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.
Life As a Biochemical Engineer: What Do They Do?
- Create simulations or models to predict the impact of environmental factors, such as pollutants, climate change, or environmental remediation efforts.
- Develop methodologies for transferring procedures or biological processes from laboratories to commercial-scale manufacturing production.
- Collaborate with manufacturing or quality assurance staff to prepare product specification or safety sheets, standard operating procedures, user manuals, or qualification and validation reports.
- Recommend biochemical process formulas, instrumentation, or equipment specifications, based on results of bench or pilot experimentation.
- Develop recovery processes to separate or purify products from fermentation broths or slurries.
- Design products to measure or monitor airborne pollutants, such as carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, ozone, or particulate matter.
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What a Biochemical Engineer Should Know
When polled, Biochemical Engineers say the following skills are most frequently used in their jobs:
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.
Types of Biochemical Engineer
- Biochemistry Chemical Engineering Analyst
- Stack Yield Engineer
- Development Technical Lead
- Technical Sustain Lead
- Technical Data Development Process Improvement Lead
Job Outlook for Biochemical Engineers
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. The BLS estimates 9,500 yearly job openings in this field.

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

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 |
Tools & Technologies Used by Biochemical Engineers
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
Becoming a Biochemical Engineer
What kind of Biochemical Engineer requirements are there?

How Long Does it Take to Become a Biochemical Engineer?

Where do Biochemical Engineers Work?

Below are examples of industries where Biochemical Engineers work:

Related Careers
Those who work as a Biochemical Engineer sometimes switch careers to one of these choices:
References:
Image Credit: Zina Deretsky, National Science Foundation via Public domain
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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