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Ecmo Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

LanceSoft

Travel Nurse RN - ECMO ICU

Fresno, CA · On-site

$2.0K - $2.8K/wk

ECMO ICU * Discipline: RN * Start Date: 08/10/2026 * Duration: 13 weeks * 36 hours per week * Shift: 12 hours, days * Employment Type: Travel #434 About LanceSoft Established in 2000, LanceSoft is a ...

SpecialtyCare

Perfusionist

Palmdale, CA · On-site

In addition, the ECMO coordinator provides expert oversight for the clinical aspects of the program. In addition the coordinator will serve as back-up to the ECMO Specialist/Primer as needed. Develop ...

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$55

How much do ecmo jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for ecmo in California is $34.91, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $25.62 and $43.41 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Ecmo vs Respiratory Therapist?

AspectEcmoRespiratory Therapist
Required CredentialsSpecialized training, certification in ECMO management, often a critical care backgroundAssociate or Bachelor's degree in respiratory therapy, licensure, and certification (CRT or RRT)
Work EnvironmentIntensive care units, operating rooms, specialized ECMO centersHospitals, clinics, emergency settings, respiratory care departments
Employer & Industry UsageHospitals with advanced critical care units, specialized ECMO programsGeneral hospitals, outpatient clinics, emergency services

While both roles involve respiratory support, Ecmo specialists focus on managing extracorporeal membrane oxygenation systems in critical care settings, requiring advanced certifications. Respiratory Therapists provide broader respiratory care across various healthcare environments, often with different certification requirements. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

What are ECMO specialists and what do they do?

ECMO (Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation) specialists are highly trained healthcare professionals who operate and manage ECMO machines, which provide cardiac and respiratory support to patients whose heart and lungs are severely compromised. They work closely with doctors, nurses, and respiratory therapists to monitor the patient's status and adjust the ECMO settings as needed. ECMO specialists are responsible for ensuring the safe operation of the machine, troubleshooting any problems, and responding quickly to emergencies. Their role is critical in intensive care units, especially for patients with severe heart or lung failure.

What are some common challenges faced by ECMO specialists, and how can new hires best prepare for them?

ECMO specialists often encounter high-pressure situations, such as rapidly changing patient conditions and the need for urgent troubleshooting of complex equipment. Adapting to a multidisciplinary ICU environment requires strong communication and teamwork skills, as you'll frequently collaborate with physicians, nurses, and respiratory therapists. New hires can best prepare by gaining hands-on experience with ECMO circuits, staying current on protocols, and seeking mentorship from experienced team members to build confidence in both technical and decision-making aspects of the role.

Are ECMO specialists in demand?

ECMO specialists are in high demand due to the increasing use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in critical care settings. They require specialized training and certification, and job opportunities are often available in hospitals and healthcare facilities with advanced intensive care units.

What jobs pay $500,000 a year in the US?

In the medical field, ECMO specialists or perfusionists can earn salaries approaching or exceeding $500,000 annually, especially with extensive experience and working in high-demand environments. Other high-paying roles include specialized surgeons, anesthesiologists, and certain executive positions, but these typically require advanced degrees, certifications, and significant experience. Compensation at this level often involves bonuses, profit sharing, or overtime pay.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an ECMO Specialist, and why are they important?

To thrive as an ECMO Specialist, you need advanced knowledge of cardiopulmonary physiology, critical care practices, and typically hold credentials such as RN, RT, or perfusionist certification with specialized ECMO training. Familiarity with ECMO circuit components, monitoring systems, and troubleshooting protocols is essential. Strong communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills are vital for effective coordination with multidisciplinary teams and managing high-stress situations. These competencies ensure optimal patient outcomes and the safe, efficient operation of ECMO therapy in critical care settings.

How can I become an ECMO specialist?

