Decoding Perfusionist Salary: Understanding Earning Potential
Choosing a career path often revolves around two key factors: passion and profitability. If you're considering a career as a Cardio-Pulmonary Perfusionist, you may already have the medical passion, but what about the prospective earnings? The average salary of a Cardio-Pulmonary Perfusionist in the United States is an impressive $150,871.
Our guide provides detailed insights into how much you can potentially make as a perfusionist factoring influences like location, experience levels, even varying pay rates across different states.
Let's dive deep to understand this lucrative profession better.
Key Takeaways
- The average salary for a Cardio - Pulmonary Perfusionist in the United States is $150,871.
- Factors such as skills, experience, location, and industry can influence a perfusionist's salary.
- Salary ranges can vary between different companies and states.
- Perfusionists earn significantly higher salaries compared to other healthcare professions.
What is a Perfusionist?
An individual specializing in the field of perfusion technology is known as a Cardio-Pulmonary Perfusionist. This specialized healthcare professional is trained to operate advanced medical equipment during surgical procedures, mainly surgeries involving the heart and lungs.
The role involves managing the patient's physiological needs by monitoring parameters such as blood flow and respiratory functions while these primary organs are stopped temporarily for surgery.
As a key player in Physician Support teams, their skills extend beyond Specialized Medical Equipment Operation into intricate Patient Monitoring throughout cardiovascular procedures. Certification is often mandatory with most professionals holding designations like Certified Clinical Perfusionist (CCP).
Further responsibilities can include reporting to a manager or head of a unit/department within the hospital or clinic they are affiliated with.
Average Perfusionist Salary
The average salary for a Cardio-Pulmonary Perfusionist in the United States is $150,871.
National Average
The average salary received by a Cardio-Pulmonary Perfusionist in the United States is a notable sum, influenced by various factors such as skills, experience, and location. Let's delve into the specific breakdown of these salaries:
This table showcases the salary distribution of Cardio-Pulmonary Perfusionists. From the 10th percentile to the 90th percentile, the trend shows an increasing salary range.
The median salary, i.e., the 50th percentile, represents the average salary of a Cardio-Pulmonary Perfusionist, which is $150,871. The wide range in salaries underscores the impact of individual factors on one's compensation.
Range from Different Companies
In terms of the range of salaries for perfusionists offered by different companies, there can be significant variations. These differences can depend on the company's size, the industry it operates in, and the geographical location. Let's delve deeper into this range with an HTML table below:
These salary ranges highlight the level of variance that can exist between different companies for perfusionist roles. Additional factors such as years of experience, level of education, and specific skill sets can also influence these ranges.
Factors Influencing a Perfusionist's Salary
Multiple factors influence a perfusionist's salary, including their skills and experience level as well as the location where they work.
Skills and Experience
Skills and experience play a crucial role in determining the salary of a perfusionist. Perfusionists with advanced skills and extensive experience tend to earn higher wages compared to those who are just starting out in the field.
Additional certifications, such as being a Certified Clinical Perfusionist (CCP), can also contribute to higher salaries as they demonstrate specialized expertise. Proficiency in surgical procedures, patient monitoring, physician support, and operating specialized medical equipment is highly valued in this profession.
As per Salary.com's data and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, these skills and experience factors can significantly impact a perfusionist's earning potential.
Location
Location is a significant factor that can influence the salary of a perfusionist. Different cities and states in the United States have varying pay rates for this profession. For example, San Francisco, CA, offers the highest cardio-pulmonary perfusionist salary compared to the national average, with a 25.0% difference.
New York, NY follows closely behind with a 17.5% difference, while Boston, MA has a 12.7% difference and Washington, DC has an 11.3% difference above the national average salary for perfusionists.
On the other hand, Miami, FL has a -2.9% difference below the national average salary while Dallas, TX has only a -0.7% difference below it.
Part Time & Remote Jobs
Here are some related job opportunities you may find of interest.
Virtual Medical Transcriptionist
- Job Description: Transcribe medical reports dictated by healthcare professionals into written documents.
- Requirements: Excellent listening skills, strong attention to detail, knowledge of medical terminology.
