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Entry Level Biomedical Engineer Jobs in Charleston, SC

Entry Level Biomedical Engineer information

See Charleston, SC salary details

$38.4K

$88.7K

$131K

How much do entry level biomedical engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level biomedical engineer in Charleston, SC is $88,722.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $69,700.00 and $108,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How hard is it to get a job in entry level biomedical engineering?

Securing an entry-level biomedical engineering position can be competitive, as many roles require a relevant bachelor's degree and some internship or research experience. Strong skills in CAD, medical device design, and familiarity with regulatory standards can improve job prospects, but overall, the difficulty depends on the job market and individual qualifications.

What is the difference between Entry Level Biomedical Engineer vs Biomedical Technician?

AspectEntry Level Biomedical EngineerBiomedical Technician
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in biomedical engineering or related fieldAssociate's or bachelor's degree in biomedical technology or related field
Work EnvironmentDesign, develop, and test medical devices; work in labs or officesMaintain, repair, and calibrate medical equipment; work in hospitals or clinics
Employer & Industry UsageMedical device companies, healthcare facilities, research institutionsHospitals, clinics, medical equipment suppliers

Entry Level Biomedical Engineers focus on designing and developing medical devices, requiring a bachelor's degree in biomedical engineering. Biomedical Technicians primarily maintain and repair medical equipment, often with an associate's or bachelor's degree in biomedical technology. Both roles are essential in healthcare, but they differ in responsibilities, work environment, and required credentials.

How much do entry level biomedical engineers make?

Entry-level biomedical engineers typically earn between $60,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on location, education, and industry. Starting salaries may increase with relevant internships, certifications, or specialized skills in areas like medical device design or regulatory compliance.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level biomedical engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Biomedical Engineer, you need a bachelor's degree in biomedical engineering or a related field, strong analytical skills, and a solid understanding of biology and engineering principles. Familiarity with CAD software, laboratory instrumentation, and regulatory standards such as FDA guidelines is typically required. Strong problem-solving abilities, teamwork, and effective communication are valuable soft skills in this role. These skills are crucial for developing safe, effective medical devices and collaborating across multidisciplinary teams to meet patient and industry needs.

What types of projects do entry level biomedical engineers typically work on, and how do they contribute to larger teams?

As an entry level biomedical engineer, you’ll often assist with tasks such as testing medical devices, supporting research and development, and performing data analysis for ongoing projects. You’ll work closely with senior engineers, scientists, and sometimes clinicians to collect and interpret data, ensure regulatory compliance, and help troubleshoot technical issues. Collaboration is a key part of the role, as your contributions support the successful development and improvement of healthcare technologies. Over time, you’ll gain exposure to more complex responsibilities and opportunities for advancement as you build your technical and teamwork skills.

Is there a high demand for entry level biomedical engineers?

Entry level biomedical engineers are in moderate to high demand due to ongoing advancements in medical technology and healthcare. Employment opportunities are expected to grow as hospitals, research institutions, and medical device companies seek professionals skilled in designing and testing biomedical equipment, often requiring knowledge of regulatory standards and proficiency with CAD and lab tools.

What does an entry level biomedical engineer do?

Entry-level biomedical engineers perform a wide variety of tasks, such as research, writing technical reports, and making informed recommendations based on research to clinicians, hospital management, engineers, and the public. They also evaluate, design, and use biomedical equipment like artificial organs, artificial body parts, and diagnostic devices. As a junior biomedical engineer, you may begin your career under the guidance of an experienced engineer or professional, gaining additional duties and responsibilities as you progress in your training and knowledge of the health care field.

What are the most commonly searched types of Biomedical Engineer jobs in Charleston, SC? The most popular types of Biomedical Engineer jobs in Charleston, SC are:
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Biomedical Engineer jobs in Charleston, SC? For Entry Level Biomedical Engineer jobs in Charleston, SC, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Biomedical Engineer jobs in Charleston, SC look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Biomedical Engineer jobs in Charleston, SC are:
What cities near Charleston, SC are hiring for Entry Level Biomedical Engineer jobs? Cities near Charleston, SC with the most Entry Level Biomedical Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Biomedical Engineer job openings in Charleston, SC as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 10% Contract. Highlights an 88% In-person, 2% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $88,722 per year, or $42.7 per hour.

