. Administrative officer
National average salary: $75,906 per year
Primary duties: An administrative officer with a bioengineering degree deals with the budgetary and technical aspects of medical equipment in hospitals or health care settings. They monitor existing equipment, complete assessments for budgetary purposes, identify potential equipment improvements and determine the effects on the client or employer. They handle routine filing and paperwork, manage internal communications and financial planning.
6. Biologist
National average salary: $80,540 per year
Primary duties: A biologist is responsible for the scientific study of life organisms, including humans, plants, animals, bacteria, fungi and the ecological systems in which they live. They perform experiments, compile data, review information, develop hypotheses and generate conclusions. Many biologists spend significant time writing reports and books, reading other research to remain current and continuing in academics to further the field. Biologists often pursue grants to fund studies and form cooperatives with corporate and government entities.
7. Biomedical engineer
National average salary: $81,769 per year
Primary duties: A biomedical engineer identifies and designs solutions to problems within biology and medicine with a goal of improving patient care. They research how engineering can be used within the biological systems of humans and animals and then create systems and products that can meet needs. Biomedical engineers install, maintain, conduct diagnostics and provide technical support for medical equipment such as prosthetics and imaging supplies. They evaluate the safety and effectiveness of equipment and train others on its proper use.
8. Research scientist
National average salary: $86,747 per year
Primary duties: A bioengineering research scientist works on all phases of development in product testing and policy development. They apply for grants, design experiments to obtain requisite data and conduct testing within specifications. They maintain strict data guidelines, evaluate and analyze the experiment data and compile it into a report. To remain current in the industry, researcher scientists publish papers regularly and actively contribute to bioengineering research. They may work for and conduct research requested by corporations, nonprofits or government organizations, or they may conduct their own personal research in an academic environment.
9. Medical technologist
National average salary: $89,778 per year
Primary duties: A medical technologist, also called a medical laboratory scientist, performs clinical laboratory procedures and tests on tissues, blood and fluid. They follow laboratory protocol, prepare specimens for testing, use technology and specialized tools to complete testing, interpret results and strictly record results. They diagnose, maintain and repair lab equipment. Medical technologists interface with different medical databases and are responsible for informational integrity and accuracy.
10. Engineering program manager
National average salary: $105,814 per year
Primary duties: An engineering program manager leads a team of fellow engineers and handles the timely execution of the bioengineering project’s tasks. They direct resources to meet project requirements and work with manufacturers and vendors. They create the work schedule, manage and blend the innovative ideas of scientists and engineers, review data as the program progresses and analyze that data to generate conclusions. Program managers ensure the quality assurance and integrity of an engineering project.
11. Software engineer
National average salary: $114,150 per year
Primary duties: A software engineer uses their expertise in computer science, programming and engineering to build software solutions that meet the needs of a client. Within the bioengineering field, they develop and maintain the software that’s essential to most medical devices. Software engineers develop and improve data analytics tools and design, modify and optimize algorithms essential to the healthcare and environmental sectors. They may work in many industries, including medicine, environmental science and manufacturing.
12. Biostatistician
National average salary: $130,756 per year
Primary duties: A biostatistician is responsible for designing experiments, analyzing data and implementing statistical studies on living organisms. They collect raw numerical data and interpret it in specific ways, depending on the information sought. Biostatisticians translate data sets into usable information through various statistical maneuvers. Their reports are important to a variety of industries, such as government, medicine, pharmaceuticals and environment, and influence decisions such as environmental policy and medical administrative processes.
