Bioengineers and Biomedical Engineers Salary in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA
In San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA, bioengineers and biomedical engineers earn $139,490 at the median — $67.06 an hour. The range runs from $102K at the entry level to $205K for experienced workers. Prices run high here (RPP 110.42), so that salary is closer to $126,327 in real purchasing power. A 2-bedroom apartment runs $3,483/month — about 42.3% of take-home, which is tight.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $139K get you in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara?
About bioengineers and biomedical engineers
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA
Entry-level bioengineers and biomedical engineers (10th percentile) start around $102K. Mid-career wages sit at $139K.Top earners bring in $205K or more - a $103K spread from bottom to top.
Bioengineers and Biomedical Engineers pay across states
Median income ranked highest to lowest, compared to the national figure
| State | Median salary | vs. national | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wisconsin | $129K | +21% | 220 |
| Oregon | $129K | +21% | 90 |
| California | $126K | +18% | 2,900 |
| Washington | $125K | +17% | 970 |
| Minnesota | $125K | +17% | 720 |
| Arizona | $122K | +14% | 410 |
| Ohio | $118K | +10% | 1,470 |
| Oklahoma | $117K | +10% | 90 |
| New York | $117K | +10% | 920 |
| New Mexico | $117K | +9% | N/A |
| New Jersey | $115K | +8% | 490 |
| Kansas | $109K | +2% | 80 |
| Rhode Island | $108K | +1% | N/A |
| Massachusetts | $108K | +1% | 3,920 |
| North Carolina | $107K | +0% | 640 |
Track bioengineers and biomedical engineers salary changes
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Frequently asked questions
How much do bioengineers and biomedical engineers make in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA?
The median is $139,490 a year - that works out to about $67.06 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $102,340, and experienced bioengineers and biomedical engineers can clear $205,160. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $139K enough to live in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $8,082/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $3,483/month (HUD Fair Market Rent), which eats 43.1% of your paycheck. That's above the 30% rule of thumb - housing will be a stretch at the median salary, though you can manage with roommates or a smaller place.
How far does a bioengineers and biomedical engineers salary go in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara?
San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara has a Regional Price Parity of 110.42 (100 is the national average). Prices are above average here, so your dollar buys less than the same salary would in a cheaper metro. After cost-of-living adjustment, the median bioengineers and biomedical engineers salary is worth about $126,327 in national-average purchasing power.
Where do bioengineers and biomedical engineers get paid the most?
The table above ranks every state by median pay for this role. Keep in mind that the highest-paying states tend to have the highest costs of living, so the top salary doesn't always mean the most money in your pocket.