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Biochemical Engineer

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What Do Biochemical Engineer Do?

Occupation Description 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.

Daily Life Of a Biochemical Engineer

  • Consult with chemists or biologists to develop or evaluate novel technologies.
  • Prepare technical reports, data summary documents, or research articles for scientific publication, regulatory submissions, or patent applications.
  • Review existing biomanufacturing processes to ensure compliance with environmental regulations.
  • Advise manufacturing staff regarding problems with fermentation, filtration, or other bioproduction processes.
  • Design products to measure or monitor airborne pollutants, such as carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, ozone, or particulate matter.
  • Create simulations or models to predict the impact of environmental factors, such as pollutants, climate change, or environmental remediation efforts.

Skills Needed to be a Biochemical Engineer

Biochemical Engineers state the following job skills are important in their day-to-day work.

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.

  • Process Engineer
  • Technical Sustain Lead
  • Yield Improvement Engineer
  • Research Associate
  • Growth Product Engineering Lead

Is There Going to be Demand for Biochemical Engineers?

There were about 132,500 jobs for Biochemical Engineer in 2016 (in the United States). 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.

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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.

Biochemical Engineer Average Salary

Biochemical Engineers make between $50,750 and $155,650 a year.

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Biochemical Engineers who work in District of Columbia, Maryland, or Virginia, make the highest salaries.

Below is a list of the median annual salaries for Biochemical Engineers in different U.S. states.

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 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

Learn what Biochemical Engineer education requirements there are.

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What work experience do I need to become a Biochemical Engineer?

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Biochemical Engineers Sector

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The table below shows the approximate number of Biochemical Engineers employed by various industries.

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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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