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Cardiac Perfusionist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Senior Perfusionist

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$99.55 - $128.74/hr

#CA-KN The Senior Cardiac Perfusionist is a highly skilled clinical professional responsible for operating extracorporeal circulation equipment during pediatric and adult cardiac surgeries and other ...

Chief Perfusionist

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$170 - $210/hr

Chief Cardiac Perfusionist Sentara Heart Hospital located in Norfolk, Virginia is looking for a Chief Cardiac Perfusionist to join the team. The Sentara Heart Hospital, a 112-bed care facility, is #2 ...

Cardiac Perfusionist - Per Diem

Syracuse, NY · On-site

$109.64 - $150.12/hr

SUPERVISED BY Cardiac Surgery Section Chief, Director of Surgical Services and Perfusion Coordinator. SUPERVISES None PAY RANGE Pay Range: $79.59 - $108.97. Pay is based on experience, skills, and ...

Cardiac Perfusionist Maintain, set-up and operate the heart-lung machine, physiologic monitoring instrumentation and related ancillary equipment employed in cardiac surgery. Set up and operate auto ...

Travel Pediatric Cardiac Perfusionist Any perfusionist will need to be able to operate POC devices. - Must have a minimum of 5 years of experience with 1 year experience recent experience - Required:

Travel - Pediatric Cardiac Perfusionist - 4-10 Hour shift/per week - 7a-17:00p Mon-Fri and 1 call every 3rd weekend - Minimum 5 years of experience - ABCP - American Board of Cardiovascular Perfusion ...

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Cardiac Perfusionist information

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$33

$85

$154

How much do cardiac perfusionist jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for cardiac perfusionist in the United States is $85.94, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $67.07 and $93.99 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What challenges do cardiac perfusionists face during surgical procedures?

Cardiac Perfusionists often encounter high-pressure situations where they must quickly respond to changes in a patient’s condition or to unforeseen complications during surgery. Managing the heart-lung machine and maintaining proper blood circulation and oxygenation require extreme precision and rapid troubleshooting skills. Effective communication with surgeons, anesthesiologists, and other operating room staff is essential to adapt to the dynamic nature of cardiac surgeries. These challenges make the role both demanding and rewarding, offering significant opportunities for professional growth and expertise development.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a cardiac perfusionist?

To thrive as a Cardiac Perfusionist, you need in-depth knowledge of cardiovascular anatomy, physiology, and perfusion techniques, typically achieved through a bachelor's degree and completion of an accredited perfusion program. Familiarity with heart-lung machines, blood gas analyzers, and certification from the American Board of Cardiovascular Perfusion (ABCP) are critical technical requirements. Attention to detail, the ability to work calmly under pressure, and excellent teamwork skills distinguish top performers in this role. These competencies are crucial for ensuring patient safety and effective collaboration during complex cardiovascular surgeries.

What is a cardiac perfusionist?

A Cardiac Perfusionist is a healthcare professional who operates the heart-lung machine during cardiac surgeries. They manage the patient's circulation and oxygenation while the heart is temporarily stopped, ensuring vital organs receive adequate blood flow. Perfusionists also monitor blood gases, administer medications, and regulate body temperature during surgery. Their role is critical in open-heart procedures, transplant surgeries, and other complex cardiac operations.

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Infographic showing various Cardiac Perfusionist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 4% As Needed, 68% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 16% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $178,751 per year, or $85.9 per hour.

Senior Perfusionist

UC Davis Health

Sacramento, CA • On-site

$99.55 - $128.74/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 10 days ago


