Electrical 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.
Electrical Engineer
Design electrical systems, equipment, and components.
Biomedical Engineer
Develop medical devices and equipment by applying engineering to biology.
Electrical Engineer earns more on average — the national median is $8,000/year (9%) higher than a Biomedical Engineer. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Electrical Engineer vs Biomedical Engineer — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Electrical Engineer | Biomedical Engineer | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $145,418 | $137,256 | Electrical +$8,162 |
| New York, NY | $117,643 | $112,624 | Electrical +$5,019 |
| Seattle, WA | $144,060 | $130,677 | Electrical +$13,383 |
| Austin, TX | $108,995 | $103,866 | Electrical +$5,129 |
| Chicago, IL | $105,085 | $101,330 | Electrical +$3,755 |
| Boston, MA | $131,277 | $121,837 | Electrical +$9,440 |
| London, UK | £77,293 | £70,602 | Electrical +$6,691 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$130,314 | CA$120,420 | Electrical +$9,894 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Electrical Engineer or Biomedical Engineer earn more?+
A Electrical Engineer earns more on average. The national median salary for a Electrical Engineer is $100,000/year, compared to $92,000/year for a Biomedical Engineer — a difference of $8,000 (9%).
Which has better career growth — Electrical Engineer or Biomedical Engineer?+
Electrical Engineer roles are growing at 7% YoY while Biomedical Engineer demand is growing at 6% YoY. Electrical Engineer has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Electrical 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 — Electrical Engineer or Biomedical Engineer?+
Biomedical Engineer has a lower AI automation risk (32% vs 35%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.