Biomedical Engineering Salary for International Students

Updated on 11 September, 2023

Kanika Pruthi

Kanika Pruthi

Sr. Content Writer & Study Abroad Expert

Biomedical engineering is one of the most interesting fields of study that combines engineering principles with medical and biological sciences to develop innovative healthcare solutions. This lucrative subject has attracted students from all over the world looking for a fascinating yet high-paying career. Did you know that the median salary for biomedical engineers is currently $79,536 in the US? Biomedical engineers with the most experience are earning $124,584 or more.

The Biomedical engineering salary does vary on various factors; to know more about the biomedical engineering career outlook, salary growth, and more, read this comprehensive salary guide.

Biomedical Engineer Salary: Country Wise 

If you're considering a career as a Biomedical Engineer and curious about the salary potential in different countries, here's an overview of the top countries with the highest Biomedical Engineer salaries in 2023:

Country Average Biomedical Engineering Salary
United States $82,000
Switzerland $120,724
Australia $45,861 
Germany $47,147 
Canada $49,502 
United Kingdom $32,669
France $41,421 
India $4,538 
Sweden $34,929 
Japan $41,420

Biomedical Engineer Salary: Experience Wise 

The Biomedical engineer's salary varies based on their level of experience. Let's take a closer look at the salary ranges for biomedical engineers based on different experience levels:

Biomedical Engineering Starting Salary

Biomedical engineering starting salary is around $68,611 per year. With some years of experience, professionals have the chance to delve into entry-level projects and gain hands-on experience in the field.

1-5 Years of Experience

As biomedical engineers gain more experience in the industry, their salaries also tend to increase. Biomedical engineers with 1-5 years of experience can expect to earn an average salary of $78,165 per year. At this stage, professionals take on more complex projects and have opportunities for career advancement.

5-9 Years of Experience

Biomedical engineers with 5-9 years of experience earn higher salaries, ranging from $82,000 to $1,19,000 annually. At this stage, professionals have gained substantial expertise and are involved in leadership roles, research, and development of advanced medical devices.

10-19 Years of Experience

Experienced biomedical engineers with 10 to 19 years of experience can expect to earn an average salary of $120,000 per year. With their extensive knowledge and experience, these professionals hold senior positions, lead teams, and contribute to groundbreaking research and development.

Biomedical Engineer Salary: Designation Wise 

Biomedical Engineers are classified based on their seniority level. Organizations have distinct designation grades for employees based on the department they work for. The designation of a biomedical engineer also impacts their salary. 

A Biomedical Engineer's salary based on designation wise is listed below.

Junior Biomedical Engineer

Junior Engineers are entry-level professionals who work under the supervision of more experienced biomedical engineers. They typically earn $48,700, and their salaries increase as they gain more experience and skills.

Senior Biomedical Engineer

Senior Service Engineers have advanced knowledge and experience in servicing and troubleshooting medical equipment. Their average annual salary is around $62,600, reflecting their expertise and leadership responsibilities.

Field Service Engineer

Field Service Engineers ensure the proper installation, maintenance, and repair of medical equipment in the field. The average biomedical engineer's salary is $68,175 per year.

Project Engineer

Project Engineers oversee the planning, execution, and completion of various projects related to medical device development, research, and implementation. The average project engineer's salary is $73,410.

Sales Engineer

Sales Engineers play an important role in the biomedical engineering industry by promoting and selling medical equipment and devices to healthcare institutions. They earn an average annual salary of $84,351, with the potential for additional commission-based earnings.

Designations Average Biomedical Engineering Salary
Junior Biomedical Engineer $48,700
Senior Biomedical Engineer $62,600
Field Service Engineer $68,175 
Project Engineer $73,410
Sales Engineer $84,351 

Biomedical Engineer Salary: Qualification Wise

The level of education and qualifications significantly impact a biomedical engineer's earning potential and biomedical engineering salary per month. Here's a breakdown of the salary ranges based on different educational levels:

Bachelor's Degree

A bachelor's degree in biomedical engineering opens up more opportunities in the field. A bachelor's in Biomedical engineering earns an average salary of $60,000 to $80,000 yearly. With hands-on experience and continuous learning, these professionals can progress in their careers.

Master's Degree

A master's degree in biomedical engineering leads to higher-paying positions and increased responsibilities. Biomedical Engineers with a master's degree earn an average salary of $83,000 annually. This advanced degree equips professionals with specialized knowledge and research skills.

PhD

Biomedical engineers who pursue a PhD in the field can expect more remarkable career opportunities and higher salaries. With a PhD degree, a biomedical engineering salary can go up to a staggering $106k per year. These professionals often work in academia, research institutions or hold leadership positions in industry.

Top Biomedical Courses

Biomedical engineering programs are available at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. At the undergraduate level, universities offer Bachelor of Engineering (BEng) programs, typically last three years. Alternatively, students can opt for a combined Bachelor and Master of Engineering (MEng) program and complete their studies in four years.

Students can choose to pursue a Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree in Biomedical Engineering as their primary field of study. If individuals already hold a bachelor's degree and wish to advance their education, they have the option to enroll in Master of Science (MSc) programs in biomedical engineering, which typically require one to two years for completion. For those interested in obtaining a PhD, the program generally spans around five years. 