UC Davis Health rating

8.9

Company rating: 8.9 out of 10

Based on 51 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

1st of 887 rated healthcare providers


Job description

#CA-KN
The Senior Cardiac Perfusionist is a highly skilled clinical professional responsible for operating extracorporeal circulation equipment during pediatric and adult cardiac surgeries and other procedures requiring cardiopulmonary bypass, support, or circulatory assistance. This role ensures the safe and effective management of the patient's physiological status during complex cardiovascular surgeries.
Working under the direction of the attending cardiac surgeon and anesthesiologist, the Senior Cardiac Perfusionist is accountable for the setup, operation, and maintenance of heart-lung machines, intra-aortic balloon pumps, ventricular assist devices, and other advanced circulatory support technologies. In addition to performing clinical duties, the senior-level perfusionist serves as an integral member within the perfusion team, providing mentorship, training, and quality oversight to junior staff, while contributing to the development of protocols and performance improvement initiatives.
The position requires advanced knowledge of pediatric and adult cardiovascular physiology, blood conservation techniques, pharmacology, and equipment troubleshooting. The Senior Cardiac Perfusionist also collaborates with interdisciplinary surgical teams to promote optimal patient outcomes, and may support research, education, and innovation within the department. This role typically reports to the Chief of Perfusion or Cardiac Operating Room Manager.
Apply By Date: 9/5/2026 at 11:59 pm - Interviews and recruiting process may occur at any time
Minimum Qualifications - For full consideration, applicants are encouraged to upload license and/or certification if required of the position
  • Certified Cardiac Perfusionist (CCP)
  • Certified Cardiac Perfusionist (CCP) by the American Board of Cardiovascular Perfusion (ABCP)
  • Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS)
  • American Heart Association (AHA) or American Red Cross Basic Life Support (BLS), or UC Davis Health CPR.
  • Bachelor's Degree
  • Successfully completed a course of study at an accredited school of perfusion.
  • Five (5) years adult cardiac perfusion at Level 1 academic trauma center
  • Five (5) years pediatric cardiac perfusion at Level 1 academic trauma center
  • Documented pediatric case experience of no less than 60 annual for five (5) years
  • Documented cases logs of deep hypothermic circulatory arrest, neonatal bypass, and pediatric congenital repairs
  • Perform advanced operational duties that are the most difficult cases requiring special training, such as neonatal and pediatric cases; and perform the normal range of duties outlined in the series concept.
  • Knowledgeable of anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and chemistry as it relates to the patient undergoing CPB,ECMO, transplantation, autotransfusion, ventricular assist, and IABP.
  • Knowledgeable of the proper setup and operation of the following devices under his/her control: heart-lung machine, Biomedicus pump, autotransfusion machine, intra-aortic balloon pump, ACT machine, ECMO equipment, and ABL-90 MACHINE, kidney pump
  • JOB RELATED ATTITUDE: Maintain a satisfactory level of performance. Conduct self in a professional, courteous manner, representing the Department in a professional way. Demonstrate flexibility and function well when faced with challenging situations. Assume assignments with interest and enthusiasm. Follow department dress code; University issued Photo ID Badge must be visible at all times when on property
  • QUALITY OF WORK: Maintain a satisfactory level of performance. Adhere to detail when performing work assignments. Generally meet established turnaround times and administrative deadlines. Productivity compares to the average productivity of the section. Uses spare time in work related activities contributing to department needs.
  • DECISION MAKING/JUDGEMENT: Make appropriate workflow decisions. Apply/enforce policy and procedure when making decisions. Demonstrate good judgment in handling situations not covered by written or verbal instructions. Maintain confidentiality.
  • JOB KNOWLEDGE: Responsible for section adherence to established technical and administrative procedures. Maintain an awareness of changes in procedures and protocols.
  • PROBLEM ANALYSIS: Identify, analyze and report problems accurately and timely. Recognize those problems which exceed one's knowledge or position and seek assistance or refer such matters to appropriate individuals. Seek information on own initiative from appropriate sources concerning any given issue or problem.
  • ORGANIZATION: Assist in planning and organizing workflow well; meet established turn- around-times, and deadlines. Ability to organize and perform multiple tasks concurrently. Maintain a clean, organized work area. Ability to prioritize/reorganize work in response to STAT/Emergency requests. Ability to set priorities, organize work independently and for others. Incomplete or work pending is organized and appropriately left for follow- up.
  • DEPENDABILITY: Complete assigned work or projects as instructed in a timely manner. Adhere to work schedule; begin work promptly, take breaks appropriately and works to the end of the shift accordingly. Maintain accurate time keeping records on a timely basis. Attend departmental meetings as required. Prioritize own assigned duties. Handle or cope effectively during stressful situations.
  • FOLLOW-UP AND CONTROL: Notify supervisor of out-of-control with regard to unexpected situations within the appropriate timeframe. Report to supervisor any deviations from norm al procedures/practices. Ensure accurate and complete quality control, quality assurance and workload. Admit and seek to correct own errors that affect others and/or the job.
  • TEAMWORK: Is sensitive to the situation of others regarding timely completion of their work and offer assistance whenever possible offer assistance to all job classifications. Effectively work with others in a productive manner. Establish and maintain cooperative relationships. Ability to establish and maintain effective interpersonal communication and relationships with coworkers.
  • INTERPERSONAL EFFECTIVENESS: Demonstrate sensitivity and acceptance of individual differences.

Preferred Qualifications
  • AmSECT Fellow of Pediatric Perfusion (FPP)
  • Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS)
  • ECMO Specialist Certification (or training completion)
  • Master's Degree
  • Documented participation in Pediatric Cardiac Perfusion Simulations
  • Documented participation in neonatal ECMO Training, Pediatric Cardiac Perfusion and Congenital Heart Surgery Workshops.
  • Pediatrics experience preferred.

