Aerospace Engineer vs Biomedical Engineer: Which Pays More?
Side-by-side salary comparison by city, experience level, and career growth outlook. Data reflects current market rates.
Aerospace Engineer
Design and develop aircraft, spacecraft, and related systems.
Biomedical Engineer
Develop medical devices and equipment by applying engineering to biology.
Aerospace Engineer earns more on average — the national median is $28,000/year (30%) higher than a Biomedical Engineer. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Aerospace Engineer vs Biomedical Engineer — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Aerospace Engineer | Biomedical Engineer | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $174,621 | $137,256 | Aerospace +$37,365 |
| New York, NY | $141,522 | $112,624 | Aerospace +$28,898 |
| Seattle, WA | $173,451 | $130,677 | Aerospace +$42,774 |
| Austin, TX | $131,599 | $103,866 | Aerospace +$27,733 |
| Chicago, IL | $128,078 | $101,330 | Aerospace +$26,748 |
| Boston, MA | $152,910 | $121,837 | Aerospace +$31,073 |
| London, UK | £95,528 | £70,602 | Aerospace +$24,926 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$160,782 | CA$120,420 | Aerospace +$40,362 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Aerospace Engineer or Biomedical Engineer earn more?+
A Aerospace Engineer earns more on average. The national median salary for a Aerospace Engineer is $120,000/year, compared to $92,000/year for a Biomedical Engineer — a difference of $28,000 (30%).
Which has better career growth — Aerospace Engineer or Biomedical Engineer?+
Aerospace Engineer roles are growing at 6% YoY while Biomedical Engineer demand is growing at 6% YoY. Biomedical Engineer has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Aerospace Engineer to Biomedical Engineer?+
Yes. Many professionals transition between these roles, especially since both are in the same category. Shared skills include: MATLAB.
Which is harder to automate — Aerospace Engineer or Biomedical Engineer?+
Aerospace Engineer has a lower AI automation risk (30% vs 32%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.