Biomedical Engineeringat University of California-Los Angeles
Graduates earn $57,874/yr in their first year — about 9.0% below the national Biomedical Engineering average. Base-case 10-year earnings $1,100K; scenarios range from $904K to $1,160K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at UCLA
UCLA's prestigious Biomedical Engineering program equips you with top-tier analytical skills, though initial earnings might appear more moderate compared to some other engineering disciplines nationally. This often reflects a tendency for graduates to pursue advanced degrees or enter research-intensive roles within the vibrant Southern California biotech and medical device ecosystem. Companies like Medtronic and Amgen have a strong presence, offering ample opportunities, but competition can be fierce for entry-level positions. Your rigorous coursework and access to world-class research labs prepare you not just for traditional bioengineering roles, but also for innovative R&D or even entrepreneurial ventures. Given the high AI risk in the field, actively seek out specializations in areas like computational biology or medical AI applications during your studies. Leverage UCLA's unparalleled network and research opportunities to build a unique skillset that positions you for long-term growth and leadership, rather than just immediate salary.
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 UCLA'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 UCLA stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at UCLA
Other highest-scoring programs offered at UCLA, 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 UCLA
What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Biomedical Engineering at University of California-Los Angeles?
A score of 68/100 puts this program in competitive territory — solid outcomes, though not at the top of the Biomedical Engineering field.
Will AI replace Biomedical Engineering careers?
With 50% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $904,288 in decade earnings vs $1,159,538 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
What makes University of California-Los Angeles's Biomedical Engineering program stand out?
Ranked #14 of 119 programs nationally, University of California-Los Angeles lands in the top 25%. The ranking reflects a combination of graduate earnings, return on investment, and job market alignment.