Occupation Summary

Bioengineers and Biomedical Engineers

O*NET 17-2031.00

Description:

Apply knowledge of engineering, biology, chemistry, computer science, and biomechanical principles to the design, development, and evaluation of biological, agricultural, and health systems and products, such as artificial organs, prostheses, instrumentation, medical information systems, and health management and care delivery systems.

Annual Wages:
$79,806.00
Employment Rate:
Employment is expected to increase by 17.66%.
Education Level:
Bachelor's Degree. According to O*Net, the majority of people employed in this occupation have this level of education.
Endorsement:
STEM

  1. Evaluate the safety, efficiency, and effectiveness of biomedical equipment.
  2. Advise hospital administrators on the planning, acquisition, and use of medical equipment.
  3. Research new materials to be used for products, such as implanted artificial organs.
  4. Develop models or computer simulations of human biobehavioral systems to obtain data for measuring or controlling life processes.
  5. Conduct research, along with life scientists, chemists, and medical scientists, on the engineering aspects of the biological systems of humans and animals.
  6. Adapt or design computer hardware or software for medical science uses.
  7. Analyze new medical procedures to forecast likely outcomes.
  8. Conduct training or in-services to educate clinicians and other personnel on proper use of equipment.
  9. Write documents describing protocols, policies, standards for use, maintenance, and repair of medical equipment.
  10. Advise manufacturing staff regarding problems with fermentation, filtration, or other bioproduction processes.
  11. Collaborate with manufacturing or quality assurance staff to prepare product specification or safety sheets, standard operating procedures, user manuals, or qualification and validation reports.
  12. Communicate with bioregulatory authorities regarding licensing or compliance responsibilities.
  13. Communicate with suppliers regarding the design or specifications of bioproduction equipment, instrumentation, or materials.
  14. Confer with research and biomanufacturing personnel to ensure the compatibility of design and production.
  15. Consult with chemists or biologists to develop or evaluate novel technologies.
  16. Design and deliver technology, such as prosthetic devices, to assist people with disabilities.
  17. Design or conduct follow-up experimentation, based on generated data, to meet established process objectives.
  18. Design or develop medical diagnostic or clinical instrumentation, equipment, or procedures, using the principles of engineering and biobehavioral sciences.
  19. Design or direct bench or pilot production experiments to determine the scale of production methods that optimize product yield and minimize production costs.
  20. Develop bioremediation processes to reduce pollution, protect the environment, or treat waste products.
  21. Develop methodologies for transferring procedures or biological processes from laboratories to commercial-scale manufacturing production.
  22. Develop statistical models or simulations, using statistical or modeling software.
  23. Lead studies to examine or recommend changes in process sequences or operation protocols.
  24. Maintain databases of experiment characteristics or results.
  25. Manage teams of engineers by creating schedules, tracking inventory, creating or using budgets, or overseeing contract obligations or deadlines.
  26. Prepare project plans for equipment or facility improvements, including time lines, budgetary estimates, or capital spending requests.
  27. Prepare technical reports, data summary documents, or research articles for scientific publication, regulatory submissions, or patent applications.
  28. Read current scientific or trade literature to stay abreast of scientific, industrial, or technological advances.
  29. Recommend process formulas, instrumentation, or equipment specifications, based on results of bench or pilot experimentation.
  30. Review existing manufacturing processes to identify opportunities for yield improvement or reduced process variation.


National Industry Employment Patterns


Industry % of Bioengineers and Biomedical Engineers employed Annual Growth Rate
Medical equipment and supplies manufacturing 16.4 0.31
Scientific research and development services 16.2 0.63
Pharmaceutical and medicine manufacturing 13.9 0.72
Electronic instrument manufacturing 8.2 0.00
Colleges, universities, and professional schools 6.8 0.74
General medical and surgical hospitals 6.1 0.80
Architectural, engineering, and related services 4.3 0.00
Electronic and precision equipment repair and maintenance 2 0.00


Labor Market Information


2022 Statewide average hourly wage $38.37
2022 National average hourly wage $51.95
2020 National employment 19,300
2020 Texas employment 1,127
Texas projected employment by 2030 1,326
Texas projected annual employment and Turnover openings through 2030 97




TEXAS COUNTY MAP BY WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT AREA
* Due to confidentiality rules, not all regions may have the data displayed. The sum of all the regions may not be equal to the state total.


