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Biomedical Engineers

Life, Physical & Social Sciencesmediumaugment
Projected change (est.): ~+5%
Median Wage (est.): ~$100,000
Employment (est.): ~20K

Overall Exposure

42+14

2025 vs 2023

Theoretical Exposure

62

What AI could do

Observed Exposure

27

What AI actually does

Automation Risk Score

33

Displacement risk

3-Year Outlook (2025 → 2028)

Projected changes in AI automation metrics over the next 3 years based on estimated data.

Overall Exposure

42→60
+18

2025 → 2028 (estimated)

Theoretical Exposure

62→80
+18

2025 → 2028 (estimated)

Observed Exposure

27→44
+17

2025 → 2028 (estimated)

Automation Risk

33→49
+16

2025 → 2028 (estimated)

Exposure Metrics (2023 - 2028)

Task Breakdown

Analyze biomedical data and research literature
62%β 1
Design and prototype medical devices
30%β 0.5
Simulate and model biological systems
55%β 1
Ensure regulatory compliance for medical products
40%β 0.5

About This Occupation

If you work as a Biomedical Engineers, AI is reshaping your profession. With an automation risk of 33/100 and overall exposure at 42%, this role faces medium transformation. The highest-impact area is analyze biomedical data and research literature at 62% automation. This is classified as an 'augment' role. BLS projects +5% growth through 2034. AI is accelerating drug discovery and device design, but the interdisciplinary creativity and regulatory expertise required make full automation unlikely.

ISCO-08 classification

Unit group 2149ILO official

Engineering Professionals Not Elsewhere Classified

Definition

ILO original text (English)

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.

Definition & vocabulary source

Source: International Labour Organization (ILO) — ISCO-08 Structure

License: ILO CC BY 4.0

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Official occupational information

  • ONET17-2031.00

    Bioengineers and Biomedical Engineers

    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.

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  • ONET17-2131.00

    Materials Engineers

    Evaluate materials and develop machinery and processes to manufacture materials for use in products that must meet specialized design and performance specifications. Develop new uses for known materials. Includes those engineers working with composite materials or specializing in one type of material, such as graphite, metal and metal alloys, ceramics and glass, plastics and polymers, and naturally occurring materials. Includes metallurgists and metallurgical engineers, ceramic engineers, and welding engineers.

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  • ONET17-2161.00

    Nuclear Engineers

    Conduct research on nuclear engineering projects or apply principles and theory of nuclear science to problems concerned with release, control, and use of nuclear energy and nuclear waste disposal.

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  • ONET17-2199.00

    Engineers, All Other

    All engineers not listed separately.

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  • ONET17-2199.08

    Robotics Engineers

    Research, design, develop, or test robotic applications.

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Source: O*NET 30.2, U.S. DOL/ETA

License: CC BY 4.0

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Frequently Asked Questions

With an automation risk score of 33%, Biomedical Engineers has a low risk of AI replacement. Most tasks in this role require skills that are difficult for AI to replicate, such as complex decision-making, physical dexterity, or deep interpersonal interaction. AI is more likely to serve as a supportive tool.

Our estimated AI automation risk score for Biomedical Engineers is 33% for 2025. Estimated overall AI exposure is 42%, with 62% theoretical exposure and 27% observed exposure. The estimated risk trend from 2023 to 2025 is +13 points. All of these are model-generated estimates, not measurements.

The tasks with the highest automation potential for Biomedical Engineers are: Analyze biomedical data and research literature (62%), Simulate and model biological systems (55%), Ensure regulatory compliance for medical products (40%). These rates are our own estimates of how much of each task current AI systems can handle. They are not measurements and are not taken from any external dataset.

We estimate a +5% employment change for Biomedical Engineers between 2024 and 2034. This is our own estimate, not a figure published by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Combined with an estimated overall AI exposure of 42%, this occupation faces both traditional labor market shifts and AI-driven transformation. Workers should monitor both employment trends and AI capability growth.

Since AI primarily augments capabilities in this role, professionals in Biomedical Engineers should embrace AI as a productivity multiplier. Focus on learning to use AI tools effectively, developing higher-order analytical and creative skills, and positioning yourself as someone who can leverage AI to deliver greater value.

Recent AI Impact Changes

Mar 2026: Published evergreen blog post analyzing AI impact on biomedical engineering: 42% exposure, 33% risk, regulatory compliance and lab work stay human.

[Source: AI Changing Work Blog]