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Bioengineer, Bioprocess Engineer, Biotechnologist, Clinical Engineer, Engineer, Medical Engineer, Professional Engineer
In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.
The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used.
Here is how this occupation has been classified over time.
2006 NOC
2006 NOC-S
2011 NOC
2016 NOC
2021 NOC
Biomedical engineers work with scientists, researchers, and medical staff (including doctors, veterinarians, nurses, pharmacists, and therapists) on the engineering aspects of biological and medical systems.
Duties and responsibilities vary. In general, biomedical engineers:
Biomedical engineers may focus their work in 1 field, or in a combination of the following fields:
Biomedical engineers work in offices, labs, workshops, plants, clinics, and hospitals. Local travel may be needed, depending on where medical equipment is located.
Most biomedical engineers work standard weekday hours. Longer hours may be needed to meet deadlines, to work with patients at times that suit them or to work on equipment that is in use during daytime hours.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2006 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Interest in synthesizing information to plan and conduct research concerning life systems, and to develop diagnostic instrumentation, equipment, procedures and devices to assist people with disabilities
Interest in precision working to modify and install medical equipment
Interest in consulting to advise hospital administrators on the planning, acquisition and use of medical equipment; in supervising the installation of equipment, and in overseeing the activities of biomedical technologists and technicians
To identify or change your interest codes, complete the Interests Exercise in CAREERinsite.
The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation.
It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective, and Social.
Each set of 3 interest codes for this NOC group is listed in order of importance.
A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.
A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.
To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Exercise in CAREERinsite.
A Quick Guide
You are born with abilities that help you process certain types of information and turn it into action. These abilities influence which skills you can learn more easily.
The abilities or aptitudes shown for this NOC group come from the General Aptitude Test Battery (GATB). The GATB measures 9 aptitudes. It groups them into 3 categories: mental, visual, and physical.
The abilities scores range from 1 to 5, with 5 being stronger.
Biomedical engineers need to possess:
They should enjoy:
Entry-level positions in industry at medical device and pharmaceutical companies, and clinical engineering positions in hospitals generally require a bachelor’s degree in engineering with a major in biomedical engineering. A bachelor’s degree in chemical, civil, geomatics, software, electrical, or mechanical engineering with a specialty in biomedical engineering may also be acceptable. A working understanding of life sciences, medical terms, anatomy, and physiology is required.
Many biomedical engineering graduates pursue medicine, dentistry, or graduate degrees in other fields. Generally, employers prefer a graduate degree for research and development positions.
Both the University of Alberta and the University of Calgary offer graduate programs in biomedical engineering. Many faculty members in other departments also perform biomedical engineering research, including those in the kinesiology, science, medicine, nursing, and veterinary medicine departments.
Graduate students come from varied backgrounds, including traditional engineering, kinesiology, physics, chemistry, biology, medicine, and computer science. The University of Calgary also offers a specialization in biomedical engineering for undergraduate students in the traditional engineering program. These students complete internships lasting 4 to 16 months after their third year.
The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.
To expand or narrow your search for programs related to this occupation, visit Post-Secondary Programs.
Completing a program does not guarantee entrance into an occupation. Before enrolling in an education program, prospective students should look into various sources for education options and employment possibilities. For example, contact associations and employers in this field.
Certain professional titles or duties within this occupation are protected by provincial legislation. Requirements vary if you use these titles or perform these duties.
The related legislation is shown below. If there are multiple related legislations, select a certification heading to learn about each one.
Professional engineers design, construct, evaluate, advise, monitor, and report on the performance of materials, equipment, systems, works, processes, and structures.
Under Alberta’s Engineering and Geoscience Professions Act [pdf] and Engineering and Geoscience Professions General Regulation [pdf], you must register as a member of the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Alberta (APEGA) to practice as a Professional Engineer or engage in the practice of engineering.
You do not have to register if you work under the direct supervision of a professional engineer and do not call yourself a Professional Engineer or use the word “engineer” in your job title.
For information on what you need and other details, visit the certification profile Engineer.
Source: 2019-2023 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Biomedical engineers work for:
Biomedical engineers often work in multidisciplinary environments. As a result, they may acquire knowledge and skills that allow them to move into related science, engineering, sales, marketing, or management roles.
This section shows the industries where the majority of people in this occupation work. The data is based on the 2016 Census.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
In the 2148: Other professional engineers, n.e.c. occupational group, 81.9% of people work in:
Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
In Alberta, the 2148: Other professional engineers, n.e.c. occupational group is expected to have a below-average annual growth of 1.6% from 2019 to 2023. In addition to job openings created by employment turnover, 39 new positions are forecasted to be created within this occupational group each year.
Note
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For example, only some of the new positions to be created will be for this occupation. It also applies to other data for the NOC group such as number of people employed.
Source: 2019-2023 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Unless otherwise noted, the data shown here is for all industries and all regions in Alberta.
All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production), and other forms of compensation.
To see the full survey data for this NOC group, visit the wage profile.
Other wage sources
To make an informed wage and salary decision, research other wage sources [pdf] to supplement this data.
Good Reliability, represents a CV of between 6.01% and 15.00% and/or fewer than 30 survey observations and/or if survey observations represent less than 50% of all estimated employment for the occupation.
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | $25.96 | $76.92 | $40.44 | $39.28 |
| Overall | $28.85 | $82.16 | $53.02 | $57.96 |
| Top | $38.46 | $96.94 | $65.94 | $63.46 |
Swipe left and right to view all data. Scroll left and right to view all data.
* All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production) and other forms of compensation.
Pay brackets for hourly wages
| ALL INDUSTRIES | $106,458 |
|---|---|
| Health Care & Social Assistance | $108,449 |
| Public Administration | $117,134 |
American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering website: aimbe.org
Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Alberta (APEGA) website: www.apega.ca
BioAlberta website: www.bioalberta.com
Biomedical Engineering Society website: www.bmes.org
Canadian Medical and Biological Engineering Society website: www.cmbes.ca
Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.
Updated Mar 31, 2018. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.
