Biomechanics: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Biomechanics is an interdisciplinary field that investigates the mechanical principles underlying the structure, function, and movement of living organisms. It integrates biological systems with engineering and physical sciences to analyze how forces affect tissues, organs, and whole-body motion. This program equips students with the analytical and technical skills needed to solve complex problems in health, performance, and rehabilitation.
- Anatomy: The study of the structural organization of the human body, focusing on bones, muscles, joints, and connective tissues as mechanical components.
- Physiology: Explores the functional processes of biological systems, particularly how muscles, nerves, and organs operate under mechanical stress and dynamic conditions.
- Kinesiology: The science of human movement, emphasizing the mechanics of motion, neuromuscular control, and biomechanical performance in daily activities and athletic contexts.
- Mechanics: Applies principles of classical physics—such as statics, dynamics, and material behavior—to model and predict the forces and motions within biological systems.
- Measurement and Instrumentation: Involves the use of advanced tools and sensors—including motion capture systems, force plates, and electromyography—to collect and analyze real-world biomechanical data.
- Research Methods: Develops critical skills in experimental design, data analysis, statistical evaluation, and scientific communication to support evidence-based inquiry in biomechanics.
Biomechanics Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Biomechanics Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Biomechanics degrees, including Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary, Biochemists and Biophysicists and Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 473,790 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary 25-1071 | $105,620 | $51,760 - $239,200 | 229,720 | N/A |
| Biochemists and Biophysicists 19-1021 | $103,650 | $64,890 - $168,900 | 34,520 | $49.83 |
| Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists 19-1042 | $100,590 | $61,860 - $168,210 | 156,300 | $48.36 |
| Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary 25-1042 | $83,460 | $50,760 - $169,560 | 53,250 | N/A |
Biomechanics Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $62,175 in Hawaii to $122,710 in California—a 97% difference. The highest-paying states include California, District of Columbia, and Massachusetts. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 473,790 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Biomechanics by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 6 institutions offering Biomechanics programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Biomechanics is found at University of Nebraska (UNO), at Omaha (26 graduates), University of Mary (UMary) (20 graduates), University of Delaware (UD) (12 graduates), Ball State University (BSU) (2 graduates), and University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) (1 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 62 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Nebraska (UNO) |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
26 | Omaha, Nebraska | Public | unomaha.edu |
| University of Mary (UMary) |
Bachelor's
|
20 | Bismarck, North Dakota | Private | umary.edu |
| University of Delaware (UD) |
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
12 | Newark, Delaware | Public | udel.edu |
| Ball State University (BSU) |
Master's
|
2 | Muncie, Indiana | Public | bsu.edu |
| University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) |
Postbac Cert.
|
1 | University, Mississippi | Public | olemiss.edu |
| Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania | Private | cmu.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Biomechanics programs
How much can I earn with a Biomechanics degree?
Salaries for Biomechanics graduates vary by role and location. Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary earn a median of $105,620 annually, while Biochemists and Biophysicists earn around $103,650. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in California average $122,710 compared to $62,175 in Hawaii. Approximately 473,790 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Biomechanics programs?
Currently 6 accredited institutions offer Biomechanics degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include University of Nebraska (UNO), at Omaha (26 graduates), University of Mary (UMary) (20 graduates), and University of Delaware (UD) (12 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
What career paths are available with a Biomechanics degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary, Biochemists and Biophysicists, and Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists. Related occupations employ approximately 473,790 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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