STEM Specialization

Biochemical Engineering

Biochemical Engineering graduates earn $94,996 four years out. Related careers are growing at up to 8.1%, one of the stronger demand signals across all fields. Engineering Teachers is among the highest-growth roles in the field.

About Biochemical Engineering

Biochemical Engineering is a focused area of study within Engineering. Graduates typically earn around $94,996 four years out, a strong return for a focused credential. The program is available at 9 colleges across the U.S., from community colleges to research universities. About 141 students complete this program each year, most earning a bachelor's. Coursework leans technical and quantitative, with lab or project work common.


Median Earnings · 1yr
$68,934
Median Earnings · 4yr
$94,996
Colleges Offering
9
Graduates / Year
141
Avg Net Price / yr
$19,845

How Much Do Biochemical Engineering Graduates Earn?

Biochemical Engineering graduates earn $94,996 four years out, well above average for college graduates. The middle 50% of earners fall between $76,068 and $111,128. Earnings typically jump significantly in the first few years. The one-year figure of $68,934 climbs to $94,996 by year four.

$68,934
1 Year After Graduation

Earnings grow steadily as you advance past entry-level roles. The four-year figure is a better long-term target.

$94,996
4-Year National Median

Well above average for college graduates.

$100,606
4-Year Institutional Median

Median of per-school medians. Each reporting college counts equally, regardless of size.


Earnings Range

There is a wide earnings spread across Biochemical Engineering graduates. Sector is the biggest factor. Tech companies and finance firms tend to pay significantly more than government, education, or nonprofit employers in this field.


Why This Program Pays Off Fast

Strong ROI. At median 4-year earnings of $94,996 against an estimated $79,380 four-year net cost, most graduates break even against baseline wages in under two years.

Based on outcomes from 4 schools. Colleges with fewer than 30 graduates are excluded from national averages.

Who Studies This? Credential Breakdown

Of the 141 students who complete Biochemical Engineering programs each year, the majority (73%) earn a bachelor's degree. The breakdown below shows the full credential distribution.

Bachelor's 73%
Master's 25%
Post-Bacc Cert. 2%

What Can You Do With a Biochemical Engineering Degree?

Biochemical Engineering connects to 3 occupations in the job market. Architectural & Engineering Manager leads at $171,270/yr median. Expand any card to see daily responsibilities, in-demand skills, and 10-year growth projections.

↗ +3.8% Zone 5: Extensive preparation
$171,270
$139K $213K 25th–75th pct.
Bachelor's degree 14,500 openings/yr 220K employed nationally
Reading Comprehension Complex Problem Solving Active Listening Writing Speaking
Day-to-day responsibilities

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as architecture and engineering or research and development in these fields.

  • Manage the coordination and overall integration of technical activities in architecture or engineering projects.
  • Direct, review, or approve project design changes.
  • Consult or negotiate with clients to prepare project specifications.
↗ +2.6% Zone 4: Considerable preparation
$125,040
$98K $157K 25th–75th pct.
Bachelor's degree 1,100 openings/yr 21K employed nationally
Critical Thinking Science Complex Problem Solving Reading Comprehension Judgment and Decision Making
Day-to-day responsibilities

Design chemical plant equipment and devise processes for manufacturing chemicals and products, such as gasoline, synthetic rubber, plastics, detergents, cement, paper, and pulp, by applying principles and technology of chemistry, physics, and engineering.

  • Develop safety procedures to be employed by workers operating equipment or working in close proximity to ongoing chemical reactions.
  • Troubleshoot problems with chemical manufacturing processes.
  • Monitor and analyze data from processes and experiments.
↗ +8.1% Zone 5: Extensive preparation
$109,270
$82K $151K 25th–75th pct.
Doctoral or professional degree 4,100 openings/yr 40K employed nationally
Instructing Learning Strategies Speaking Reading Comprehension Active Listening
Day-to-day responsibilities

Teach courses pertaining to the application of physical laws and principles of engineering for the development of machines, materials, instruments, processes, and services. Includes teachers of subjects such as chemical, civil, electrical, industrial, mechanical, mineral, and petroleum engineering. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

  • Conduct research in a particular field of knowledge and publish findings in professional journals, books, or electronic media.
  • Prepare course materials, such as syllabi, homework assignments, and handouts.
  • Evaluate and grade students' class work, laboratory work, assignments, and papers.

Top Colleges for Biochemical Engineering

Only 7 colleges had enough verified data to appear here. Sorted by Biochemical Engineering graduate volume, not selectivity.