Top 10 Relevant Knowledge Areas Relevant Importance Levels
Engineering and Technology
Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
97.40%
Mathematics
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
87.40%
Computers and Electronics
Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
87.40%
Design
Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
85.40%
Physics
Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub-atomic structures and processes.
84.00%
Biology
Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.
84.00%
English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
82.00%
Chemistry
Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.
76.00%
Medicine and Dentistry
Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human injuries, diseases, and deformities. This includes symptoms, treatment alternatives, drug properties and interactions, and preventive health-care measures.
75.80%
Mechanical
Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
66.60%


Top 10 Relevant Skill Areas Relevant Importance Levels
Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
85.00%
Reading Comprehension
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
82.40%
Active Listening
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
82.40%
Complex Problem Solving
Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
82.40%
Judgment and Decision Making
Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
82.40%
Science
Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
77.60%
Speaking
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
77.60%
Mathematics
Using mathematics to solve problems.
75.00%
Writing
Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
75.00%
Monitoring
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
75.00%


Top 10 Relevant Abilities Relevant Importance Levels
Written Comprehension
The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
82.40%
Deductive Reasoning
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
82.40%
Inductive Reasoning
The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
82.40%
Oral Comprehension
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
80.00%
Problem Sensitivity
The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.
80.00%
Originality
The ability to come up with unusual or clever ideas about a given topic or situation, or to develop creative ways to solve a problem.
77.60%
Mathematical Reasoning
The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.
77.60%
Oral Expression
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
77.60%
Written Expression
The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
77.60%
Near Vision
The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
77.60%


  • Making Decisions and Solving Problems
    -- Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
  • Analyzing Data or Information
    -- Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
  • Getting Information
    -- Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
  • Working with Computers
    -- Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
  • Processing Information
    -- Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
Other Activities


  • Achievement
    - Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement.
  • Independence
    - Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy.



Tools

Accelerometers: Accelerometers;

Acoustic sensors: Acoustic measurement systems;

Air samplers or collectors: Aerosol analyzers;

Amplifiers: Radio frequency amplifiers; Bio-signal amplifiers;

Analytical balances: Analytical balances;

Autosamplers: Autosamplers;

Bacteria transformation kits: Bacteria-based biosensors; Rapid toxicity testing systems;

Benchtop centrifuges: Centrifuges;

Binocular light compound microscopes: Inverted light microscopes;

Biometric identification equipment: Bio-sensors;

Blotting or transfer apparatus: Electroblotting apparatus;

Calorimeters: Bomb calorimeters; Differential scanning calorimeters;

Camera based vision systems for automated data collection: Eye tracking devices;

Cardiac pacemaker generators or cardiac resynchronization therapy pacemakers CRT-P: Pacemaker analyzers; Pacemaker testing devices; Defibrillator testing devices;

Chemical absorption gas analyzers: Surface area analyzers;

Chemiluminescence or bioluminescence analyzers: Chemiluminescence analyzers;

Circuit tester: Circuit analyzers;

Complementary deoxyribonucleic acid cDNA synthesis kits: Deoxyribonucleic acid DNA synthesizers;

Compression testers: Material tension/compression testing devices;

Computed tomography CT or CAT radiotherapy simulators: Maskless photolithography equipment;

Deflecting devices: Deflectors;

Desktop computers: Desktop computers;

Digital camcorders or video cameras: Camcorders;

Digital cameras: Digital cameras; High-speed digital cameras;

Dissolved oxygen meters: Dissolved oxygen polarographic measurement devices; Dissolved oxygen probes;

Drug delivery systems: Micropumps; Microvalves;

Dry wall single chamber carbon dioxide incubators: Carbon dioxide CO2 incubators;

Dye sublimination printers: Sublimation printers;

Dynamometers: Dynamometers;

Electro pneumatic transducers: Pressure transducers;

Electroencephalograph EEGs: Electroencephalography EEG equipment;

Electrometers: Ventilator performance analyzers; Pressure and temperature measurement devices; Electrosurgery testing devices; Biomedical device electrical safety testers; Non-invasive blood pressure monitor analyzers; Intravenous IV pump analyzers; Incubator performance analyzers;

Electromyography EMG units: Electromyographs EMG;

Electronic actuators: Motion actuators;

Electronic counters: Automated particle counters; Condensation nuclei counters CNC; Optical particle counters;

Electronic loads: Load sensors;

Endoscope maintenance units: Endovascular stent-graft testing instruments;

Extruders: Extruders;

Fatigue testers: Material fatigue and dynamics characterization devices; Cardiovascular prosthetic device testers; Servopneumatic axial test instruments;

Flame ionization analyzers: Flame ionization detectors FID;