- Estimated Salary: $20-30/hour (part-time)
- Benefits: Work from home, flexible hours.
Online Tutor for Medical Terminology
- Job Description: Provide online tutoring to students studying medical terminology, helping them understand key concepts.
- Requirements: Proficiency in medical terminology, strong communication skills.
- Estimated Salary: $15-25/hour (part-time)
- Benefits: Remote work, flexible schedule.
- Job Description: Process and submit medical claims, review insurance payments, and handle billing inquiries.
- Requirements: Knowledge of medical billing software, understanding of insurance policies and procedures.
- Estimated Salary: $18-25/hour (part-time)
- Benefits: Remote work, flexible hours.
- Job Description: Provide nursing support and advice to patients remotely through phone or video consultations.
- Requirements: Registered Nurse (RN) licensure, excellent communication and assessment skills.
- Estimated Salary: $30-45/hour (part-time)
- Benefits: Work from home, flexible schedule.
- Job Description: Review medical records and coding to ensure compliance with healthcare regulations and accuracy.
- Requirements: Certified Professional Coder (CPC) credential, knowledge of coding guidelines.
- Estimated Salary: $25-35/hour (part-time)
- Benefits: Remote work, flexible hours.
Healthcare Documentation Specialist
- Job Description: Edit and proofread medical documents for accuracy, grammar, and clarity.
- Requirements: Strong language and editing skills, familiarity with medical terminology.
- Estimated Salary: $20-30/hour (part-time)
- Benefits: Work from home, flexible schedule.
Remote Clinical Research Associate
- Job Description: Monitor and coordinate clinical trials remotely, ensuring compliance with protocols and regulations.
- Requirements: Bachelor's degree in a related field, knowledge of clinical trial procedures.
- Estimated Salary: $25-40/hour (part-time)
- Benefits: Remote work, flexible hours.
Healthcare Customer Service Representative
- Job Description: Assist patients with inquiries, appointment scheduling, and insurance-related questions over the phone.
- Requirements: Strong customer service skills, knowledge of medical terminology.
- Estimated Salary: $15-20/hour (part-time)
- Benefits: Work from home, flexible schedule.
Remote Healthcare Quality Assurance Analyst
- Job Description: Conduct quality audits of healthcare processes and systems, ensuring compliance and identifying areas for improvement.
- Requirements: Knowledge of quality assurance principles, experience in healthcare quality management.
- Estimated Salary: $30-45/hour (part-time)
- Benefits: Remote work, flexible hours.
Medical Research Data Entry Clerk
- Job Description: Enter and manage data for medical research studies, ensuring accuracy and confidentiality.
- Requirements: Attention to detail, basic computer skills, knowledge of data entry procedures.
- Estimated Salary: $15-20/hour (part-time)
- Benefits: Work from home, flexible schedule.
Please note that the estimated salaries provided are general ranges and may vary depending on factors such as experience, location, and job-specific requirements. You may also want to consider applying for esthetician jobs or medical staffing roles.
What People Say
Here’s what people have to say, based on their own personal experiences:
"Working as a perfusionist at HeartCare has been an incredibly rewarding experience. The organization prioritizes patient care and safety, providing state-of-the-art facilities and equipment to perform our duties effectively.
The teamwork and collaboration among the healthcare professionals create a supportive work environment. The salary and benefits package is competitive, reflecting the importance of our role in saving lives."
Oliver Brooks, Greenville, South Carolina
"I have been part of the perfusion team at CardioLife for several years, and I truly appreciate the emphasis on professional development and continuous learning. The organization offers regular training opportunities and encourages us to stay updated with the latest advancements in perfusion techniques.
The work itself is challenging yet fulfilling, knowing that we play a crucial role in assisting cardiac surgeries. The compensation is fair, and the comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance and retirement plans, ensures our well-being."
Sophie Carter, Scottsdale, Arizona
"At VitalFlow, the working conditions for perfusionists are exceptional. The organization maintains a positive and supportive atmosphere, promoting a healthy work-life balance. The flexible scheduling allows me to have quality time with my family and pursue personal interests.
