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Average Bioengineers and Biomedical Engineers Salary in California

Bioengineers and Biomedical Engineers in California command an impressive average annual salary of $127,610, notably exceeding the national average of $115,990. This premium is largely driven by the state's robust biotechnology sector, high demand for specialized engineering talent, and the concentration of leading research institutions and medical technology companies.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $127,610 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 19.6% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $173,630.
  • Outlook: California's bioengineering job market demonstrates a healthy demand, evidenced by a local workforce of 2,900 professionals. The Location Quotient of 1.13 suggests a slightly higher concentration of these roles compared to the national average, indicating a stable and potentially growing employment landscape for bioengineers within the state.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$127,610

The average Bioengineers and Biomedical Engineers in California earns+10.0%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$61.4

Weekly

$2,454

Monthly

$10,634

Bioengineers and Biomedical Engineers Salary Distribution in California

Salary progression for Bioengineers and Biomedical Engineers in California is strongly tied to experience. Entry-level positions typically start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills and a proven track record can command significantly higher salaries, often reaching the upper percentiles. The widening gap between entry-level and senior roles reflects substantial career growth and increased responsibility.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase.10% (Entry)$83,990$40.4
Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently.25% (Junior)$95,708$46
Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring.50% (Median)$125,700$60.4
Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact.75% (Senior)$159,513$76.7
Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation.90% (Expert)$173,630$83.5

Detailed Bioengineers and Biomedical Engineers Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$127,610

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$92,137

Adjusted for COL (138.5)

While the nominal salary of $127,610 in California is attractive, it's crucial to consider the state's Cost of Living Index of 138.5. This means that everyday expenses are approximately 38.5% higher than the national average. Therefore, the actual purchasing power of a bioengineer's salary in California is somewhat diminished compared to states with a lower cost of living, requiring careful financial planning.

Job Market Context

2,900

Total Jobs

0.161

Per 1K Jobs

1.13

Location Quotient

Above Average

With a location quotient of 1.13, California has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Bioengineers and Biomedical Engineers roles compared to the national norm.

With a Location Quotient of 1.13, California shows a slightly higher concentration of Bioengineers and Biomedical Engineers than the national average. This suggests a competitive yet accessible job market, where opportunities are relatively abundant compared to the overall workforce, but professionals may face competition from a skilled pool of candidates.

Nearby Job Markets

Hiring Bioengineers and Biomedical Engineerss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Bioengineers and Biomedical Engineers make in California?

The median annual salary for a Bioengineers and Biomedical Engineers in California is $127,610. This typically ranges from $83,990 for entry-level positions to $173,630 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in California is 10.0% higher than the national median of $115,990.

Is California a lucrative place for Bioengineers and Biomedical Engineerss?

Yes, California is a lucrative state for Bioengineers and Biomedical Engineers.The average salary of $127,610 significantly surpasses the national average, and the state's robust industry supports this higher compensation despite a higher cost of living.

Is California a good place to live for Bioengineers and Biomedical Engineers?

The Cost of Living Index in California is 138.5. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

How does California's average bioengineer salary compare to the national average?

California bioengineers earn an average of $127,610 annually, which is $11,620 more than the national average of $115,990.

What is the cost of living in California relative to the national average?

California's cost of living is considerably higher than the national average, with an index of 138.5, meaning expenses are about 38.5% more costly.

How concentrated is the bioengineering job market in California?

California has a slightly higher concentration of bioengineers than the national average, indicated by a Location Quotient of 1.13.

What is the total number of bioengineers employed in California?

There are approximately 2,900 Bioengineers and Biomedical Engineers employed in California.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 2,900 employees in the California area with a job density of 0.161 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.