Top Biomedical Courses Universities 

When pursuing a career in biomedical engineering, it is essential to choose the right university to do so. Here are some of the best biomedical engineering colleges according to the QS World Subject Ranking 2023:

University Popular Programs Offered Tuition Fees
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Bachelor of Science in Biological Engineering
Master of Engineering in Biomedical Engineering
$59,750

 
Stanford University

BSc in Bioengineering

MS Bioengineering

$61,731

 
University of Cambridge

Postgraduate Diploma in Healthcare Innovation: Engineering, Systems and Improvement

Master of Studies in Healthcare Innovation: Engineering, Systems, and Improvement

$12,777

 

ETH Zurich 

BSc in Bioengineering

MS Bioengineering

$815/sem
University of Oxford MBiomedSci
BA
$49,247

 

Job Prospects in Biomedical Engineering

Bioengineers and biomedical engineers are expected to rise 10% faster than the average for all occupations between 2021 and 2031. On average, 1,200 jobs for bioengineers and biomedical engineers are expected per year over the decade, with graduates having excellent job prospects in various industries. Here are the top-paying job roles, along with the average biomedical engineer salary in 2023:

Bioinformatics Scientist

Bioinformatics scientists analyze complex biological data using computational tools and methods. They work on genomics, proteomics, and drug discovery projects.

Assistant Pharmacist

Assistant pharmacists assist licensed pharmacists in dispensing medications, providing patient counseling, and managing inventory. 

Assistant Pharmacy Director

Assistant pharmacy directors assist in the management of pharmacy operations and personnel. They ensure compliance with regulations and oversee quality assurance. 

Bioinformatics Technicians

Bioinformatics technicians support scientists by collecting, organizing, and analyzing biological data. They use computational tools and algorithms to generate insights. 

Naval Architect

Naval architects design and oversee the construction of ships and marine structures. They ensure the safety and efficiency of vessels.

Food Processing Engineer

Food processing engineers develop and improve manufacturing processes in the food industry. They ensure food safety, quality, and efficiency.

Marine Engineer

Marine engineers design, operate, and maintain mechanical and electrical systems on ships and offshore structures. They ensure the smooth functioning of propulsion systems. 

Agricultural Engineer

Agricultural engineers apply engineering principles to solve challenges in agriculture, such as improving crop production and developing sustainable farming practices.

Here are some of the top job opportunities with their yearly average biomedical engineer salary:

Job Profile Average Salary
Assistant Pharmacist $38,904
Assistant Pharmacy Director $120,285
Bioinformatics Scientist $100,887
Biomedical Technician $51,756
Manufacturing Engineer $82,221
Prosthetist $73,690

Eligibility for Pursuing a Career in Biomedical Engineering

To pursue a career in biomedical engineering, there is a specific eligibility criteria for international students. 

  1. Candidates should have a high school diploma or equivalent qualifications for undergraduate programs. For postgraduate programs, a relevant bachelor's degree is required.
  2. International students must demonstrate proficiency in English through tests such as IELTS, a minimum of 7.0, and a TOEFL score of 100.
  3. 39 IB points included, with 766 at HL. Candidates must have two Higher Level subjects from Biology, Chemistry, Physics, or Mathematics.
  4. Some universities require standardized test scores for admission into a biomedical engineering program. Biomedical Admissions Test (BMAT) is used by certain universities to assess candidates' aptitude for studying biomedical sciences and related fields. The BMAT evaluates skills in problem-solving, critical thinking, and scientific knowledge.
  5. Most universities require GRE scores for admission to biomedical engineering programs. Each university has its own minimum acceptable score range.
  6. Some universities may require work experience, especially for postgraduate programs. Relevant experience in the field can strengthen an application.
  7. Most universities have a minimum GPA requirement for admission. Strong academic performance is beneficial.

Conclusion

Biomedical engineering offers exciting career prospects and growth opportunities with competitive salaries for students intrigued by the convergence of engineering, biology, and medicine. With top universities' comprehensive programs, international students can gain the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in this field. So, if you have a passion for combining engineering principles with healthcare advancements, a career as a biomedical engineer is the perfect fit for you. Start exploring the possibilities and embark on a journey that fulfills your aspirations and rewards you financially.

FAQs

Is a biomedical engineer a doctor by profession?

The educational pathways of biomedical engineers and doctors are significantly different. A bachelor's degree in biomedical engineering is usually required for biomedical engineers. They learn the principles of engineering, chemistry, and biology with this degree.

What is the difference between MBBS and Biomedical Science courses?

Biomedical Science delves further into the biochemical nature of illnesses and medications, whereas the MBBS program trains physicians responsible for a person or a community's health and well-being.

What skills are essential for a successful biomedical engineer?

Strong technical skills in engineering and medical sciences, excellent problem-solving and analytical thinking abilities to face complex challenges that require innovative solutions. Effective communication skills are also essential as you'll work in multidisciplinary teams, collaborating with healthcare professionals, scientists, and other engineers.

Did you find this article helpful?

Kanika Pruthi

Sr. Content Writer & Study Abroad Expert

Kanika has 5+ years of experience as a writer and content developer. She has written for a wide range of industry verticals, including hospitality, restaurants, non-profits, finance, IT, HR, technology, payroll, and education. She has worked as a creator for a few leading companies and has also helped brands grow through her creative writing.

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