What Does it Take to Be a Biochemical Engineer?
Biochemical Engineer Definition Develop usable, tangible products, using knowledge of biology, chemistry, or engineering. Solve problems related to materials, systems, or processes that interact with humans, plants, animals, microorganisms, or biological materials.
Life As a Biochemical Engineer
- Develop methodologies for transferring procedures or biological processes from laboratories to commercial-scale manufacturing production.
- Design or direct bench or pilot production experiments to determine the scale of production methods that optimize product yield and minimize production costs.
- Design products to measure or monitor airborne pollutants, such as carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, ozone, or particulate matter.
- Prepare piping or instrumentation diagrams or other schematics for proposed process improvements, using computer-aided design software.
- Advise manufacturing staff regarding problems with fermentation, filtration, or other bioproduction processes.
- Develop biocatalytic processes to convert biomass to fuels or fine chemicals, using enzymes of bacteria, yeast, or other microorganisms.
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Biochemical Engineer Required Skills
These are the skills Biochemical Engineers say are the most useful in their careers:
Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Writing: Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Science: Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
Complex Problem Solving: Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Related Job Titles for this Occupation:
- Sustain Engineer
- Pharmaceutical Scientist
- Process Development Engineer
- Analytical Biochemical Engineer
- Development Technical Lead
What Kind of Biochemical Engineer Job Opportunities Are There?
In 2016, there was an estimated number of 132,500 jobs in the United States for Biochemical Engineer. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 6.4% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 8,500 new jobs for Biochemical Engineer by 2026. There will be an estimated 9,500 positions for Biochemical Engineer per year.

The states with the most job growth for Biochemical Engineer are Nevada, Utah, and North Dakota. Watch out if you plan on working in Alaska, Minnesota, or Vermont. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
Average Biochemical Engineers Salary
The salary for Biochemical Engineers ranges between about $50,750 and $155,650 a year.

Biochemical Engineers who work in District of Columbia, Maryland, or Virginia, make the highest salaries.
How much do Biochemical Engineers make in each U.S. state?
State | Annual Mean Salary |
---|---|
Alabama | $115,710 |
Alaska | $114,040 |
Arizona | $94,450 |
Arkansas | $71,510 |
California | $107,700 |
Colorado | $111,610 |
Connecticut | $100,230 |
District of Columbia | $132,530 |
Florida | $82,970 |
Georgia | $93,580 |
Hawaii | $96,940 |
Idaho | $110,270 |
Illinois | $87,220 |
Indiana | $73,340 |
Iowa | $78,230 |
Kansas | $82,060 |
Kentucky | $79,690 |
Louisiana | $90,580 |
Maine | $85,800 |
Maryland | $118,420 |
Massachusetts | $109,220 |
Michigan | $90,420 |
Minnesota | $101,620 |
Mississippi | $79,630 |
Missouri | $86,850 |
Montana | $79,590 |
Nebraska | $82,760 |
Nevada | $94,950 |
New Hampshire | $99,070 |
New Jersey | $114,990 |
New Mexico | $114,790 |
New York | $95,270 |
North Carolina | $83,900 |
North Dakota | $83,270 |
Ohio | $93,370 |
Oklahoma | $83,080 |
Oregon | $90,720 |
Pennsylvania | $96,550 |
Rhode Island | $95,790 |
South Carolina | $100,750 |
South Dakota | $84,320 |
Tennessee | $82,030 |
Texas | $113,370 |
Utah | $89,810 |
Vermont | $81,960 |
Virginia | $118,390 |
Washington | $104,890 |
West Virginia | $91,420 |
Wisconsin | $86,600 |
Wyoming | $97,040 |
What Tools & Technology do Biochemical Engineers Use?
Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Biochemical Engineers may use on a daily basis:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- JavaScript
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Outlook
- Python
- Structured query language SQL
- The MathWorks MATLAB
- SAS
- Linux
- UNIX
- Hypertext preprocessor PHP
- Minitab
- Oracle software
- SAP software
- Wolfram Research Mathematica
- Splunk Enterprise
- Microsoft Azure
- Software development tools
How to Become a Biochemical Engineer
Individuals working as a Biochemical Engineer have obtained the following education levels:

How Long Does it Take to Become a Biochemical Engineer?

Biochemical Engineers Sector

Below are examples of industries where Biochemical Engineers work:

You May Also Be Interested In…
Are you already one of the many Biochemical Engineer in the United States? If you’re thinking about changing careers, these fields are worth exploring:
References:
Image Credit: Zina Deretsky, National Science Foundation via Public domain
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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