Key Responsibilities
  • 60% - Extracorporeal Cardiopulmonary Bypass
  • 20% - Ancillary Procedure Activities
  • 5% - Participates in research and publications involving CPB, ECMO, Transplantation or Autotransfusion
  • 10% - Communication
  • 5% - Leadership and Development

Department Overview
Perioperative Services at UC Davis Health encompasses multiple Operating Rooms, Preoperative and Post-Anesthesia Units, and Sterile Processing Departments, across the UC Davis Health Campus. Surgical care is provided across the entire life spectrum, includes a wide range of inpatient and ambulatory surgical specialties, including (but not limited to: ACS Level 1 Trauma, Bariatric, Burn, Cardiac, Colorectal, Endocrine, ENT, Gynecology, comprehensive Neurosurgery, Oncologic, Ophthalmology, Orthopedic Trauma, comprehensive Orthopedic (Spine, Foot & Ankle, Hand & Hand Trauma), Otolaryngology, Pain, Plastics, Robotics, Thoracic, Transplant, Vascular, , Urology, and Uro-Gyn.
Additionally, our Children's Surgery Center provides comprehensive surgical care in the full-range of surgical specialties in an age-appropriate setting
POSITION INFORMATION
  • Salary or Pay Range: $99.55 - $128.74
  • Salary Frequency: Hourly
  • Salary Grade: 194
  • UC Job Title: PERFUSIONIST SR NEX
  • UC Job Code: 009027
  • Number of Positions: 4
  • Appointment Type: Staff: Career
  • Percentage of Time: 100 %
  • Shift (Work Schedule): V ariable
  • Location: Main Hospital (HSP001)
  • Union Representation: EX-Patient Care Technical
  • Benefits Eligible: Yes
  • This position is 100% on-site

Benefits
Outstanding benefits and perks are among the many rewards of working for the University of California. UC Davis offers a full range of benefits, resources and programs to help you bring your best self to work, as well as to help you and your family achieve your health, wellness, financial and career goals. Learn more about the benefits below and eligibility rules by visiting either our handy Benefits Summary for UC Davis Health Employees or Benefits Summary for UC Davis Employees and our Benefits Page .
If you are represented by a union, benefits are negotiated between the University of California (UC) and your union and finalized in a contract. Read your bargaining unit's employment contract, stay abreast of current negotiations and learn about collective bargaining at UC: https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/labor/bargaining-units/index.html
  • High quality and low-cost medical plans to choose from to fit your family's needs
  • UC pays for Dental and Vision insurance premiums for you and your family
  • Extensive leave benefits including Pregnancy and Parental Leave, Family & Medical Leave
  • Paid Holidays annually as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
  • Paid Time Off/Vacation/Sick Time as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
  • Continuing Education (CE) allowance and Education Reimbursement Program as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
  • Access to free professional development courses and learning opportunities for personal and professional growth
  • WorkLife and Wellness programs and resources
  • On-site Employee Assistance Program including access to free mental health services
  • Supplemental insurance offered including additional life, short/long term disability, pet insurance and legal coverage
  • Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSFL) Qualified Employer & Student Loan Repayment Assistance Program for qualified roles
  • Retirement benefit options for eligible roles including Pension and other Retirement Saving Plans. More information on our retirement benefits can be found here

Physical Demands
  • Standing - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
  • Walking - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
  • Sitting - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
  • Lifting/Carrying 0-25 Lbs - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
  • Lifting/Carrying 26-50 lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
  • Lifting/Carrying over 50 lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
  • Pushing/Pulling 0-25 Lbs - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
  • Pushing/Pulling 26-50 lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
  • Pushing/Pulling over 50 lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
  • Bending/Stooping - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
  • Squatting/Kneeling - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
  • Twisting - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
  • Climbing (e.g., stairs or ladders) - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
  • Reaching overhead - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
  • Keyboard use/repetitive motion - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours

Environmental Demands
  • Chemicals, dust, gases, or fumes - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
  • Loud noise levels - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
  • Marked changes in humidity or temperature - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
  • Uneven Surfaces or Elevations - Occasional Up to 3 Hours

Mental Demands
  • Sustained attention and concentration - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
  • Complex problem solving/reasoning - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
  • Ability to organize & prioritize - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
  • Communication skills - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
  • Numerical skills - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
  • Constant Interaction - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
  • Customer/Patient Contact - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
  • Multiple Concurrent Tasks - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours

Work Environment
UC Davis is a smoke and tobacco free campus effective January 1, 2014. Smoking, the use of smokeless tobacco products, and the use of unregulated nicotine products (e-cigarettes) will be strictly prohibited on any UC Davis owned or leased property, indoors and outdoors, including parking lots and residential space.
Demonstrate error-free prose that conveys meaning to readers with clarity and fluency. Write text that effectively communicates ideas, facts, and/or information to an audience appropriate for the assignment. Apply the conventions of standard written English. Hear and speak well enough to communicate with others directly and over the phone. Must be available to be on-call 1-2 weeks per month or as needed to meet operational needs. Rotating shifts between 0630-1500 and 1300-2130 or as determined by management. Must be able to work with adaptability, flexibility & maintain composure during stressful and/or adverse conditions.
Special Requirements - Please contact your recruiter with questions regarding which activities apply by position
  • This is a critical position, as defined by UC Policy and local procedures, and as such, employment is contingent upon clearing a criminal background check(s) and may include drug screening, medical evaluation clearance and functional capacity assessment
  • This position is designated as a mandated reporter under CANRA and UC policy, and employment is contingent on compliance with applicable policies, procedures and training requirements

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