by our College Data Analytics TeamMedicine is constantly making new breakthroughs that cure diseases and save lives. If you are a scientific minded student who would like to contribute to the world of medicine, consider a major in Biochemical Engineering.
Biochemical Engineers work closely with cells, enzymes, and antibodies to collect data, explore medical possibilities, and solve biological issues. You will take classes in biology, chemistry, biotechnology, chemical engineering, computer programming, mathematics, and physiology to acquire the skills to copy cells, generate human organs and tissues, and develop systems to test new vaccines. A degree in Biochemical Engineering opens you up to a wide variety of careers in a rewarding field.
Studying Biochemical Engineering involves the study of Biochemical Engineering. Read on to learn the key facts every biochemical engineering major should know — including career paths, salary data, the skills you will develop, and the best colleges offering biochemical engineering programs.
Nationwide, biochemical engineering is a widely-pursued major, with 126 degrees awarded annually.
Our 2026 Best Biochemical Engineering Schools ranking analyzes these 6 schools to determine the best overall colleges for biochemical engineering students. Continue reading to check out one of our many unbiased rankings of biochemical engineering programs later in this article.
Coursework for Biochemical Engineering build a specific mix of skills, knowledge, and abilities — derived from O*NET surveys of workers in the occupations biochemical engineering graduates commonly enter.
Those who are interested in Biochemical Engineering should have a strong background in science, especially biology and chemistry. You should have strong math skills for conducting experiments and developing systems to analyze your research. Analytical and problem solving skills are also important as they help biochemical engineers analyze medical or biological issues and develop plans to remedy them.
Biochemical engineering professionals often work a typical 40-hour workweek. However, professionals may have to work longer hours when working to complete a project or meet a deadline. Work environment varies depending on the occupation. Some professionals work in a hospital, while others are located in laboratories or offices.
Although Biochemical Engineers may work in the field with their bachelor's degree, those who wish to advance in the field or participate in research and development will have to get either a master's degree or Ph.D.
The skill set developed in a biochemical engineering program reflects the day-to-day work of related occupations:
Per O*NET surveys, a biochemical engineering major emphasizes the following knowledge areas:
There are several biochemical engineering degree levels. The table below shows the typical length of the most common levels, and how many graduates earn each one.
| Degree | Typical Program Length | Graduates Annually |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor’s Degree | 4 years | 89 |
| Master’s Degree | 1-3 years | 34 |
| Doctorate | At least 4 years | 3 |
People currently working in careers related to biochemical engineering tend to have obtained the following education levels.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| Bachelor’s degree | 33.3% |
| Doctoral degree | 28.8% |
| Master’s degree | 11.1% |
| Post-doctoral training | 7.6% |
| Post-master’s certificate | 7.3% |
| Post-baccalaureate certificate | 3.5% |
| Associate’s degree (or other 2-year) | 2.7% |
| Postsecondary certificate | 2.0% |
| Some college courses | 1.5% |
| First professional degree | 1.4% |
| High school diploma or equivalent | 0.6% |
| Less than a high school diploma | 0.2% |
See the chart below to get an idea of what level of education most of those in biochemical engineering careers hold.
Source: ONET Online education / training / experience requirements.*
Biochemical Engineers work in a variety of locations. While a large portion of graduates work in the medical field either in hospitals or designing and develop medical equipment or supplies, other have gone into pharmaceuticals, scientific research, or work at colleges and universities.
The Biochemical Engineering field is growing at a very face rate, creating numerous job openings for recent graduates. As the generation ages, there is a higher demand for biomedical devices. The increased public awareness of medical advancements will also create a demand for more vaccines and cures, providing many job opportunities for those holding a degree in Biochemical Engineering.
Majoring in biochemical engineering opens doors to many career paths. Here are some of the most common occupations related to biochemical engineering.
The following options are some of the most in-demand careers related to biochemical engineering.
| Occupation | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary | 1,297,204 | -2.0% |
| Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers | 440,884 | 8.0% |
| Nanosystems Engineers | 358,781 | -2.9% |
| Wind Energy Engineers | 353,305 | 12.7% |
| Engineers, All Other | 292,948 | -4.3% |
| Solar Energy Systems Engineers | 266,797 | 14.5% |
| Energy Engineers, Except Wind and Solar | 227,778 | 6.7% |
| Chemical Engineers | 215,233 | 0.7% |
Federal data tracks median earnings of biochemical engineering graduates 1, 4, and 5 years after completion. Earnings tend to climb as graduates gain experience.
| Years Out | Median Earnings |
|---|---|
| 1 year | $69,544 |
| 4 years | $83,236 |
| 5 years | $99,194 |
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, field-of-study earnings tracker.
Salaries for biochemical engineering graduates vary widely by occupation. The following table shows the top highest-paying careers biochemical engineering grads often go into.
| Occupation | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Engineers, All Other | $136,628 |
| Chemical Engineers | $130,903 |
| Solar Energy Systems Engineers | $116,775 |
| Mechatronics Engineers | $115,569 |
| Microsystems Engineers | $104,558 |
| Architectural and Engineering Managers | $101,277 |
| Wind Energy Engineers | $98,460 |
| Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers | $89,263 |
With 6 different biochemical engineering programs to choose from, finding the best fit can be a challenge. We have analyzed these schools to produce unbiased biochemical engineering school rankings to help you.
Students interested in biochemical engineering, you may also want to explore other closely related fields of study within the same broad area.
| Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Biochemical Engineering | 126 |
| Related Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Mechanical Engineering | 42,939 |
| Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering | 26,760 |
| Civil Engineering | 20,005 |
| Computer Engineering | 19,986 |
| Biomedical/Medical Engineering | 13,914 |
| Engineering, General | 13,411 |
| Chemical Engineering | 10,939 |
| Aerospace, Aeronautical, and Astronautical/Space Engineering | 9,596 |
| Industrial Engineering | 8,533 |
| Systems Engineering | 3,956 |
More about our data sources and methodologies.
