Bioengineers, also known as Biomedical Engineers, combine principles of biology and engineering to develop solutions that improve patient healthcare. They design biomedical equipment, devices, computer systems, and software used in healthcare.
Education: Bachelor's degree
Years in related career: None
On-the-job training: None
Projected Growth: 5.1% (above average)
Annual job openings: 1 300
Direct AI exposure: 26% of tasks
Potential AI exposure: 82% of tasks
| Income data is from Employment and Social Development Canada's 2025 wage tables. The closest match for this career in Canada’s occupational classification system is Chemical Engineers. According to the wage tables, average income is $108K per year. | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bottom 10% | Bottom 25% | Median (average) | Top 25% | Top 10% |
| $57K per year | $78K per year | $108K per year | $133K per year | $160K per year |
| Compared to other careers: Median is $43K above the national average. | ||||
Bioengineers work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, research laboratories, manufacturing, universities, and corporate offices. Their work environment may vary from conducting research in labs to designing and testing equipment in manufacturing settings. Collaboration with healthcare professionals, researchers, and engineers is typical.
Bioengineers apply engineering principles to solve health and medical-related problems. They play a crucial role in advancing medical technology, from designing sophisticated medical devices to creating innovative procedures and materials for patient care. Their work involves a great deal of research and development, requiring them to stay current with technological advancements and medical discoveries.
The field of bioengineering is interdisciplinary, blending knowledge from mechanical and electrical engineering, materials science, biology, and medicine. Bioengineers must have a strong foundation in both engineering and biological sciences. They are often involved in the entire process of medical device development, including ideation, design, testing, and implementation.
Communication and problem-solving skills are essential in this field, as bioengineers work closely with doctors, patients, and other engineers to develop technologies that address complex medical issues. They must also navigate the ethical and regulatory aspects of healthcare technology to ensure patient safety and compliance with standards.
A bachelor's degree in bioengineering or biomedical engineering is typically required, which involves about 4 years of post-secondary education. Some bioengineers pursue a master's degree or PhD for advanced positions, especially in research or academia.
Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.