by our College Data Analytics TeamIn the latest year, 6 U.S. colleges awarded 112 degrees and certificates in Biochemical Engineering. Bachelor’s degrees are the most popular award, at 59% of graduates. College Factual ranks 5 schools in its 2027 Best Biochemical Engineering Schools ranking and compares their cost in a Best Value ranking. Graduates earn a median $69,544 one year after completing, rising to $96,717 after four years.
Medicine is constantly making new breakthroughs that cure diseases and save lives. If you are a scientific minded student who would like to contribute to the world of medicine, consider a major in Biochemical Engineering.
Biochemical Engineers work closely with cells, enzymes, and antibodies to collect data, explore medical possibilities, and solve biological issues. You will take classes in biology, chemistry, biotechnology, chemical engineering, computer programming, mathematics, and physiology to acquire the skills to copy cells, generate human organs and tissues, and develop systems to test new vaccines. A degree in Biochemical Engineering opens you up to a wide variety of careers in a rewarding field.
Studying Biochemical Engineering involves the study of Biochemical Engineering.
Source: IPEDS 2025; College Scorecard July 2026; BLS; O*NET; College Factual rankings 2027. Data as of: July 2026.
Nationwide, biochemical engineering is a widely-pursued major, with 112 degrees awarded annually. 6 colleges award biochemical engineering degrees, an average of 19 graduates per school; the largest program awarded 33.
By level, the 112 awards include 66 bachelor’s degrees, 45 master’s degrees and 1 doctorates.
Women earned 54% of biochemical engineering degrees and certificates in the latest year (60 of 112). The largest groups of graduates by race and ethnicity are White (67) and Hispanic or Latino (11), and international students earned 12.
College Factual ranks 5 schools in its 2027 Best Biochemical Engineering Schools ranking, including 3 for bachelor’s degrees and 2 for master’s degrees. It also ranks biochemical engineering schools within 4 states. In all, 6 colleges offer biochemical engineering programs; compare them by degree level below or in the Best Value Biochemical Engineering Colleges ranking, which weighs quality against cost.
The most common biochemical engineering credential is the bachelor’s degree: 66 of the 112 awarded in the latest year. Jobs related to biochemical engineering call most for Reading Comprehension, Critical Thinking and Speaking, and for knowledge of Engineering and Technology, Mathematics and Design, according to O*NET. The most important abilities are Written Comprehension, Oral Expression and Oral Comprehension.
Those who are interested in Biochemical Engineering should have a strong background in science, especially biology and chemistry. You should have strong math skills for conducting experiments and developing systems to analyze your research. Analytical and problem solving skills are also important as they help biochemical engineers analyze medical or biological issues and develop plans to remedy them.
Biochemical engineering professionals often work a typical 40-hour workweek. However, professionals may have to work longer hours when working to complete a project or meet a deadline. Work environment varies depending on the occupation. Some professionals work in a hospital, while others are located in laboratories or offices.
Although Biochemical Engineers may work in the field with their bachelor's degree, those who wish to advance in the field or participate in research and development will have to get either a master's degree or Ph.D.
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How long a biochemical engineering degree takes:
| Degree | Typical Program Length | Graduates Annually |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor’s Degree | 4 years | 66 |
| Master’s Degree | 1-3 years | 45 |
| Doctorate | At least 4 years | 1 |
Bachelor’s degree is the most common level of education among workers in jobs related to biochemical engineering, at 33.3%.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| Bachelor’s degree | 33.3% |
| Doctoral degree | 28.8% |
| Master’s degree | 11.1% |
| Post-doctoral training | 7.6% |
| Post-master’s certificate | 7.3% |
| Post-baccalaureate certificate | 3.5% |
| Associate’s degree (or other 2-year) | 2.7% |
| Postsecondary certificate | 2.0% |
| Some college courses | 1.5% |
| First professional degree | 1.4% |
| High school diploma or equivalent | 0.6% |
| Less than a high school diploma | 0.2% |
Source: O*NET Online.
13 occupations are related to Biochemical Engineering, with an average median salary of $95,448; the strongest outlook belongs to Solar Energy Systems Engineers, at 14.5% projected job growth. Typical job titles include Engineer, Hydraulics Teacher, Engineering Fundamentals Instructor and Mechanical Engineering Teacher.
Biochemical Engineers work in a variety of locations. While a large portion of graduates work in the medical field either in hospitals or designing and develop medical equipment or supplies, other have gone into pharmaceuticals, scientific research, or work at colleges and universities.
The Biochemical Engineering field is growing at a very face rate, creating numerous job openings for recent graduates. As the generation ages, there is a higher demand for biomedical devices. The increased public awareness of medical advancements will also create a demand for more vaccines and cures, providing many job opportunities for those holding a degree in Biochemical Engineering.
The occupation related to biochemical engineering with the most projected jobs is Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary, at 1,297,204.
| Occupation | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary | 1,297,204 | -2.0% |
| Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers | 440,884 | 8.0% |
| Nanosystems Engineers | 358,781 | -2.9% |
| Wind Energy Engineers | 353,305 | 12.7% |
| Engineers, All Other | 292,948 | -4.3% |
| Solar Energy Systems Engineers | 266,797 | 14.5% |
| Energy Engineers, Except Wind and Solar | 227,778 | 6.7% |
| Chemical Engineers | 215,233 | 0.7% |
Biochemical Engineering graduates earn a median $69,544 one year after completing their program, $96,717 after four years and $99,194 after five years, according to the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard.
| Years Out | Median Earnings |
|---|---|
| 1 year | $69,544 |
| 4 years | $96,717 |
| 5 years | $99,194 |
Source: College Scorecard.
The highest-paying occupation related to biochemical engineering is Engineers, All Other, with a median salary of $136,628.
| Occupation | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Engineers, All Other | $136,628 |
| Chemical Engineers | $130,903 |
| Solar Energy Systems Engineers | $116,775 |
| Mechatronics Engineers | $115,569 |
| Microsystems Engineers | $104,558 |
| Architectural and Engineering Managers | $101,277 |
| Wind Energy Engineers | $98,460 |
| Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers | $89,263 |
Biochemical Engineering includes 1 concentration; by graduates, the largest is Biochemical Engineering (112). It has 40 similar majors in the Engineering field, which together award 202,923 degrees a year; the largest are Mechanical Engineering (43,874), Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering (27,513) and Computer Engineering (21,335). Browse all Engineering majors or the full list of college majors.
| Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Biochemical Engineering | 112 |
| Related Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Mechanical Engineering | 43,874 |
| Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering | 27,513 |
| Computer Engineering | 21,335 |
| Civil Engineering | 19,856 |
| Engineering, General | 14,789 |
| Biomedical/Medical Engineering | 14,592 |
| Chemical Engineering | 10,559 |
| Aerospace, Aeronautical, and Astronautical/Space Engineering | 10,170 |
| Industrial Engineering | 8,023 |
| Systems Engineering | 4,489 |
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