General
Biological Engineering
Data derived specifically from PUMS raw data for Biological Engineering.
Entry Level Salary
$56,275
Median Salary
$108,048
Unemployment Rate
2.3%
Avg: 2.2%
Underemployment Rate
23.9%
Working non-college jobs
Earnings Trajectory
Lifetime: $4,321,920
Entry (Early)
$56,275
Median (Prime)
$108,048
High (Prime)
$99,960
ROI Sensitivity AnalysisAssuming 4 Years to Graduation
This analysis tests three "What-If" scenarios. While most students start at the Entry Level, calculating ROI using Median and High salaries helps illustrate the potential long-term payoff for top performers relative to the degree cost.
Lifetime Value Added (NPV)
Entry Level
Median
High
$0 Cost
+49k
+470k
+405k
$25k / yr
-41k
+380k
+315k
$50k / yr
-131k
+290k
+225k
Break-even Age
Entry Level
Median
High
$0 Cost
38
25
25
$25k / yr
Never
28
29
$50k / yr
Never
32
34
Return on Investment %
Entry Level
Median
High
$0 Cost
∞
∞
∞
$25k / yr
-38%
350%
290%
$50k / yr
-60%
133%
103%
Sensitivity Analysis Methodology: These grids assume you begin your career earning the salary specified in the column header (Entry Level = conservative baseline, Median/High = potential upside).
Important Note: Your ROI with any major will depend on the cost you pay to attend the program, and your starting salary. Both vary significantly across institutions. We encourage you to explore the ROI of a specific program variant by selecting the Program title of the credential level you are interested in. You will then have a more detailed return analysis for programs at specific institutions. We also encourage you to use the ROI calculator, or for more sophisticated analysis, the Guided ROI Interview, with your specific estimates of cost and salary.
Education Impact
Advanced Degree Rate44.9%
Analysis: A large percentage of students in this field pursue Master's or Doctoral degrees to maximize earnings.
Top Professions
Engineers, All Other
5.4% of graduates map to this role
Stable
Entry Salary
$67,681
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$99,000|N/A
openings
N/A /yr
Growth (10yr): N/A
Postsecondary teachers
4.4% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$29,497
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$53,461|$81,600
openings
136,400 /yr
Growth (10yr): +5.9%
Physicians
4.3% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$56,275
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$208,250|N/A
openings
22,300 /yr
Growth (10yr): +2.8%
Management occupations
4.0% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$78,094
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$148,899|$122,090
openings
1,147,900 /yr
Growth (10yr): +6.1%
Civil engineers
3.8% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$77,660
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$89,548|$99,590
openings
23,600 /yr
Growth (10yr): +5%
Physical scientists, all other
3.8% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$70,000
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$83,772|$117,960
openings
2,000 /yr
Growth (10yr): +0.6%
Software developers
3.0% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$99,044
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$135,363|$133,080
openings
115,200 /yr
Growth (10yr): +15.8%
Mechanical engineers
1.8% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$35,867
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$111,425|$102,320
openings
18,100 /yr
Growth (10yr): +9.1%
Industrial engineers, including health and safety
1.8% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$63,000
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$90,000|$101,490
openings
26,800 /yr
Growth (10yr): +10.6%
Top executives
1.7% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$33,320
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$253,238|$104,990
openings
333,100 /yr
Growth (10yr): +4.4%
About this Data:
- Entry: Median salary for graduates aged 27 and under (PUMS).
- Median (PUMS | BLS): Comparison of this major's graduates vs. the national market average for the role.
- Growth & Openings: 10-year national projections (2024–2034).
Program Variants & Earnings Ranges
Summary of specific program titles and credential levels mapped to this major, showing the range of earnings across different colleges.
Completers Only: Federal median earnings data strictly reflects outcomes for students who successfully graduated. Students who do not complete their degree typically earn significantly less and face higher risks of debt default.
| Program Title | Credential Level | # Colleges | Median Earnings Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| biological/biosystems engineering. | Bachelor's Degree | 13 | $74,411 - $111,677 |
| biological/biosystems engineering. | Master's Degree | 7 | Data N/A |