Flexure or transverse testing machines: Spine simulators; Multi-axis kinematic knee simulators; Finger joint flexure testers;

Flow injection analysis equipment: Flow control devices;

Fluorescent microscopes: Fluorescence microscopes;

Fog or mist generators: Aerosol generators;

Force or torque sensors: Strain gauge conditioners;

Forced air or mechanical convection general purpose incubators: Incubators;

Freeze dryers or lyopholizers: Freeze dryers;

Frequency calibrator or simulator: Bio-signal simulators;

Gas chromatographs: Gas chromatographs GC;

Gas detectors: Toxic gas detectors;

Gas or vapour concentration measuring instruments: Gas flow control systems;

Gel documentation systems: Gel documentation systems; Protein gel electrophoresis;

Glass injection moldings: Glass micromolds;

Hardness testers: Hardness testing devices;

Hemacytometer sets: Molecular cytosensors;

HEPA filtered enclosures: Biosafety cabinets;

High pressure liquid chromatograph chromatography: High pressure liquid chromatographs HPLC;

Immunology or serology quality controls or calibrators or standards: Immuno-sensors;

Impact testers: Impact testers;

Inductively coupled plasma ICP spectrometers: Plasma excitation chambers;

Infrared spectrometers: Fourier transform infrared FTIR spectrometers;

Injection molding machines: Plastic injection molding machines;

Instrumentation for capillary electrophoresis: Capillary electrophoresis systems;

Ion chromatographs: Ion chromatographs;

Isolators: Isolators;

Laboratory vacuum pumps: Molecular vacuum pumps;

Laminar flow cabinets or stations: Laminar flow hoods;

Laser cutting machine: Laser ablation machines;

Liquid chromatographs: Fast protein liquid chromatographs FPLC; Refractive index detectors;

Lux or light meter: Digital luxmeters;

Magnetometers: Superconducting quantum interference devices SQUID;

Mass spectrometers: Quadrupole mass spectrometers; Ion trap mass spectrometers;

Medical computed tomography CT or CAT scanners or tubes: Optical coherence tomography OCT scanners; Optical tomographic imaging scanners;

Medical magnetic resonance imaging MRI scanners: Magnetic resonance imaging MRI systems; Functional magnetic resonance imaging fMRI scanners; 3T scanners; Biomagnetic imaging scanners; Ultra high speed magnetic resonance imaging MRI scanner machines;

Medical positron emission tomography PET units: Positron emission tomography PET scanners;

Medical radiation dosimeters: Medical radiation dosimeters; Radiation compliance testing devices;

Medical single photon emission computed tomography SPECT units: Single photon emission computed tomography SPECT scanners;

Medical ultrasound or doppler or echocardiograph probes: Ultrasound indention probes;

Medical ultrasound or doppler or echocardiograph transducer: Ultrasound transducers;

Medical ultrasound or doppler or pulse echocardiograph or echocardiograph units for general diagnostic use: Ultrasonic testing apparatus; Ultrasound imaging scanners;

Medical x ray units for general diagnostic use: X ray machines;

Microbiology analyzers: Flow cytometers;

Microbiology fermentation equipment: Microbial fermenters;

Microcontrollers: Microcontrollers; Basic stamp microcontrollers;

Microplate readers: Microplate readers; Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay ELISA plate readers;

Microplate washers: Microplate washers;

Microplates: Microplating equipment;

Microscopic structure estimation apparatus: Microfluidic networks;

Milling machines: Milling machines;

Modulators: Acousto-optic modulators;

Multimeters: Multimeters;

Neuromuscular stimulators or kits: Grass stimulators;

Notebook computers: Laptop computers;

Nuclear magnetic resonance NMR spectrometers: Nuclear magnetic resonance NMR spectroscopes;

Optical diffraction apparatus: Particle size classifiers; Low-pressure impactors;

Orbital shakers: Orbital shakers;

Organic carbon analyzers: Total organic carbon TOC analyzers;

Oscilloscopes: Oscilloscopes;

Oxygen sensors: Oxygen meters;

Personal computers: Personal computers;

pH electrodes: Electrode bevelers; Electrode pullers; Electroplating apparatus; Microelectrodes;

pH meters: pH meters;

Phase modulation circuit: Frequency shifters;

Photosynthesis measurement apparatus: Plant photosynthesis meters;

Physiological recorders: Opto-electronic electrogoniometers; Axial-torsional testing systems; Activity monitoring devices; Patient monitoring testing devices; Polygraph recorders; Torsiometers; Two-point discriminators;

