How Much Does a Perfusionist Make? A Comprehensive Salary Guide

Introduction

Perfusionists are healthcare professionals who operate and maintain heart-lung machines during surgeries. They help keep a patient’s blood oxygenated and flowing while the heart is stopped during a procedure. With specialized training and experience, they play a crucial role in the safe completion of surgical operations.

So, how much does a perfusionist make? The average salary for perfusionists ranges from $60,000 to $150,000 per year, depending on various factors such as experience, location, and industry.

Factors That Affect Perfusionists’ Salaries

There are several factors that can influence the salary of a perfusionist. Let’s take a closer look at each one.

Education and Training

The first step to becoming a perfusionist is obtaining the necessary education and training. Most perfusionists have a bachelor’s degree in a science-related field, such as biology or chemistry, although some perfusionists may hold a master’s degree. After that, they must complete a one-year accredited perfusionist program and pass the certification exam.

This education and training can lead to higher salaries. According to the American Society of ExtraCorporeal Technology (AmSECT), the median annual salary for certified perfusionists with a bachelor’s degree is $130,000. This is significantly higher than the median salary of uncertified perfusionists, which is $90,000.

Experience

Another factor that affects the salary of a perfusionist is their level of experience. As perfusionists gain more experience in the field, their salaries tend to increase. According to a survey by AmSECT, the median salary for perfusionists with 1-4 years of experience is $87,500, while the median salary for those with 5-9 years of experience is $105,000. For those with 10+ years of experience, the median salary jumps up to $135,000.

Location

Where a perfusionist works can also have an impact on their salary. States like California, New Jersey, and Texas are known for having higher salaries for perfusionists. On the other hand, states like Montana and Idaho tend to have lower salaries for perfusionists. For example, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary for perfusionists in California is $133,290, while the average salary for perfusionists in Idaho is $81,330.

Industry

Finally, the industry a perfusionist works in can affect their salary. Hospitals tend to pay well for perfusionists, with the average salary being around $115,000. Outpatient care centers offer slightly lower salaries, with the average salary being around $103,000. Physician offices tend to offer the lowest salaries, with the average salary being around $88,000.

How to Increase Your Pay as a Perfusionist

If you’re looking to increase your pay as a perfusionist, there are several things you can do. Here are some tips:

Consider Certification

As mentioned above, becoming certified can lead to higher salaries. If you’re not already certified, consider taking the certification exam. You can find out more information about the exam and the requirements here: https://www.amsect.org/certification.

Pursue Higher Education

Another way to increase your salary is to pursue higher education. Many perfusionists opt to get a master’s degree in a related field, such as biomedical engineering or health sciences. Having a master’s degree can open up new opportunities and higher salaries.

Develop Specialties

Finally, developing specialties can be a great way to increase your pay as a perfusionist. By specializing in areas such as pediatric perfusion or cardiopulmonary bypass, you can become more valuable to employers and command higher salaries.

The Top-Paying States for Perfusionists

The following states have the highest salaries for perfusionists:

California

California has the highest salary for perfusionists in the United States, with the average salary being around $133,290. This is due to the high cost of living and the large number of hospitals in the state.

New Jersey

New Jersey is another state with high salaries for perfusionists. The average salary is around $125,030, which is slightly lower than California but still quite high.

Texas

Texas is the third highest-paying state for perfusionists, with the average salary being around $121,750. This is due to the state’s large population and high demand for healthcare professionals.

The Highest-Paying Industries for Perfusionists

The following industries tend to pay the highest salaries for perfusionists:

Hospitals

Hospitals are the highest-paying industry for perfusionists, with the average salary being around $115,000. This is due to the large number of hospitals in the United States and their need for qualified perfusionists.

Outpatient Care Centers

Outpatient care centers are the second highest-paying industry for perfusionists, with the average salary being around $103,000. These centers provide short-term medical care and often require specialized perfusionists.

Physician Offices

Physician offices tend to offer the lowest salaries for perfusionists, with the average salary being around $88,000. However, these offices often provide flexible hours and the opportunity to work closely with physicians.

What Benefits Do Perfusionists Receive?

In addition to competitive salaries, perfusionists also receive a number of benefits. These include health insurance, paid time off, and retirement plans. Some employers may also offer additional benefits, such as performance bonuses and tuition reimbursement.

Job Outlook for Perfusionists

The job outlook for perfusionists is positive. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment of perfusionists is projected to grow 8% from 2019 to 2029, faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is due to the increasing demand for healthcare services and the need for qualified perfusionists.

Conclusion

Perfusionists are highly trained healthcare professionals who are essential to the successful completion of surgical operations. Their salaries range from $60,000 to $150,000 per year, depending on factors such as education and training, experience, location, and industry. They also receive a number of benefits, such as health insurance, paid time off, and retirement plans. With the growing demand for healthcare services, the job outlook for perfusionists is very positive.