Biomedical Engineer Salary in California
Based on 3K+ workers in California
Median Annual Salary (CA)
$128,310
$61.69/hr
vs National Average
$103,480
+24.0% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$89K – $180K
3K employed in California
Biomedical Engineer salary in California averages $128,310 annually, positioning the state as a lucrative market for professionals in this field. With approximately 2,750 biomedical engineers employed statewide, California offers 24% higher compensation compared to the national average, reflecting strong demand for specialized medical technology expertise.
Several factors influence biomedical engineer compensation across California. Experience level, educational credentials, and specialized certifications significantly impact earning potential. Additionally, proximity to major medical device hubs, employer type (hospitals, device manufacturers, or research institutions), and company size play important roles in determining salary. Geographic location within California and current industry trends also contribute to wage variations.
Salary Distribution — Biomedical Engineer in California
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $89,420 |
| 25th percentile | $105,950 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $128,310 |
| 75th percentile | $153,670 |
| 90th percentile | $179,810 |
Top-Paying Industries for Biomedical Engineer (U.S.)
Which industries pay Biomedical Engineers the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Biomedical Engineers in California tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $128,950 | 1K |
| Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $124,320 | 7K |
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $122,570 | 730 |
| Manufacturing | $116,100 | 7K |
| Wholesale Trade | $109,340 | — |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Biomedical Engineer in California vs National
| Year | Median Salary (California) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $110,390 |
| 2023 | $108,950 |
| 2024 | $125,700 |
| 2025 | $128,310 |
| 2026 (projected) | $130,974 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | California Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $110,390 | $92,098 |
| 2023 | $108,950 | $98,161 |
| 2024 | $125,700 | $105,162 |
| 2025 | $128,310 | $103,480 |
| 2026 (projected) | $130,974 | $105,629 |
Biomedical Engineer Salary by Experience Level in California
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $105,950 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $128,310 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $153,670 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $179,810 |
Biomedical Engineer Salary in Other States
Related Biomedical Engineer Salaries in California
How other high-demand occupations in California compare to Biomedical Engineer ($128,310 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Biomedical Engineer | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engineering Manager in CA | $210,280 | +63.9% | $101.10/hr |
| Nuclear Engineer in CA | $172,400 | +34.4% | $82.88/hr |
| Aerospace Engineer in CA | $157,620 | +22.8% | $75.78/hr |
| Electrical Engineer in CA | $144,040 | +12.3% | $69.25/hr |
| Petroleum Engineer in CA | $143,590 | +11.9% | $69.03/hr |
| Mechanical Engineer in CA | $130,900 | +2.0% | $62.93/hr |
| Environmental Engineer in CA | $130,410 | +1.6% | $62.70/hr |
| Materials Engineer in CA | $128,470 | +0.1% | $61.76/hr |
| Industrial Engineer in CA | $124,600 | -2.9% | $59.90/hr |
| Civil Engineer in CA | $122,500 | -4.5% | $58.89/hr |
| Marine Engineer in CA | $110,700 | -13.7% | $53.22/hr |
| Computer Systems Analyst in CA | $127,720 | -0.5% | $61.40/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do biomedical engineers make in California?
- The median salary for biomedical engineers in California is $128,310 per year, or $62 per hour. This is significantly higher than the national average, representing a 24.0% increase compared to biomedical engineers working elsewhere in the United States.
What is the salary range for biomedical engineers in California?
- Biomedical engineers in California earn between $89,420 and $179,810 annually, depending on experience, specialization, and employer. This wide range reflects the diversity of roles and career stages within the biomedical engineering field across the state.
Is California's biomedical engineer salary above the national average?
- Yes, California's median biomedical engineer salary of $128,310 is 24.0% higher than the national average. This premium reflects California's high cost of living and concentration of biomedical companies and research institutions.
How many biomedical engineers work in California?
- There are approximately 2,750 biomedical engineers employed in California. This represents a significant concentration of the field's professionals in the state.