Bioengineers and Biomedical Engineers

Architecture and Engineering Occupations
O*NET-SOC code
17-2031.00

Apply knowledge of engineering, biology, chemistry, computer science, and biomechanical principles to the design, development, and evaluation of biological, agricultural, and health systems and products, such as artificial organs, prostheses, instrumentation, medical information systems, and health management and care delivery systems.

  • Data source: BLSPublished: 2026-08

    Very high· relative

    LowFour relative bandsVery high

    Group-level value

    Scale, basis and source

    Four relative bands (Low / Moderate / High / Very high)

    831 detailed occupations in the BLS Employment Projections table. Assigned per National Employment Matrix (NEM) code, so occupations sharing a NEM code carry the same band

    Source dataset (XLSX download)

  • Data source: AnthropicPublished: 2026-03

    0.133

    0.000Range of values carried here0.745
    Scale, basis and source

    Observed exposure index, 0–1 as published

    Mapped onto O*NET tasks

    Published per SOC 2018 occupation; every O*NET occupation with the same SOC 2018 code carries this value

    Source dataset (CSV download)

  • Data source: ILOPublished: 2025

    0.30

    0.09Range of values carried here0.70

    Group-level value

    Scale, basis and source

    Generative AI exposure index, 0–1 as published

    Published per ISCO-08 unit group. Linked to this occupation, wholly or in part, by applying U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics crosswalks (ISCO-08 to 2010 SOC, 2010 SOC to 2018 SOC) as published

    Source dataset (PDF download)

What kind of figure this source publishes

The BLS category is a relative rank, not an absolute level, and it is not a first-hand measurement: it groups an occupation's percentile ranks across several published studies into four bands. It is not an employment or wage forecast, not a probability of adoption, and it does not separate automation from augmentation.

Task-level exposure

Exposed tasks only

30 rated tasks · 29 tasks with β ≥ 0.5 (96.7%)

β = direct exposure (E1) + 0.5 × exposure when tools are available (E2), per the source repository's definition.

  • Source unit: O*NET 27.2 tasks → O*NET 31.0 occupation code
  • All rated tasks are in the O*NET 31.0 task list.
Source
OpenAI "GPTs are GPTs" exposure rubric
Release
gh-main-0471612
License
MIT License, Copyright (c) 2024 OpenAI

Tasks of O*NET-SOC 2010 occupations 17-2031.00 Biomedical Engineers; 17-2199.01 Biochemical Engineers, linked to this occupation by the O*NET-SOC 2010 to 2019 crosswalk

Task (O*NET 20.1)Claude.aiRaw / share %APIRaw / share %
Prepare technical reports, data summary documents, or research articles for scientific publication, regulatory submissions, or patent applications.

17-2199.01

0.047338.60.027470.4
Teach biomedical engineering or disseminate knowledge about the field through writing or consulting.

17-2031.00

0.032126.20.00194.9
Read current scientific or trade literature to stay abreast of scientific, industrial, or technological advances.

17-2199.01

0.018114.80.00389.8
Conduct research, along with life scientists, chemists, and medical scientists, on the engineering aspects of the biological systems of humans and animals.

17-2031.00

0.00816.60.004210.9
Develop statistical models or simulations of biochemical production, using statistical or modeling software.

17-2199.01

0.00564.6—0
Modify or control biological systems to replace, augment, or sustain chemical or mechanical processes.

17-2199.01

0.00332.70.00164.1
Develop models or computer simulations of human biobehavioral systems to obtain data for measuring or controlling life processes.

17-2031.00

0.00272.2—0
Consult with chemists or biologists to develop or evaluate novel technologies.

17-2199.01

0.00272.2—0
Develop methodologies for transferring procedures or biological processes from laboratories to commercial-scale manufacturing production.