Piezo electric crystals: Piezoelectric ceramic transducers; Piezoelectric sensors;

Plastic injection moldings: Micromolding lithography equipment;

Pneumatic actuators: Servopneumatic actuators;

Pressure indicators: Environmental conditions measurement devices; Footswitch sensors; Force platforms; Grip dynamometers; Insole sensors; Pinch gauges; Posturographic measurement systems;

Pressure sensors: Pressure sensors;

Proton spectrometers: Electrical particle detectors;

Pulse oximeter units: Pulse oximeters;

Q Meters: Quantum-based switching applications Q-switch electron waveguides;

Rapid amplification or complementary deoxyribonucleic acid ends RACE technology products: Real-time polymerase chain reaction PCR equipment; Polymerase chain reaction PCR equipment;

Reactors or fermenters or digesters: Enzymatic membrane reactors;

Refrigerated and heated reach in environmental or growth chambers: Environmental growth chambers;

Rheometers: Rheometers;

Robot machines: Biomimetic robots;

Robotic or automated liquid handling systems: Liquid handling robots;

Scanning electron microscopes: Multi-photon microscopes; Scanning electron microscopes SEM;

Scanning light or spinning disk or laser scanning microscopes: Confocal laser scanning microscopes;

Scanning probe microscopes: Scanning probe microscopes SPM;

Skinfold calipers: Skinfold calipers;

Sonometers: Digital sonomicrometers;

Spectrofluorimeters or fluorimeters: Fluorospectrometers; Spectrofluorimeters;

Spectrometers: Ultraviolet spectrometers;

Spectrophotometers: Optical particle detectors; Microplate spectrophotometers; Ultraviolet spectrophotometers;

Spirometers: Spirometers;

Steam autoclaves or sterilizers: Autoclaves;

Sterilization sets: Sterilization-in-place equipment;

Strain gauges: Strain gauges;

Sugar analyzers: Sugar analyzers;

Surface tension measuring instruments: Contact angle goniometers; Pulsating bubble surfactometers PBS;

Temperature cycling chambers or thermal cyclers: Thermal cyclers;

Tensiometers: Tensionmeters;

Tension testers: Prosthetic limb testers;

Thermocouples: Flash point detectors;

Thickness measuring devices: Anthropometers; Ellipsometers;

Tissue culture apparatus: Soft materials in-vitro simulation system;

Tissue culture coated plates or dishes or inserts: Polymer matrices; Polymer scaffolds;

Tissue culture incubators: Cell culture bioreactors; Bioreactors;

Titration equipment: Automatic titrators;

Transmission electron microscopes: Micromanipulation microrheology microscopes;

Treadmills: Physical conditioning treadmill exercisers;

Tweezers: Optical traps;

Ultra pure water systems: Ion exchange purification systems;

Viscosimeters: Cone-plate viscometers; Viscometers;

Wattmeters: Ultrasound wattmeters;

Wave generators: Arbitrary waveform generators;

Wear testers: Spinal disk implant wear testers;

X ray and fluoroscopy RF radiotherapy planning simulators: X ray lithography equipment;

X ray diffraction equipment: X ray diffractometers;


Technology

Analytical or scientific software: ANSYS simulation software; ApE A Plasmid Editor; AspenTech HYSYS; Biomechanical modeling software; Calculating optimum maintenance parameters COMPARE; Calibration software; Circuit simulation software; Common cause failure assessment software; Computational fluid dynamics CFD software; Computational modeling software; Criticality analysis software; Dyadem FMEA Pro-6; Electromechanical testing analysis software; Embedded systems testing software; Failure mode and effects analysis FMEA software; Failure rate data in perspective FARADIP software; Fault modeling software; Fault tree analysis FTA software; Finite element analysis FEA software; Finite element method FEM software; Force platform software; Force sensitive applications FSA software; Fourier transform infrared FTIR software; Functional modeling software; Hierarchical simulation program with integrated circuit emphasis HSPICE; Human modeling software; Image analysis software; Intelligen SuperPro Designer; Laboratory information management system LIMS; Maplesoft Maple; Materials testing software; MathWorks Simulink; Mean time between failures MBTF software; Minitab; Molecular simulation software; Motion analysis software; Neural network modeling software; Numerical analysis software; Polymath Software POLYMATH; Preventive maintenance software; Reliability centered maintenance RCM software; Root cause analysis software; SAS; SAS JMP; SNOINO RCM Pro; SNOINO Ttree; Simulation program with integrated circuit emphasis SPICE; Stochastic modeling software; Stratasys FDM MedModeler; Systems analysis programs for hands on integrated reliability evaluation software SAPHIRE; Technis BETAPLUS; Test automation software; The MathWorks MATLAB; Three-dimensional motion capture software; Wolfram Research Mathematica;

