Job Description:
A biomedical engineer designs, develops and evaluates devices, for example artificial organs, prostheses and instrumentation, and procedures, such as medical information systems and health management and care delivery systems. He or she uses knowledge of engineering, biology and biomechanical principles.
Employment Facts:
There were 16,000 biomedical engineers employed in 2008.
Educational Requirements:
To work as a biomedical engineer one needs, at the minimum, a bachelor's degree in biomedical or medical engineering.
Job Outlook:
The job outlook for biomedical engineers is excellent. This occupation is projected to experience faster growth, through 2018, than other occupations requiring a bachelor's degree (The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).
Earnings:
Biomedical engineers earned a median annual salary of $78,860 in 2009 (U.S.).
Use the Salary Wizard at Salary.com to find out how much a Biomedical Engineer currently earns in your city.
A Day in a Biomedical Engineer's Life:
On a typical day a biomedical engineer's tasks might include:
- evaluating biomedical equipment to determine whether it is safe, efficient and effective
- installing, adjusting, maintaining and repairing biomedical equipment
- advising hospital administrators on the planning, acquisition, and use of medical equipment
Sources:
Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition, Engineers, on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos027.htm (visited April 8, 2010).
Employment and Training Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, O*NET Online, Biomedical Engineer, on the Internet at http://online.onetcenter.org/link/details/17-2031.00 (visited November 8, 2010).
