Where are biomedical engineers employed, what are the salaries and what is the future demand?
In 2009, the Bureau of labor Statistics found that there were 14,760 biomedical engineers working in the US (www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes172031.htm). They estimate employment growth of 72 percent over the net decade, much faster than the average for all occupations. The aging of the population and a growing focus on health issues will drive demand for better medical devices and equipment designed by biomedical engineers. Along with the demand for more sophisticated medical equipment and procedures, an increased concern for cost-effectiveness will boost demand for biomedical engineers, particularly in pharmaceutical manufacturing and related industries. Median annual earnings of biomedical engineers were $78,860 in 2009. The middle 50 percent earned between $60,980 and $100,890. Major categories of employment include 3,440 were employed in medical equipment and supplies manufacturing, 2,680 in scientific research and development and 2,410 in pharmaceutical and medicine manufacturing.