Charting software: Charting software;

Cloud-based management software: Splunk Enterprise;

Compliance software: Equipment compliance testing software;

Computer aided design CAD software: Electronic design automation EDA software; Dassault Systemes SolidWorks; Computer aided design CAD software; Cadence Allegro Design Entry Capture and Capture CIS; Cadence Encounter Test; Bioreactor Design; Autodesk AutoCAD; Mathsoft Mathcad; Mentor Graphics software; Schematic design entry software; Zuken electrical design software; PTC Creo Elements/Pro; PTC Pro/ENGINEER Wildfire; OrCAD Capture;

Computer aided manufacturing CAM software: Rapid prototyping software; Computer aided manufacturing CAM software;

Configuration management software: IBM Rational ClearCase;

Data base reporting software: SAP BusinessObjects Crystal Reports;

Data base user interface and query software: Oracle Database; Thomson Reuters EndNote; Structured query language SQL; Microsoft Access; Failure rate database software;

Development environment software: Advanced computer simulation language ACSL; Ada; C; Microsoft Azure software; IBM Rational ClearQuest; Hardware description language HDL; Integrated development environment IDE software; Software development tools; Verilog; National Instruments LabVIEW; Microsoft Visual Basic;

Electronic mail software: Microsoft Outlook;

Enterprise application integration software: Microsoft Teams; Rapid application development RAD software; Extensible markup language XML;

Enterprise resource planning ERP software: ERP software; Ab Initio; SAP software;

Expert system software: NeuroSolutions for MatLab;

Graphics or photo imaging software: Adobe Systems Adobe Illustrator; Adobe Systems Adobe Photoshop; ImageJ;

Medical software: Instrument control software; Instrument validation software; Gait analysis software; ADInstruments LabChart; Electromyograph analysis software; Medical imaging software; Medical information software; Virtual instrument software;

Object or component oriented development software: Python; R; Oracle Java; C++;

Office suite software: Microsoft Office software;

Operating system software: Microsoft operating system; Microsoft Windows; Red Hat Enterprise Linux; UNIX; Linux;

Pattern design software: Diagramming software;

Presentation software: Microsoft PowerPoint;

Process mapping and design software: Microsoft Visio; Lucidchart;

Program testing software: Defect tracking software; User interface design software; System testing software;

Project management software: Microsoft Project; Project estimation software;

Requirements analysis and system architecture software: Requirements management software; Unified modeling language UML; IBM Rational RequisitePro;

Spreadsheet software: Microsoft Excel;

Web platform development software: JavaScript; Hypertext markup language HTML; Hypertext preprocessor PHP;

Word processing software: Word processing software; Microsoft Word;


Related O*NET occupational titles for Bioengineers and Biomedical Engineers include:
  • 19-1021.00 Biochemists and Biophysicists
  • 19-1029.01 Bioinformatics Scientists
  • 15-2099.01 Bioinformatics Technicians
  • 17-2041.00 Chemical Engineers
  • 15-2051.00 Data Scientists
  • 17-3026.00 Industrial Engineering Technologists and Technicians
  • 49-9062.00 Medical Equipment Repairers
  • 19-1029.02 Molecular and Cellular Biologists
  • 17-2199.09 Nanosystems Engineers
  • 17-3026.01 Nanotechnology Engineering Technologists and Technicians


Sources of Additional Information
  • For information about education and career resources for bioengineering, biomedical engineering, and general engineering, visit: American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering
  • American Society for Engineering Education
  • Biomedical Engineering Society
  • IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society
  • Technology Student Association
  • For information about accredited engineering programs, visit: ABET
  • CareerOneStop

  • For a career video on biomedical engineers, visit: Biomedical Engineers
  • Bioengineers and Biomedical Engineers

  • Contact Texas Workforce Commission
    Labor Market and Career Information  |  101 E. 15th Street, Annex Room 0252  |  Austin, Texas 78778
    Official Website  |  1-800-822-PLAN (7526)  |  512.936.3200

    ** The information in this report may be derived from many sources like O*NET, BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics), OOH (Occupational Outlook Handbook), and Career One Stop.