17-2199.01

0.00252.0—0
Not observed on any surface — 45 task(s) — These tasks have no row in the source for this release. The 0 in the share row is a display-stage composition ratio; absence is what the — in the raw row states.
Evaluate the safety, efficiency, and effectiveness of biomedical equipment.
—0—0
Advise and assist in the application of instrumentation in clinical environments.
—0—0
Research new materials to be used for products, such as implanted artificial organs.
—0—0
Design and develop medical diagnostic and clinical instrumentation, equipment, and procedures, using the principles of engineering and biobehavioral sciences.
—0—0
Design and deliver technology to assist people with disabilities.
—0—0
Diagnose and interpret bioelectric data, using signal processing techniques.
—0—0
Adapt or design computer hardware or software for medical science uses.
—0—0
Write documents describing protocols, policies, standards for use, maintenance, and repair of medical equipment.
—0—0
Manage teams of engineers by creating schedules, tracking inventory, creating and using budgets, and overseeing contract obligations and deadlines.
—0—0
Advise hospital administrators on the planning, acquisition, and use of medical equipment.
—0—0
Analyze new medical procedures to forecast likely outcomes.
—0—0
Develop new applications for energy sources, such as using nuclear power for biomedical implants.
—0—0
Install, adjust, maintain, repair, or provide technical support for biomedical equipment.
—0—0
Keep documentation of service histories on all biomedical equipment.
—0—0
Conduct training or in-services to educate clinicians and other personnel on proper use of equipment.
—0—0
Conduct preventative maintenance on equipment.
—0—0
Maintain databases of experiment characteristics or results.
—0—0
Lead studies to examine or recommend changes in process sequences or operation protocols.
—0—0
Direct experimental or developmental activities at contracted laboratories.
—0—0
Collaborate with manufacturing or quality assurance staff to prepare product specification or safety sheets, standard operating procedures, user manuals, or qualification and validation reports.
—0—0
Devise scalable recovery, purification, or fermentation processes for producing proteins or other biological substances for human or animal therapeutic use, food production or processing, biofuels, or effluent treatment.
—0—0
Design or direct bench or pilot production experiments to determine the scale of production methods that optimize product yield and minimize production costs.
—0—0
Design or conduct studies to determine optimal conditions for cell growth, protein production, or protein or virus expression or recovery, using chromatography, separation, or filtration equipment, such as centrifuges or bioreactors.
—0—0
Design or conduct follow-up experimentation, based on generated data, to meet established process objectives.
—0—0
Develop biocatalytic processes to convert biomass to fuels or fine chemicals, using enzymes of bacteria, yeast, or other microorganisms.
—0—0
Confer with research and biomanufacturing personnel to ensure the compatibility of design and production.
—0—0
Develop recovery processes to separate or purify products from fermentation broths or slurries.
—0—0
Advise manufacturing staff regarding problems with fermentation, filtration, or other bioproduction processes.
—0—0
Recommend biochemical process formulas, instrumentation, or equipment specifications, based on results of bench or pilot experimentation.
—0—0
Communicate with bioregulatory authorities regarding licensing or compliance responsibilities.
—0—0
Communicate with suppliers regarding the design or specifications of bioproduction equipment, instrumentation, or materials.
—0—0
Design processes to manufacture synthetic molecules for applications such as pharmaceuticals or pesticides.
—0—0
Develop bioremediation processes to reduce pollution, protect the environment, or treat waste products.
—0—0
Prepare project plans for biochemical equipment or facility improvements, including time lines, budgetary estimates, or capital spending requests.
—0—0
Develop alternative processes to produce crude oil, such as extraction from diatoms or thermochemical conversion of manure or other wastes.
—0—0
Participate in equipment or process validation activities.
—0—0
Collaborate in the development or delivery of biochemical manufacturing training materials.
—0—0
Prepare piping or instrumentation diagrams or other schematics for proposed process improvements, using computer-aided design software.
—0—0
Review existing manufacturing processes to identify opportunities for yield improvement or reduced process variation.
—0—0
Develop experiments to determine production methods that minimize pollution or waste.
—0—0
Review existing biomanufacturing processes to ensure compliance with environmental regulations.
—0—0
Develop toxicological or environmental testing processes to measure chemical toxicity or environmental impact.
—0—0
Develop processes or products, such as natural recovery monitoring, in situ capping or treatment, or sediment removal, to treat contamination of subaqueous sediment.
—0—0
Create simulations or models to predict the impact of environmental factors, such as pollutants, climate change, or environmental remediation efforts.
—0—0
Design products to measure or monitor airborne pollutants, such as carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, ozone, or particulate matter.
—0—0

Data sources & licenses — O*NET®, Anthropic Economic Index, Eloundou et al. (2023): see full notices on the Credits page

All O*NET 31.0 task statements (30)

All O*NET 31.0 task statements for this occupation (English, as published; task type core or supplemental). Exposure values are not listed here; they are in the table above, next to each task statement as worded in the O*NET version each source used.