To become an ECMO specialist, individuals typically need to have a background in critical care nursing, respiratory therapy, or perfusion technology, along with experience in intensive care units. Certification as an ECMO specialist is available through organizations like the Extracorporeal Life Support Organization (ELSO), which requires completing specialized training and demonstrating proficiency in ECMO management. Strong skills in patient monitoring, equipment operation, and teamwork are essential for this role.

How much does an ECMO specialist make?

An ECMO (Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation) specialist typically earns between $70,000 and $100,000 annually, depending on experience, certifications, and location. They are trained in operating ECMO machines and often work in intensive care units or specialized cardiac centers.
What are the most commonly searched types of Ecmo jobs in California? The most popular types of Ecmo jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Ecmo jobs in California? For Ecmo jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Ecmo jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Ecmo jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Ecmo jobs? Cities in California with the most Ecmo job openings:
Ecmo jobs near you
Infographic showing various Ecmo job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 6% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 10% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $72,617 per year, or $34.9 per hour.
ECMO Specialist, Per Diem - Antelope Valley

ECMO Specialist, Per Diem - Antelope Valley

Specialtycare

Palmdale, CA

$1.2K/day

Other

Retirement, PTO

Posted 13 days ago

SpecialtyCare rating

5.8

Company rating: 5.8 out of 10

Based on 23 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

As an ECMO (Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation) Specialist you will operate and maintain ECMO circuits for patients requiring long-term pulmonary and/or cardiopulmonary support. The ECMO Specialist functions interdependently following standing ECMO orders and parameters under the direction and clinical supervision by of an ECMO physician. 

Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Assist the physician, perfusionist and/or other clinical staff members with initiation of ECMO, the course and conduct of ECMO, and the conclusion of ECMO and any related therapies therein including but not limited to circuit or component changes, priming, blood bank communications, medication administration as licensure permits, and hemofiltration as examples.   
  • Demonstrate a culture of safety through a hand-off of the ECMO patient covering all aspects of the patient's care and the state of the ECMO circuit.
  • Provide a detailed examination of the circuit to ensure its integrity, while written parameters and a plan of care are worked out during rounds.
  • Ensure the continuity of the ECMO circuit as a whole, keeping it safe and secure during patient handling. Reducing the risks of circuit compromise by regular assessments is ongoing.
  • Assess blood gas values, anticoagulation parameters and other laboratory values and work within a prescribed set of parameters and guidelines to maintain the patient in an optimal state of well-being. 
  • Monitor anticoagulation, analgesics, inotropes and other infusions are titrated, blood products are ordered and given, and the ECMO pump flow and oxygenator gas flow adjusted as needed.
  • Lives the SpecialtyCare Values- Integrity, Care, Urgency, and Improvement. 

Qualifications:

Must possess one of the following education backgrounds, credentials and experience as an ECMO Specialist:

  •  
  • Registered Nurse (RN) - holds either an Associate's or Bachelor's Degree in Nursing from an accredited education program.  Has an active RN license to practice. 
  •  
  • Respiratory Therapist (RT)- holds either an Associate's or Bachelor's Degree in Respiratory Therapy from an accredited education program and current Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) certification.
  • Bachelor's Degree in Perfusion and a certification from American Board of Cardiovascular Perfusion or meets other Company requirements as a Perfusionist (CCP).
  • Demonstrates a superior working knowledge of ECMO therapy including but not limited to the ECMO circuit and pump, adjustments to pump flow, sweep flow, FiDO2, anticoagulation therapy to maintain parameters within limits set by the physician, point of care testing, patient monitoring systems, and related policies and procedure guidelines.  

Benefits

SpecialtyCare is committed to supporting professional growth for our associates. Each associate is allocated funds for continuing education, membership fees, and dues for professional associations. We also provide tuition reimbursement or tuition repayment assistance.  We provide a full benefits package including a matching 401K and generous PTO plan. We also cover the cost of maintaining certification and licensure.

Compensation:

  • $1200 per day

SpecialtyCare is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.

 

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