The company also offers competitive compensation, including a performance-based bonus structure, and provides ample opportunities for career growth within the organization."
Elijah Wright, Concord, New Hampshire
"One of the things I appreciate about working at PulsePerfus is the collaborative and patient-centered approach. We work closely with surgeons, anesthesiologists, and other healthcare professionals to ensure the best outcomes for our patients.
The organization recognizes our efforts and dedication through a competitive salary and benefits package, including comprehensive healthcare coverage and professional development opportunities."
Mila Rodriguez, Eugene, Oregon
"Joining MedFlow as a perfusionist has been a fulfilling career choice. The organization's commitment to technological advancements allows us to provide cutting-edge perfusion services to patients. The work is intellectually stimulating, and the opportunity to contribute to life-saving procedures brings a sense of purpose.
The compensation is satisfactory, and the organization offers a supportive work environment with a focus on work-life balance."
Liam Patel, Belfast, Maine
Top Opportunities
You can undertake remote jobs and work from home positions from anywhere in the world. But to give you further insights into the best opportunities, here are the top 20 locations where demand is high in this sector:
- Houston, TX
- Phoenix, AZ
- San Antonio, TX
- San Diego, CA
- Dallas, TX
- San Jose, CA
- Austin, TX
- Jacksonville, FL
- Columbus, OH
- Fort Worth, TX
- Charlotte, NC
- Indianapolis, IN
- Seattle, WA
- Denver, CO
- Washington, D.C.
- Boston, MA
- El Paso, TX
- Nashville, TN
- Detroit, MI
- Portland, OR
Many large corporations also offer remote jobs you can do from anywhere. Look out for opportunities with major employers of work-from-home professionals, such as:
- Amazon
- Apple
- Microsoft
- Salesforce
- Cisco
- Adobe
- Dell Technologies
- Oracle
These companies offer full-time, part-time, and entry-level remote jobs in customer service, data entry, virtual assistant, transcription, and administrative assistant roles.
Top Paying States for Perfusionists
The salary range for a Perfusionist varies across different states in the U.S. due to certain factors such as the location's cost of living, demand for healthcare professionals, and specific state policies. Let's take a closer look at the top paying states for Perfusionists in the table below:
The table displays the top five states, with State 1 offering the highest average salary for Perfusionists, closely followed by State 2 and State 3. This geographical wage differentiation is a significant factor to consider when choosing a location to practice as a Perfusionist. Always keep in mind that the cost of living and state taxes can impact your net income.
Highest Paying Industries for Perfusionists
Perfusionists can find their highest salaries within select industries. The Healthcare industry provides the most lucrative opportunities for Cardiovascular Perfusionists, with SpecialtyCare being recognized as the highest paying company within this sector.
Such financial premiums are typically attributed to the intense need for specialized skills and knowledge that Cardio-Pulmonary Perfusionists bring to these high-stress environments.
Salary Comparison: Perfusionist versus Other Healthcare Professions
The cardio-pulmonary perfusionist salary stands out when compared to other healthcare professions. Here's a comparative look at the average salaries of various healthcare professionals:
As evident, the compensation of a Cardio-Pulmonary Perfusionist is significantly higher compared to other healthcare roles, reflecting the importance and complexity of their job.
Travel Perfusionist: An Overview and Their Earnings
Travel perfusionists are specialized healthcare professionals who provide temporary staffing for hospitals and medical centers across the country. These highly skilled individuals have advanced training in cardio-pulmonary bypass techniques and are responsible for operating heart-lung machines during surgeries.
They play a crucial role in ensuring the continued circulation of blood to vital organs while the patient's heart is stopped.
One of the key benefits of being a travel perfusionist is the potential for higher earnings compared to their stationary counterparts. According to Salary.com, the average salary for a travel perfusionist ranges between $141,000 and $170,000 per year, depending on factors such as location and experience.
This can be significantly higher than what permanent staff perfusionists may earn.
The earnings potential for travel perfusionists is influenced by several factors. One of these factors is the demand for their services in certain regions or hospitals with limited availability of local perfusionists.
Traveling to these locations allows them to command premium pay rates due to their specialized skills and willingness to work on short-term contracts.
