Career Definition for a Biological Engineer
The job responsibilities of a biological engineer are diverse. A biological engineer may study the environment to improve the ways we conserve soil, water and other natural resources. He or she may design new equipment or methods used in medicine or agriculture, or specialize in power systems. The specific talents of a biological engineer may lead her or him into a career involving research, management, sales or production. In all cases, biological engineers combine their skills in math and science to find solutions for many of the problems facing the world today.
| Education | Bachelor's degree in biological engineering |
| Job Skills | Analytical skills, communication, experimental skills, problem solving |
| Median Salary (2021)* | $82,640 (all agricultural engineers) $97,410 (all biomedical engineers) |
| Job Growth (2021-2031)* | 1% (all agricultural engineers) 10% (all biomedical engineers) |
Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Education Required
A bachelor's degree in biological engineering or a related field is necessary for nearly all entry-level positions. Biological engineering students might choose from four areas of specialization, including environmental, biomedical, bioprocess and agricultural. Coursework may include the study of water management, geomatics (the science of managing information about the environment), engineering design and food processing, with a concentration of courses in math and biology.
Qualities Needed
Besides an interest in math and science, a biological engineer should be curious, analytical and solution-oriented. Because they work with a wide variety of other professionals, biological engineers need good communication skills and the ability to work as part of a team.
Career and Economic Outlook
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that the growth rate for jobs will vary based on the specific field within biological engineering. Biomedical engineers are expected to see a 10% growth from 2021 to 2031, which is average when compared to all other occupations. Agricultural engineering jobs are predicted to see an 1% increase (slower than average). According to the BLS in 2019, the median annual salary for biological engineers who specialized in agricultural engineering was $82,640; $97,410 was the reported median for biomedical engineers.
Alternative Careers
If you are seeking a career in biological engineering, check out related occupations, including the titles biological technician and biochemist.
Biological Technician
For those interested in biological lab work who wish to support engineers and scientists, becoming a biological technician could be a good career option. Biological technicians collect and prepare specimens, samples and other materials, in addition to assisting with experiments, examining results and compiling data into written reports.
A bachelor's degree in biology or a related field is how one would enter this profession. Taking courses with hands-on lab work is also very important. As seen in BLS projections, biological technicians should experience a 9% increase in employment opportunities during the 2021-2031 decade. In 2021, the BLS determined that these technicians earned a median salary of $48,140.
Biochemist
If a job performing more complex scientific research is desired, a career in biochemistry should be considered. Biochemists use highly technical equipment to study the chemical nature of living organisms and the composition of materials. These chemists can focus on areas such as food production, disease research, genetics, pharmaceuticals or energy fuels.
A bachelor's or master's degree in biochemistry, chemistry, engineering or a related field could provide entry-level employment opportunities, but independent research jobs require a doctorate. According to BLS numbers from 2021, biochemists and biophysicists earned $102,270 in median annual income. The BLS also expects job opportunities for biochemists and biophysicists to grow by 15% from 2021-2031.