Biomedical Equipment Support Specialist

SD Department of Veterans Affairs

Charleston, SC • On-site

$40K/yr

Other

Posted 16 days ago


Job description

The Clinical Engineering Service is seeking a full-time Biomedical Equipment Support Specialist for the Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Centerin Charleston South Carolina. The Biomedical Equipment Support Specialist (BESS) provides clinical and administrative support to staff, patients, and administrators for all matters of concern relating to the facility wide lifecycle management of medical equipment.
Qualifications:Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met.
Basic Requirements:
  • United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.
  • English Language Proficiency. Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with 38 U.S.C. 7403(f).
  • Education, Experience, or Certification. (1) Associates or higher degree in the biomedical technology or biomedical engineering field; OR (2) Associates or higher degree in electronics, a field of information technology, or engineering (other than biomedical engineering) AND 1 year of creditable experience; OR (3) Completion of the Department of Defense (DOD) biomedical equipment technician training program; OR 3 (4) Completion of a DOD training program in repair and maintenance of electronic systems or information technology AND 1 year of creditable experience; OR (5) Completion of a biomedical engineering technician or Healthcare Technology Management (HTM) certificate program that included an internship or apprenticeship; OR (6) Completion of biomedical engineering technician or HTM certificate program that did not include an internship AND 1 year of creditable experience; OR (7) Hold or having ever held certification as a Certified Biomedical Equipment Technician (CBET), Certified Radiology Equipment Specialist (CRES), Certified Laboratory Equipment Specialist (CLES), or Certified Healthcare Technology Manager (CHTM). Continuous maintenance of certification is not required throughout VHA employment.
May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria).
Grade Determinations:
GS-05
Experience or Education. None beyond the basic requirements.
Assignment. Employees at this grade level serve as entry-level developmental BESSs. It is expected that they receive guidance from more experienced staff members and require regular supervision. BESSs at this grade level perform basic tasks designed to prepare them for promotion. 5 They troubleshoot and perform planned maintenance on general medical equipment. Entry-level BESSs assist with incoming inspections and documentation.
GS-07
Experience. One year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs). In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:
  • Knowledge of physics, anatomy, and physiology.
  • Knowledge of electronics such as analog, digital, and microprocessor theory.
  • Knowledge of the use of standard level test equipment such as multi meters, electrical safety analyzers, patient simulators, storage oscilloscopes, manometers, and tachometers.
  • Knowledge of basic networking concepts, such as computer and server hardware and software functionality, information technologies and computer virus protection software, available software patches and upgrades, and information security tools (for example, Microsoft Office, Windows operating systems, and McAfee).
  • Skill in documenting all services provided in support of medical equipment and clinical systems in a computerized maintenance management system.
  • Ability to learn equipment operating and maintenance procedures.
Assignment. Employees at this grade level serve as developmental BESSs performing an increasing range of duties, under less frequent supervision, but receive guidance and direction regarding unfamiliar or unusual situations for more complex issues designed to prepare them for promotion. They troubleshoot and perform planned maintenance on general medical equipment. Developmental-level BESSs assist with incoming inspections and documentation.
GS-09
Experience. One year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs). In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:
  • Knowledge of basic networking concepts including Access Control List (ACL), Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP), and Virtual Local Area Networks (VLAN).
  • Knowledge of computer and server hardware and software functionality including virus protection, operating system patches and upgrades, and information security tools.
  • Ability to interpret a variety of technical data such as schematic drawings, wiring diagrams, table charts, mathematical expressions, and formulas.
  • Ability to use standard level test equipment including multi-meters, electrical safety analyzers, patient simulators, storage oscilloscopes, manometers, and tachometers.
  • Ability to perform equipment maintenance and operating procedures.
Assignment. Employees at this grade level serve as a developmental BESS performing increasingly more complex tasks designed to prepare them to work independently at the full performance level. They troubleshoot and perform planned maintenance on medical equipment. Developmental-level BESSs assist with incoming inspections and documentation. BESSs in this assignment receive increasingly less frequent supervision, direction, or guidance from more experienced staff members.
GS-11
Experience. One year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs). In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:
  • Knowledge of standards including National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the Joint Commission (TJC), and the Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI) for safe operation of medical equipment and clinical systems.
  • Skill in using test and calibration equipment including digital multi meters, electrical safety analyzers, defibrillator analyzers, patient simulators, manometers, tachometers, and Local Area Network (LAN) analyzers.
  • Skill in interpreting a variety of technical data including schematic drawings and wiring diagrams.
  • Skill in applying networking principles, such as Access Control List (ACL), Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP), and Virtual Local Area Networks (VLAN).
  • Ability to perform advanced testing to troubleshoot medical equipment and clinical system interfaces.
  • Ability to maintain medical computers and software.
  • Ability to manage projects involving medical equipment and clinical systems.
Assignment. Employees in this assignment serve as full performance level (FPL) BESSs responsible for managing multiple assignments, organizing, and independently prioritizing their work with minimal supervision. At this level, BESSs manage medical equipment and clinical systems including installation, planned maintenance, troubleshooting, repair, calibrations, electrical safety inspections, patient safety, cybersecurity, and decommissioning. They plan, implement, and provide technical and project oversight for medical equipment and clinical systems.
Reference: FORMER VA HANDBOOK REFERENCE: Part II Appendix G49. For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.
The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-11. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-05 to GS-11.
Physical Requirements: Performance of the incumbent's duties can be physically demanding involving walking, sitting, some standing, working in cramped and awkward positions for prolonged periods of time, performance of precise procedures requiring good hand-eye coordination, and long periods of intense concentration. Lifting of objects between 10 and 50 pounds is common, and on occasion lifting of objects heavier than 50 pounds is necessary.Education:Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.Employment Type: OTHER