Biochemical Engineering: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Biochemical Engineering integrates core principles of biology, chemistry, and engineering to design and optimize processes that harness biological systems for industrial and medical applications. This program equips students with the analytical and technical expertise needed to innovate in fields ranging from pharmaceutical development to sustainable bio-manufacturing.
- Biochemistry: Explores the molecular basis of life, focusing on the structure, function, and interactions of biological macromolecules such as proteins, nucleic acids, and lipids.
- Bioprocess Engineering: Involves the design, optimization, and scale-up of biological systems used to produce valuable compounds, including vaccines, biofuels, and biopharmaceuticals.
- Thermodynamics: Applies laws of energy and entropy to analyze and predict the feasibility and efficiency of biochemical reactions and processes.
- Fluid Dynamics: Studies the behavior of fluids in motion, critical for designing bioreactors and understanding mass transfer in biological systems.
- Chemical Engineering Principles: Provides foundational knowledge in material and energy balances, reaction engineering, and process control essential for industrial-scale bioproduction.
- Cell and Enzyme Technology: Focuses on the use of living cells and biological catalysts to drive specific transformations in industrial and therapeutic contexts.
- Mathematical Modeling: Employs quantitative techniques to simulate and predict the behavior of complex biological and chemical systems.
Biochemical Engineering Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Biochemical Engineering Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Biochemical Engineering degrees, including Architectural and Engineering Managers, Chemical Engineers and Engineers, All Other. 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 421,330 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Architectural and Engineering Managers 11-9041 | $167,740 | $111,450 - $239,200 | 210,340 | $80.64 |
| Chemical Engineers 17-2041 | $121,860 | $78,520 - $182,150 | 20,330 | $58.59 |
| Engineers, All Other 17-2199 | $117,750 | $62,840 - $183,510 | 150,750 | $56.61 |
| Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary 25-1032 | $106,120 | $59,790 - $200,650 | 39,910 | N/A |
Biochemical Engineering Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $102,468 in Arkansas to $153,260 in California—a 50% difference. The highest-paying states include California, New Mexico, and District of Columbia. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 421,330 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 Biochemical Engineering by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 6 institutions offering Biochemical Engineering 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 Biochemical Engineering is found at University of Colorado Boulder (CU) (48 graduates), University of Georgia (UGA) (37 graduates), University of California (UCB), Berkeley (15 graduates), University of California (UCD), Davis (9 graduates), and University of Delaware (UD) (9 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 126 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 Colorado Boulder (CU) |
Bachelor's
|
48 | Boulder, Colorado | Public | colorado.edu |
| University of Georgia (UGA) |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
37 | Athens, Georgia | Public | uga.edu |
| University of California (UCB) |
Master's
|
15 | Berkeley, California | Public | berkeley.edu |
| University of California (UCD) |
Bachelor's
|
9 | Davis, California | Public | ucdavis.edu |
| University of Delaware (UD) |
Master's
|
9 | Newark, Delaware | Public | udel.edu |
| Villanova University |
Postbac Cert.
Master's
|
8 | Villanova, Pennsylvania | Private | villanova.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Biochemical Engineering programs
How much can I earn with a Biochemical Engineering degree?
Salaries for Biochemical Engineering graduates vary by role and location. Architectural and Engineering Managers earn a median of $167,740 annually, while Chemical Engineers earn around $121,860. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in California average $153,260 compared to $102,468 in Arkansas. Approximately 421,330 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 Biochemical Engineering programs?
Currently 6 accredited institutions offer Biochemical Engineering degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include University of Colorado Boulder (CU) (48 graduates), University of Georgia (UGA) (37 graduates), and University of California (UCB), Berkeley (15 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.
Is enrollment in Biochemical Engineering growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have increased over the past decade, rising from 22 in 2010 to 126 in 2023-24. This represents a 473% increase overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with steady interest, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.
Graduate enrollment data from IPEDS, 2010-2024 academic years. Trends reflect reported completions at participating institutions.
What career paths are available with a Biochemical Engineering degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Architectural and Engineering Managers, Chemical Engineers, and Engineers, All Other. Related occupations employ approximately 421,330 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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