Task (O*NET 31.0)Type
Evaluate the safety, efficiency, and effectiveness of biomedical equipment.Core
Advise hospital administrators on the planning, acquisition, and use of medical equipment.Core
Research new materials to be used for products, such as implanted artificial organs.Core
Develop models or computer simulations of human biobehavioral systems to obtain data for measuring or controlling life processes.Core
Conduct research, along with life scientists, chemists, and medical scientists, on the engineering aspects of the biological systems of humans and animals.Core
Adapt or design computer hardware or software for medical science uses.Core
Conduct training or in-services to educate clinicians and other personnel on proper use of equipment.Core
Write documents describing protocols, policies, standards for use, maintenance, and repair of medical equipment.Core
Collaborate with manufacturing or quality assurance staff to prepare product specification or safety sheets, standard operating procedures, user manuals, or qualification and validation reports.Core
Communicate with bioregulatory authorities regarding licensing or compliance responsibilities.Core
Communicate with suppliers regarding the design or specifications of bioproduction equipment, instrumentation, or materials.Core
Confer with research and biomanufacturing personnel to ensure the compatibility of design and production.Core
Consult with chemists or biologists to develop or evaluate novel technologies.Core
Design or conduct follow-up experimentation, based on generated data, to meet established process objectives.Core
Design or develop medical diagnostic or clinical instrumentation, equipment, or procedures, using the principles of engineering and biobehavioral sciences.Core
Develop methodologies for transferring procedures or biological processes from laboratories to commercial-scale manufacturing production.Core
Develop statistical models or simulations, using statistical or modeling software.Core
Maintain databases of experiment characteristics or results.Core
Manage teams of engineers by creating schedules, tracking inventory, creating or using budgets, or overseeing contract obligations or deadlines.Core
Prepare project plans for equipment or facility improvements, including time lines, budgetary estimates, or capital spending requests.Core
Prepare technical reports, data summary documents, or research articles for scientific publication, regulatory submissions, or patent applications.Core
Read current scientific or trade literature to stay abreast of scientific, industrial, or technological advances.Core
Recommend process formulas, instrumentation, or equipment specifications, based on results of bench or pilot experimentation.Core
Analyze new medical procedures to forecast likely outcomes.Supplemental
Advise manufacturing staff regarding problems with fermentation, filtration, or other bioproduction processes.Supplemental
Design and deliver technology, such as prosthetic devices, to assist people with disabilities.Supplemental
Design or direct bench or pilot production experiments to determine the scale of production methods that optimize product yield and minimize production costs.Supplemental
Develop bioremediation processes to reduce pollution, protect the environment, or treat waste products.Supplemental
Lead studies to examine or recommend changes in process sequences or operation protocols.Supplemental
Review existing manufacturing processes to identify opportunities for yield improvement or reduced process variation.Supplemental

Occupation information

Employment outlook (BLS)

Employment, 2025
24K
Projected employment, 2035
26K
Change (2025–35)
+7.6%
Median annual wage, 2025
$109,370
Typical education needed for entry
Bachelor's degree
lowest $30,890median wage across 825 detailed occupations, BLS EP 2025–35highest $559,030

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections 2025–35 — Employment by detailed occupation, 2025 and projected 2035

Korea classification links (KSCO)

Links from the current release of the Korea Occupation Direct Crosswalk v1.1, made by AI Changing Work. Relation values are read from the O*NET-SOC occupation side.

KSCO codeKSCO titleRelationStatus
23433전자 의료기기 개발 기술자 및 연구원Overlapping, not the sameconfirmed
24652보조공학사Related, not a matchconfirmed

Relation and status definitions(kr-direct v1.1)

ILO occupational description

AI Changing Work links the ISCO-08 unit groups below to this occupation by applying the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics crosswalks (2018 SOC to 2010 SOC, 2010 SOC to ISCO-08) as published, without case-by-case selection; each link may be whole or partial.

  • ISCO-08 2149Engineering Professionals Not Elsewhere Classified

The definition, tasks and examples below are the ILO's description of that unit group, not of this occupation.

This unit group covers engineering professionals not classified elsewhere in Minor Group 214: Engineering Professionals (excluding Electrotechnology) or in Minor Group 215: Electrotechnology Engineers. For instance, the group includes those who conduct research and advise on or develop engineering procedures and solutions concerning workplace safety, biomedical engineering, optics, materials, nuclear power generation and explosives.

Tasks

  • In such cases tasks would include -
  • (a) applying knowledge of engineering to the design, development and evaluation of biological and health systems and products such as artificial organs, prostheses and instrumentation;
  • (b) designing devices used in various medical procedures and imaging systems such as magnetic resonance imaging, and devices for automating insulin injections or controlling body functions;
  • (c) designing components of optical instruments such as lenses, microscopes, telescopes, lasers, optical disc systems and other equipment that utilize the properties of light;
  • (d) designing, testing, and coordinating the development of explosive ordnance material to meet military procurement specifications;
  • (e) designing and overseeing construction and operation of nuclear reactors and power plants and nuclear fuels reprocessing and reclamation systems;
  • (f) designing and developing nuclear equipment such as reactor cores, radiation shielding and associated instrumentation and control mechanisms;
  • (g) assessing damage and providing calculations for marine salvage operations;
  • (h) studying and advising on engineering aspects of particular manufacturing processes, such as those related to glass, ceramics, textiles, leather products, wood and printing;
  • (i) identifying potential hazards and introducing safety procedures and devices.

