Biomedical Engineeringat University of Alabama at Birmingham
Graduates earn $42,570/yr in their first year — about 33.0% below the national Biomedical Engineering average. Base-case 10-year earnings $865K; scenarios range from $736K to $902K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at University of Alabama at Birmingham
The earnings trajectory for Biomedical/Medical Engineering at UAB, while lower than the national average for this field, can be understood by considering the program's unique context. UAB's strength lies in its expansive academic medical center, a major regional employer. Many graduates find fulfilling roles directly within this system, often in clinical engineering, research support, or healthcare IT, which are essential but might not command the same starting salaries as pure R&D positions in major biotech hubs like Boston or San Diego.
Your career path here could involve optimizing medical equipment, supporting patient care technology, or assisting in cutting-edge medical research. While the immediate post-graduation salaries may reflect this focus, consider the strong foundation it provides for further specialization or graduate study. If top-tier industry R&D is your ultimate goal, actively pursuing internships outside the immediate region or planning for a master's or Ph.D. could significantly boost your long-term earning potential.
Three scenarios, ten years out
Each scenario is a different assumption about how AI reshapes the career paths this major feeds into. Earnings projections stack the full 10-year cumulative trajectory; scores use the same 0–100 metric as the hero, recomputed under that scenario's assumptions.
10 year projection
Year-by-year earnings under each scenario. Base case reflects BLS growth patterns applied to University of Alabama at Birmingham's starting earnings; optimistic and pessimistic adjust for AI's effect on each career path this major feeds into.
Common career destinations for this program's graduates, weighted by the school's specific occupation mix. Salary is BLS national median; AI risk is per-role task-exposure research.
Peer schools offering Biomedical Engineering
How University of Alabama at Birmingham stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at University of Alabama at Birmingham
Other highest-scoring programs offered at University of Alabama at Birmingham, ranked by DegreeOutlook Score.
Consider the trade route
Not sure a 4-year degree is the right path? Trade programs in Biomedical Engineering offer shorter timelines, lower debt, and strong AI resilience for hands-on careers.
Compare Biomedical Engineering trade programs on TradeSchoolOutlook →Frequently asked about Biomedical Engineering at University of Alabama at Birmingham
How does University of Alabama at Birmingham's Biomedical Engineering program score?
This program scores 59/100, reflecting respectable but not exceptional financial outcomes for Biomedical Engineering graduates.
How vulnerable is Biomedical Engineering to AI automation?
AI won't 'replace' Biomedical Engineering careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 50% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.
Why are Biomedical Engineering earnings lower at University of Alabama at Birmingham?
Lower starting pay at University of Alabama at Birmingham may reflect local labor market conditions rather than program quality. Many graduates see convergence with national averages within 3-5 years.