Career comparison
Biomedical Engineer vs. Electrical Engineer
Side-by-side pay, training, growth and day-to-day duties to help you choose between two related careers.
Electrical engineers earn more at the median ($120,630 vs. $109,370), while biomedical engineers usually get to work faster (4-year engineering degree of training). Biomedical engineers design medical devices, implants and technology that improve patient care. Electrical engineers design power systems, electronics and controls that run modern life.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
| Biomedical Engineer | Electrical Engineer | |
|---|---|---|
| Median pay | $109,370 ($52.58/hr) | $120,630 ($58.00/hr) |
| Pay range (10th–90th) | $71,850 – $168,180 | $76,550 – $184,300 |
| Job growth, 2025–35 | +7.6% (much faster than average) | +9.9% (much faster than average) |
| Openings per year | 1,200 | 11,400 |
| Typical entry education | Bachelor's degree | Bachelor's degree |
| Training time | 4-year engineering degree | 4 years |
| Key credential | RAC | Engineer in Training (EIT) |
| Work setting | Biomedical engineers work in labs, offices, hospitals and manufacturing.. | Electrical engineers work in offices, labs, plants and at project sites.. |
What each job does
Biomedical Engineer
- Design medical devices
- Test prototypes
- Analyze data
- Work with clinicians
- Document for FDA
Electrical Engineer
- Design electrical systems
- Develop circuits and electronics
- Calculate loads and specify equipment
- Create schematics and drawings
- Test and troubleshoot systems
How they’re similar
Both careers involve high-pay, in-demand, problem-solving, and teamwork. Both are part of the science, engineering & lab field, so many skills transfer between them.
Which should you choose?
Choose biomedical engineer if…
- I like biology and engineering
- I want to help patients
- I like testing
Choose electrical engineer if…
- I love electricity and electronics
- I enjoy math and physics
- I want high pay
Still torn? Take the Biomedical Engineer fit quiz and the Electrical Engineer fit quiz, or the full Career Match Quiz.
Quick comparisons
Which pays more, biomedical engineer or electrical engineer?
Electrical Engineers earn more at the median: $120,630 versus $109,370 for biomedical engineers, based on BLS May 2025 data.
Which takes less time to train for?
Biomedical Engineers typically train faster (4-year engineering degree) than electrical engineers (4 years).
Which career has better job growth?
BLS projects electrical engineers to grow +9.9% from 2025–35, compared with +7.6% for biomedical engineers.