Example occupations

Biomedical engineer · Explosive ordnance engineer · Marine salvage engineer · Materials engineer · Nuclear power generation engineer · Optical engineer · Quantity surveyor · Safety engineer

Sources: ILO ISCO-08 — details: Credits

ESCO occupational vocabulary

Each entry below is matched to this occupation in the published ESCO-O*NET Crosswalk (version 1, 2022). The match types are that crosswalk's; the wording is AI Changing Work's.

  • bioengineerESCO 2149.4Same scope

    Bioengineers combine state of the art findings in the field of biology with engineering logics in order to develop solutions aimed at improving the well-being of society. They can develop improvement systems for natural resource conservation, agriculture, food production, genetic modification, and economic use.

  • biomedical engineerESCO 2149.4.1This occupation is broader

    Biomedical engineers combine knowledge of engineering principles and biological findings for the development of medical treatments, medicaments, and general healthcare purposes. They can develop solutions ranging from the improvement of the components in conventional medicaments up to implants developments, and tissue treatment.

Source: European Commission, DG EMPL — ESCO API 2026-08-08 (bridge v1.2.1)

License: CC BY 4.0 (EU Reuse Notice)

View original

ESCO reuse terms and the modification notice are in Credits.

France classification links (ROME)

AI Changing Work's links between this occupation and ROME 4.0 job profiles, judged with AI models. Relations are read from this occupation's side. Links marked “provisional” were adopted on the judgments of two judges from the same model family (Claude) alone, or by an operator rule applied to their judgments, so they rest on weaker evidence than confirmed links.

ROME codeROME title (French)Relation
H1206Ingénieur / Ingénieure R&D en industrieThis occupation is narrowerprovisional
I1327Technicien / Technicienne de maintenance en matériel biomédicalRelated, not a matchprovisional

Source: France Travail — Répertoire Opérationnel des Métiers et des Emplois (ROME 4.0), version 61, last updated 15 June 2026 (https://www.data.gouv.fr/datasets/repertoire-operationnel-des-metiers-et-des-emplois-rome). Licence Ouverte 2.0.

ROME codes and titles are reproduced unchanged; the links to O*NET-SOC occupations are AI Changing Work's own judgment and are not a France Travail correspondence.

(AI Changing Work link release: fr-direct v1)

Spain classification links (CNO-11)

AI Changing Work's links between this occupation and CNO-11 occupations, judged with AI models. Relations are read from this occupation's side.

CNO-11 codeCNO-11 title (Spanish)Relation
2439Ingenieros no clasificados bajo otros epígrafesThis occupation is narrower
2469Ingenieros técnicos no clasificados bajo otros epígrafesRelated, not a match

Source: Instituto Nacional de Estadística (INE), National Classification of Occupations 2011 (CNO-11, Royal Decree 1591/2010) — www.ine.es · Licensed CC BY 4.0. CNO-11 codes and Spanish titles are reproduced unchanged; the links to O*NET occupations are AI Changing Work's own judgment and are not an INE correspondence.

(AI Changing Work link release: es-direct v1)

Germany classification links (KldB)

AI Changing Work's links between this occupation and KldB occupations, judged with AI models. Relations are read from this occupation's side.

KldB codeKldB title (German)Relation
82504Berufe in der Medizintechnik (ohne Spezialisierung) - hoch komplexe TätigkeitenThis occupation is broader
82514Berufe in der Orthopädie- und Rehatechnik - hoch komplexe TätigkeitenThis occupation is broaderprovisional
41214Berufe im biologisch-technischen Laboratorium - hoch komplexe TätigkeitenRelated, not a match
81224Medizinisch-technische Berufe in der Funktionsdiagnostik - hoch komplexe TätigkeitenRelated, not a matchprovisional
82534Berufe in der Hörgeräteakustik - hoch komplexe TätigkeitenRelated, not a matchprovisional

Source: © Statistik der Bundesagentur für Arbeit — Klassifikation der Berufe 2010 – überarbeitete Fassung 2020, https://statistik.arbeitsagentur.de. KldB codes and titles are reproduced unchanged; the links to O*NET occupations are AI Changing Work's own mapping (eigene Zuordnung) and are not a Bundesagentur für Arbeit correspondence.

(AI Changing Work link release: de-direct v1)

Japan classification links (JSCO)

AI Changing Work's links between this occupation and JSCO occupations, judged with AI models. Relations are read from this occupation's side.

JSCO codeJSCO title (Japanese)Relation
051自然科学系研究者Related, not a match
079その他の製造技術者(開発)Related, not a match

Source: Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC), Japan Standard Occupational Classification (Dec. 2009, MIC Notification No. 555). JSCO codes and Japanese titles are reproduced unchanged; the links to O*NET occupations are AI Changing Work's own judgment and are not a MIC correspondence.

(AI Changing Work link release: jp-direct v1)

Sources, licenses and AI Changing Work's modification and translation notices for this page: Credits & sources