Top 10 Highest Paying Biomedical Science Careers

Biomedical scientists play an instrumental role in healthcare teams nationwide, where they test samples, investigate diseases and carry out experiments in the lab. In the NHS, 70% of diagnoses are based on pathology results from biomedical scientists.   

However, career options are not solely limited to health. While many biomedical scientists choose to stay rooted in healthcare or drug development, others pivot to alternative areas like teaching and food safety.

In this article, we’ll provide salary guidance and information on transferable skills to equip you with the information you need to make informed career decisions.

Read on to find out more about:

• Key skills of a biomedical scientist
• Top 10 highest paying biomedical science careers
• Specialist areas in biomed

Key skills of a biomedical scientist

Given the wide breadth of subjects’ medical biology covers, biomedical scientists are equipped with a range of transferable skills. Understanding which skills you resonate with most can help you identify key areas for growth, as well as which specialist areas and roles align most with your abilities and interests.

Key skills include:

1. Data analysis
2. Investigation
3. Problem-solving
4. Time management
5. Numeracy
6. Critical thinking
7. Observation
8. Communication
9. Project management
10. Teamwork

Top 10 highest paying biomedical science careers

The 10 Highest paying careers in biomedical science are:

10 - Biotechnologist

Average salary: £30,000

Biotechnologists use biological matter to develop and improve products, processes and techniques in pharma, food and manufacturing. Following on from a biomedical degree, research work or placements gained in biotech can be useful to help attain a graduate position.

9- Microbiologist

Average salary: £31,412

Microbiologists research and investigate the effects of micro-organisms in disease, antibody, hormone and vaccine production as well as food, crops and soil. Specialising in medical microbiology as a follow on to a biomedical degree is a common route to establishing a career in this area.

8- Neuroscientist

Average salary: £36,638 

Neuroscientists investigate the brain and nervous system to develop new treatments for neurological disorders by studying and testing samples of tissue, as well as by using imaging techniques. To work as a neuroscientist, post-graduate study in neuroscience will be beneficial (Masters, PhD).

7- Biomedical scientist

Average salary: £37,166

Biomedical scientists carry out experiments on samples in the laboratory to help develop treatments for diseases. A degree in biomedical science provides a strong platform for building a career in this area as well as registering with the Institute of biomedical science.  

6- Infection Control Practitioner

Average salary: £37,374

Infection control practitioners or ICPs collect, analyse, and provide infection data to healthcare practitioners. ICPs also consult on infection risk assessment and help implement evidence-based prevention and control strategies. To work in this field, additional training courses are recommended on top of a biomedical science degree. 

5- Clinical Research Scientist

Average salary: £42,000

Clinical research scientists perform clinical trials, recruit, and screen patients, and submit patient results at the trial’s close. Biomedical science graduates are often eligible to apply for clinical research science roles given they have substantial experience in running trials, and managing samples and data. Strong team, project management, and communication skills are key for this role. 

4- Genetic Counsellor

Average salary: £44,688

Genetic counsellors use their specialist knowledge to interpret and explain genetic and genomic information to patients and their families. Genetic counsellors often require a Master's in genetic counselling to practice or can enter the NHS training scheme for the role. Experience in caring or pastoral positions are a useful supplement to applications. 

3- Forensic Scientist

Average salary: £47,804
Forensic scientists collect, record, and analyse trace evidence such as hair, bodily fluids, and drugs in the laboratory and communicate their findings to legal authorities. Strong analytical, collaboration, and communication skills are important qualities to succeed as a forensic scientist. A post-graduate qualification in forensic science or work experience can be helpful in forging a career in this competitive field.

2- Veterinary Pathologist

Average salary: £50,000

Veterinary pathologists research human and animal diseases to support animal disease surveillance, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. To work in the veterinary field, attending veterinary school is vital – from here you can specialise in pathology, earn your license and practise as a veterinary pathologist. 

1- Science Advisor 

Average salary: £55,991

Scientific advisors act as subject-matter experts in government and research and development departments, where they provide technical guidance and insight. You will need either a Master or PhD to work as an advisor and strong communication, reviewing, critical, and strategic thinking skills. 

Specialist areas in biomed

Your professional development as a biomedical scientist becomes highly personalised once fully registered. Specialist training can help support your employability in your ideal role and is often focused on a single medical biology discipline.

Options include:

• Cellular Pathology – establishing the cause of illness through microscopic tissue study.
• Cytology – investigating cellular components in samples – often used for screening cervical cancer.
• Clinical chemistry – analysing biological fluid to diagnose disease, and monitoring therapies through toxicological studies and liver and kidney tests.
• Haematology – investigating the formation, composition, function and disease of blood.
• Immunology – investigating conditions of the human immune system and its role in infectious disease to support monitoring and treatment.
• Medical microbiology – studying micro-organisms which cause disease and identifying appropriate antibiotic treatment.
• Virology – monitoring the effects of vaccines and studying viruses and the diseases caused by them.
• Transfusion science – identifying blood groups for blood donation, matching grouped blood to patients and maintaining blood stocks for critical incidents.