# College Graduates Acceptance Net Price/yr Earnings 10yr
1 University of Colorado Boulder Boulder, CO · Public 62 78.1% $25,346 $69,738
2 University of Georgia Athens, GA · Public 25 37.7% $13,936 $68,726
3 Villanova University Villanova, PA · Nonprofit 18 27% $43,756 $100,423
4 University of California-Davis Davis, CA · Public 15 41.8% $14,741 $80,838
5 University of California-Berkeley Berkeley, CA · Public 14 11% $13,481 $92,446
6 University of Delaware Newark, DE · Public 5 70.6% $17,799 $72,950
7 Christian Brothers University Memphis, TN · Nonprofit 2 86.7% $9,854 $57,478

Ranked by Biochemical Engineering graduate volume. Scroll right to compare key stats. Read our methodology →

Plan Your Path

Decide with data, not guesswork. These tools turn the numbers on this page into a personal plan. Estimate the real cost of a Biochemical Engineering program, compare colleges side-by-side, weigh the long-term payoff, and find schools that match your profile.

Biochemical Engineering Degree: Pros & Cons

Strong earnings and positive career growth make Biochemical Engineering a solid option. The 4 strengths and 2 trade-offs below are data-sourced from College Scorecard, BLS, and IPEDS.

PROS
  • Strong median salary Graduates earn $94,996 nationally four years out, placing this field above most degree programs in the country.
  • Strong salary growth Median earnings climb from $68,934 at graduation to $94,996 four years later, a clear sign of career momentum in this field.
  • Fast-growing field Related careers are projected to grow up to +8.1% over the next decade, with Engineering Teachers among the fastest-growing roles.
  • Strong hiring volume Related occupations generate more than 19,700 job openings per year combined, creating consistent demand for graduates.
CONS
  • Advanced degree often expected Top roles in this field typically expect a master's degree or higher. A bachelor's may be a starting point rather than a terminal credential for the most competitive positions.
  • Limited program availability Only 9 colleges offer this program nationally, which may limit geographic flexibility when choosing a school.

Biochemical Engineering Degree: Frequently Asked Questions

How much do Biochemical Engineering graduates earn?
Biochemical Engineering graduates earn a national median of $94,996 four years after completing their program. The middle 50% of earners fall between $76,068 and $111,128. Where you land typically depends on employer, role, and location.
What is the starting salary for a Biochemical Engineering degree?
One year after graduation, Biochemical Engineering degree holders earn a median of $68,934. That climbs to $94,996 four years out. The biggest salary jumps typically come once you move past entry-level roles.
What jobs can you get with a Biochemical Engineering degree?
Biochemical Engineering degree holders pursue careers including Architectural & Engineering Manager, which pays a median of $171,270/yr. Scroll down to the Career Paths section to see wages and job growth projections for every related occupation.
How long does a Biochemical Engineering program take?
A Biochemical Engineering bachelor's degree typically takes four years of full-time study. Community colleges offer associate programs in two years for students who want a faster path into the workforce.
How many colleges offer Biochemical Engineering?
9 colleges and universities in the United States offer Biochemical Engineering programs. Options range from community colleges with certificates and associate degrees to research universities with doctoral tracks.
Is a Biochemical Engineering degree worth it?
With a median 4-year salary of $94,996 and an average net price of roughly $19,845/yr, a Biochemical Engineering degree can pay off well, especially at lower-cost schools and in high-demand roles. Use the Top Colleges section below to compare specific programs before deciding.
What is the difference between Biochemical Engineering and Engineering?
Biochemical Engineering is a focused concentration within the broader Engineering field. The Engineering major covers the full discipline; this program narrows the curriculum to Biochemical Engineering-specific courses, skills, and career tracks. If you already know this is the direction you want, the specialized program gives you a more targeted credential.
What skills do employers look for in Biochemical Engineering graduates?
Employers hiring Biochemical Engineering graduates consistently prioritize analytical thinking, technical proficiency, and data interpretation. Employers typically prioritize candidates who can demonstrate hands-on project or internship experience alongside their coursework.
Is graduate school worth it for Biochemical Engineering graduates?
In STEM fields, a master's degree can accelerate advancement into research, leadership, or senior engineering roles and often adds $15,000 to $40,000 in long-term earning potential, depending on specialization. The right answer depends on your career goals, program cost, and whether your target role explicitly rewards an advanced credential.
What is the job outlook for Biochemical Engineering graduates?
The job outlook for Biochemical Engineering graduates is moderate overall. Related occupations project an average of +4.8% job growth over the next 10 years. Engineering Teachers is among the strongest-growth roles at +8.1%. Growth varies by role and location, so check the Career Paths section for projections on each specific occupation.

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