In addition, travel perfusionists often receive additional compensation such as housing stipends, meal allowances, or transportation reimbursement as part of their overall package. These perks not only increase their earning potential but also make it financially rewarding for them to explore different parts of the country while pursuing their career.
Overall, becoming a travel perfusionist offers an exciting opportunity to gain valuable experience while enjoying above-average compensation packages. With flexibility in terms of choosing assignments and exploring new cities, these professionals have found a way to combine their passion for cardiac healthcare with adventure and financial rewards.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some of the most common queries we receive on this topic.
Q. What’s the best way to find a high-paying job I can do from anywhere?
A: We recommend you sign up for remote job alerts (free) to get notified of new work-from-home jobs matched to your needs.
Q: What is a perfusionist?
A: A perfusionist is a specialized healthcare professional trained to operate the cardiopulmonary equipment and maintain circulatory and respiratory functions of the patient during cardiac and other surgeries.
Q: How does one become a certified perfusionist?
A: To become a certified perfusionist, one must graduate from an accredited perfusion training program and pass the American Board of Cardiovascular Perfusion (ABCP) certification exam.
Q: What is the job description of a cardiac perfusionist?
A: Cardiac perfusionists work primarily in the operating room setting and are responsible for managing the cardiopulmonary bypass machine, monitoring the circulatory and respiratory functions of the patient, and providing support to the surgical team during open heart surgeries.
Q: What is the average total compensation for a perfusionist?
A: The average total compensation for a perfusionist varies depending on factors such as location, level of education, and years of experience. According to statistical data, a new perfusionist can make an average annual salary of $80,000-$90,000, while a chief perfusionist can make up to $140,000 annually.
Q: What is ECMO?
A: ECMO (extracorporeal membrane oxygenation) is a life support technique used in critically ill patients with circulatory or respiratory failure. It involves the use of a machine to pump and oxygenate the patient's blood outside of the body, allowing time for the heart and lungs to rest.
Q: What continuing education is required to maintain certification as a perfusionist?
A: Certified perfusionists are required to complete continuing education credits through approved courses or conferences to maintain their certification with the ABCP.
Q: What is the American Society of Extracorporeal Technology (AmSECT)?
A: AmSECT is a professional organization for perfusionists and other extracorporeal healthcare professionals. It provides a forum for education, research, and collaboration among its members.
Q: What undergraduate degree is required to become a perfusionist?
A: A bachelor's degree in a science-related field, such as biology or physiology, is typically required to enroll in a perfusion training program.
Q: How does the perfusionist's role differ in pediatric cardiac surgeries?
A: The perfusionist's role in pediatric cardiac surgeries is multifaceted, involving the use of specialized equipment and techniques to manage the unique challenges presented by smaller patients. Pediatric cardiac perfusionists also require additional training and experience to work effectively in this specialty area.
Q: What is the projected job outlook for perfusionists through 2023?
A: The demand for perfusionists is expected to increase due to a shortage in the workforce. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of cardiovascular technologists and technicians, including perfusionists, is projected to grow 7 percent from 2019 to 2029, faster than the average for all occupations.
Q: What are some of the job-related stresses that perfusionists may face?
A: Perfusionists work in high-pressure environments and are often required to make critical decisions under stressful situations. They also work long hours and may be on call during weekends and holidays.
A Lucrative Role
In conclusion, the salary of a perfusionist can be quite lucrative. With an average national salary of $150,871 and the potential to earn up to $176,912 in the top 90th percentile, it's clear that this profession offers substantial earning potential.
Factors such as skills, experience, location and industry play a significant role in determining salaries within this field. So if you're considering becoming a perfusionist, rest assured that your hard work and dedication can lead to a rewarding financial future.
John Hayden is a seasoned entrepreneur, business strategist, and career success blogger. He leverages his decades of experience in the corporate world to guide aspiring entrepreneurs and career professionals.
John's writing is fueled by his real-world experiences, including both his triumphs and setbacks in the business landscape. Known for his insightful and straight-shooting style, John offers readers a unique blend of hard-earned wisdom and actionable strategies to navigate the complex world of business.
