Bioengineers and biomedical engineers
SOC Code: 17-2031
Bioengineers and biomedical engineers carries a 36% AI exposure score (Medium automation risk), with a median annual wage of $106,950 and +5.2% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 22,200 workers. Full task breakdown, skills, and employer data are below.
Proportion of tasks susceptible to AI automation (O*NET analysis)
AI Exposure vs Industry Growth
Total occupations tracked
832
Covering all SOC major groups
Data currency
2024
BLS Employment Projections
AI exposure avg
40%
Fleet-wide median across all roles
Composite score weighing O*NET task data completeness, BLS projection methodology, and cross-validation with employer risk grades.
Employment Projections
Occupation Insight
Bioengineers and biomedical engineers (SOC 17-2031) carries an AI exposure score of 36%, placing it in the Medium automation-risk tier. This score is computed from O*NET Database 30.0 task-level analysis, where each task an occupation performs is evaluated against current generative AI, robotic process automation, and machine-learning capabilities. A score below 40% reflects tasks anchored in physical dexterity, unstructured environments, or high-touch human interaction that current AI cannot reliably replicate.
The economic context matters alongside the risk score. BLS counted approximately 22,200 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a +5.2% change through 2034 — modest growth that keeps the occupation viable even as tasks evolve. Median annual compensation stands at $106,950, reflecting both skill scarcity and the value employers place on the tasks that remain difficult to automate. Entry typically requires Bachelor's degree, plus None of related experience.
For career planners, this profile should be read alongside the task, skill, and knowledge breakdowns below and the list of employers whose workforce composition includes Bioengineers and biomedical engineers. Adjacent occupations shown further down offer lateral moves that preserve industry knowledge while potentially reducing exposure. Pair the AI exposure score with the BLS employment projection and wage percentiles above for a complete career assessment.
Education & Entry Requirements
Top Tasks (O*NET)
- 1. Evaluate the safety, efficiency, and effectiveness of biomedical equipment.
- 2. Prepare technical reports, data summary documents, or research articles for scientific publication, regulatory submissions, or patent applications.
- 3. Design or develop medical diagnostic or clinical instrumentation, equipment, or procedures, using the principles of engineering and biobehavioral sciences.
- 4. Conduct research, along with life scientists, chemists, and medical scientists, on the engineering aspects of the biological systems of humans and animals.
- 5. Adapt or design computer hardware or software for medical science uses.
- 6. Maintain databases of experiment characteristics or results.
- 7. Develop statistical models or simulations, using statistical or modeling software.
- 8. Read current scientific or trade literature to stay abreast of scientific, industrial, or technological advances.
- 9. Manage teams of engineers by creating schedules, tracking inventory, creating or using budgets, or overseeing contract obligations or deadlines.
- 10. Develop models or computer simulations of human biobehavioral systems to obtain data for measuring or controlling life processes.
Key Skills Required
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Writing
- Speaking
- Mathematics
- Science
- Critical Thinking
- Complex Problem Solving
- Judgment and Decision Making
- Active Learning
Knowledge Areas
- Engineering and Technology
- Computers and Electronics
- Mathematics
- Design
- Physics
- Biology
- English Language
- Medicine and Dentistry
- Education and Training
- Chemistry
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Bioengineers and biomedical engineers?
Bioengineers and biomedical engineers has an AI exposure score of 36%, indicating a medium level of automation risk. The majority of tasks in this role require human judgment, creativity, or physical presence that AI cannot easily replicate.
What is the job outlook for Bioengineers and biomedical engineers?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Bioengineers and biomedical engineers is projected to grow by 5.2% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 22,200 workers.
What skills are needed for Bioengineers and biomedical engineers?
Key skills for Bioengineers and biomedical engineers include Reading Comprehension, Active Listening, Writing, and others. Typical entry-level education is Bachelor's degree.
How much do Bioengineers and biomedical engineers earn?
The median annual wage for Bioengineers and biomedical engineers is $106,950, according to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Actual earnings vary by location, experience, industry, and employer. The BLS publishes detailed wage percentiles by region in its Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program.
What education is required for Bioengineers and biomedical engineers?
The typical entry-level education for Bioengineers and biomedical engineers is Bachelor's degree. Employers generally expect None of related work experience. On-the-job training typically involves None. Requirements can vary by employer and specialization.
Which companies employ Bioengineers and biomedical engineers?
Bioengineers and biomedical engineers roles exist across many industries and employers. Workforce composition is estimated from BLS industry-occupation employment distributions matched to SEC-registered public companies.
AI Exposure Rating
Medium automation risk based on 10 analyzed tasks. Most tasks require human judgment and are resistant to automation.
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Data sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2024–2034 and O*NET Database 30.0. Employment figures are rounded. Wage data from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics (OES).