Chemical Engineering Vs Biomedical Engineering?

If you’re exploring the market for potential engineering options, it is normal to feel confused between options that closely resemble each other.

One such example is chemical engineering and biomedical engineering.

These domains are vital for the healthcare industry and apply the ideal engineering practices to achieve similar goals.

So how do you choose?

This article will help you out.

Chemical Engineering Vs. Biomedical Engineering, which is better? (For students)

In short, Chemical Engineering is thought to be better than Biomedical Engineering since it pays slightly higher wages and is in higher demand.

There is no significant value difference in both career choices, and it’s up to you to decide whether you want to be a chemical engineer or a biomedical engineer.

Keep in mind your strengths and skills while choosing an option, so you end up in a place that’s wildly familiar to you.

Although the applications of both domains often overlap in the industry, they also have their differences.

Chemical engineers cater to a broader field of study that transcends medical and health applications, addressing many other technical areas such as petroleum, gas, construction, etc.

Hence, if you want to keep your career options open for experimentation, choosing chemical engineering can be ideal.

Chemical engineers typically have to pass a five-year graduate program to apply for relevant jobs.

On the other hand, biomedical engineering solely defines health prospects and deals with medical matters.

They offer a more in-depth study and broader view as they have the necessary skills to incorporate the vast domains of health services within their practice.

So if you want a medical career choice that doesn’t limit you and allows broad exposure, biomedical engineering is the way to go.

Biomedical engineers also have to clear a graduate program (often five years) to become eligible for the market jobs.

You must note that both these fields of study often overlap in the medical industry, where professionals from each discipline work in harmony on similar tasks to achieve a goal.

So whether you choose biomedical engineering or chemical engineering, there are high chances that the work environment would be remarkably similar.

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What Chemical Engineers do?

Chemical engineers have the required skills to apply the subject practices of Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry to deal with issues related to chemicals. The chemicals can include fuel, food, substances, or any other product. They often come up with a unique amalgamation of materials to create engineering tools, plastics, or medical prosthetics such as tissue-engineered skin, etc.

Chemical engineers are also often tasked with the safety of people working with chemical and harmful compounds that may cause injury or accidents.

They streamline the working process by laying out ground rules, educating the audience on the nature of chemicals, and continuously monitoring the daily activities.

Hence, it is safe to say that research is also a primary component for anyone looking to excel in a career in chemical engineering.

Chemical engineers also layout equipment plans and design the operational process to suit an enterprise’s safety and productivity requirements.

This practice also includes checking the many environmental standards set by the company or the government.

In the end, a chemical engineer may be asked to provide an estimated cost for the materials and equipment required to carry out a business or medical endeavor.

A degree in chemical engineering can help you become a:

• Chemical Engineer

• Manufacturing Engineer

• Petroleum or Fuel Engineer

• Product Development Specialist

• Analytical Chemist

• Energy Specialist

• Production Specialist

• Mining engineer

What Biomedical Engineers do?

Biomedical engineers are strictly related to health and medical services where they use engineering practices to design scientific tools such as IT equipment, devices, applications, and more. Unlike chemical engineering, biomedical engineers explore a minor component of the field in greater detail. It is vital to note that biomedical engineers often work in sales with reputable pharmaceutical companies as a liaison or customer representatives.

If you want a career in biomedical engineering, you’ll have to design tools as complex as artificial internal organs or replaceable limbs/body parts. Of course, this also includes the fluency of equipment involved in the process.

And the ability to communicate the technical operating procedure to a colleague if necessary.

Biomedical engineers typically provide a detailed analysis and technical support documents for the equipment they monitor, indicating that technical writing skills are a must in this profession.

Furthermore, biomedical engineers also work with modeling software and AI-generated data to research and find solutions to predominant issues.

Then, they collaborate with a team of scientists to apply those principles or test their credibility.

They may also have to design sophisticated computer software that provides value to the users while also being easy to use.

A degree in biomedical engineering can help you become a:

• Biochemical Engineer

• Genetic Engineer

• Clinical Specialist

• Biomechanics Expert

• Biomaterial Engineer

• Rehabilitation Engineer

• System Physiologist

• Bioinstrumentation engineer

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Chemical Engineers or Biomedical Engineers, Who Earns more?

In short, Chemical Engineers earn more with a median wage of $108,540 per year, compared to median Biomedical Engineers of $92,620 per annum, according to Bureau Labor and Statistics.

When choosing a career, the potential pay is a deciding factor for many aspiring students.

You want to earn more wherever possible while staying true to your profession, and that’s understandable.

But surprisingly there isn’t much difference in annual salaries of people belonging to either discipline.

A May 2020 report suggests that chemical engineers earn around $108,540 per year, where this figure amps up to $168,960 if you are the master of your craft.

Contrarily, biomedical engineers earn around $92,620 annually, going up to $149,440, depending on your expertise. Hence, you are bound to get solid annual pay for whichever career you choose.

Final Thoughts

In short, Chemical Engineering is seen as better than Biomedical Engineering since it pays somewhat higher wages and is slightly more in demand.

Let us conclude this article with a fun fact:

Chemical engineering is a relatively established domain with centuries of history and renowned names that contributed to the advancement of this field of study.

Contrarily, Biomedical engineering is a relatively new educational domain that didn’t exist until after World War II.

Keeping the above fact in mind, you can choose which career is more suitable for your preferences, strengths, and skills. Good luck!

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