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Biomedical engineers empower health care workers to deliver better patient care. They apply biology and biomechanical principles to the development of new medical devices and systems. Biomedical engineering innovations range from artificial organs to medical instrumentation.

A closer look at biomedical engineering

Biomedical engineers work with medical scientists to develop better products and systems for health care. Biomedical innovations range from prostheses to health information systems, imaging systems such as MRI, insulin injection devices and more. Biomedical engineers may specialize in biomaterials, biomechanics, imaging, rehabilitation products or orthopedic devices. About 64 percent of biomedical engineers work for biotech companies, and a quarter work directly with health care employers.

Biomedical engineer salaries

Biomedical engineers earned an average salary of $84,780 in 2010, reports the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The upper quartile of biomedical engineers earned six-figure salaries of more than $103,570. Salary.com offers a range based on level of experience: The average entry-level base salary is $49,766, rising to $57,655 with two to four years of experience. An engineering manager position, available with a master's degree or MBA from online biomedical engineer schools, commands a much higher salary. Engineering managers earned $125,900 in 2010, according to BLS data.

Of the top employers of biomedical engineers, scientific research and development is the highest-paying, with a salary average of $93,930. The BLS identifies several employers that pay even higher salaries, although they account for fewer jobs in the industry. Semiconductor and electronic component manufacturers pay an average salary of $111,480 and doctor's offices pay $110,800.

Biomedical engineers earn high salaries in regions with strong biotechnology sectors, such as the following:

• Alaska $152,180
• California $95,450
• Massachusetts $94,720
• Minnesota $94,870
• Arizona $92,440

Biomedical engineers looking to relocate can find great opportunities in these high-pay, low-cost cities:

• Dayton, Ohio: $96,440 and 94.8 on the ACCRA Cost of Living Index (100 is the national average)
• Houston, Texas: $94,830 and 89.5
• Orlando, Fla.: $93,290 and below-average 98.6

Training for a career in biomedical engineering

Although a bachelor's degree is sufficient for many entry-level engineering roles, the biomedical specialty tends to have a higher education bar. According to the BLS, research laboratory jobs for biomedical engineers generally require a graduate degree, either the Master of Science or research PhD. About half (48 percent) of biomedical engineers have a master's degree, according to Salary.com. To advance into an engineering management role, biomedical engineers can pursue an MBA in scientific R&D management.

Career outlook for biomedical engineers

Biomedical engineering is among the fastest-growing engineering specialties. A relatively new specialty, biomedical engineering is set for dramatic employment growth of 72 percent over the 2008-2018 decade. Demand for better medical devices and procedures by an aging population should continue to create opportunity for biomedical engineers. Pharmaceutical companies are also interested in biomedical engineers to help develop cost-effective product development and manufacturing.

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