Science & Research San Jose, CA Pop. 1,013,240

Biomedical Engineer Salary in San Jose, California

The median biomedical engineer salary in San Jose, CA is $169,226 per year, which is 68.0% above the national median and 21.7% above the California state average.

City Median
$169,226
vs State Avg
+$30,219
vs National
+$68,496
Cost of Living
168%

Biomedical Engineer Pay in San Jose: What to Expect (2026)

San Jose offers a median biomedical engineer salary of $169,226, which is $30,219 above the California state average of $139,007. Compared to the national median of $100,730, San Jose pays above average for this role.

However, San Jose's cost of living index is 168%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $169,226 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $100,730. Housing, transportation, and food costs in San Jose should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for biomedical engineers in San Jose spans from $104,160 at the 10th percentile to $262,080 at the 90th percentile — a $157,920 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $109,200, while senior biomedical engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $248,640. As a major metro area with a population of 1,013,240, San Jose typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Biomedical Engineer Salary in San Jose by Experience

In San Jose, an entry-level biomedical engineer earns around $109,200, while experienced professionals earn up to $248,640 per year. The local cost of living index is 168% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$109,200
+$44,200 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$171,360
+$69,360 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$248,640
+$100,640 vs national

Salary Percentiles in San Jose, CA

Percentile San Jose
10th Percentile $104,160
25th Percentile $132,720
Median (50th) $169,226
75th Percentile $211,680
90th Percentile $262,080

Biomedical Engineer Salary in Other California Cities

How to Become a Biomedical Engineer in San Jose

Education

Most biomedical engineer positions require a bachelor's degree. San Jose and the surrounding California area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Medical DevicesCAD/CAMFDA RegulationsBiomechanicsMATLABClinical Research

Job Outlook

Nationally, biomedical engineer employment is projected to grow 5% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in San Jose may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Biomedical Engineer Jobs in San Jose

Browse open biomedical engineer positions in San Jose, CA:

Frequently Asked Questions: Biomedical Engineer Salary in San Jose

How much does a Biomedical Engineer make in San Jose, CA? ▼
The median biomedical engineer salary in San Jose, California is $169,226 per year, which is 68.0% above the national median of $100,730. Salaries range from $104,160 (10th percentile) to $262,080 (90th percentile).
How much does a Biomedical Engineer make per hour in San Jose? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $169,226, a biomedical engineer in San Jose earns approximately $81 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does San Jose compare to the California state average for biomedical engineer pay? ▼
San Jose's median biomedical engineer salary of $169,226 is 21.7% above the California state average of $139,007. The local cost of living index is 168% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in San Jose, CA? ▼
San Jose has a cost of living index of 168% compared to the national average. This means a biomedical engineer salary of $169,226 in San Jose has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a biomedical engineer in San Jose? ▼
Most biomedical engineer positions in San Jose require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Medical Devices, CAD/CAM, FDA Regulations, Biomechanics. The job market is projected to grow 5% nationally over the next decade.