Perfusionist salary: how much does a perfusionist make?
A cardiovascular perfusionist earns a median of about $158,969 a year ($76.43 an hour), with most between $146,923 and $168,542. Payscale's figure, $157,906, is almost identical.
Perfusionist pay range
Salary.com, as of November 1, 2026:
| Pay level | Per year | ≈ Per hour |
|---|---|---|
| Bottom 10% | $135,956 | $65.36 |
| Lower 25% | $146,923 | $70.64 |
| Median | $158,969 | $76.43 |
| Upper 25% | $168,542 | $81.03 |
| Top 10% | $177,258 | $85.22 |
Payscale's wider range, from about $122,000 (bottom 10%) to $206,000 (top 10%), is based on 137 self-reported salaries and includes very new and very experienced perfusionists.
What perfusionists do
Perfusionists run the heart-lung machine during open-heart surgery and manage ECMO and other circulatory support. Most enter through a master's degree in perfusion and become certified clinical perfusionists (CCP) through the American Board of Cardiovascular Perfusion. On-call work for emergency surgery is common, and call pay can add to base salary.
Perfusionist salary vs. related jobs
BLS May 2025 figures for related jobs:
| Job (BLS May 2025) | Bottom 10% | Median | Top 10% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nurse anesthetist (CRNA) | $155,250 | $236,590 | $339,500 |
| Nurse practitioner | $101,340 | $132,300 | $174,420 |
| Registered nurse | $68,940 | $97,550 | $137,470 |
| Cardiovascular technologists and technicians | $39,000 | $74,310 | $121,350 |
Perfusionist take-home pay by state (2026)
2026 federal brackets and standard deduction, Social Security 6.2% up to $184,500, Medicare 1.45% plus 0.9% above $200,000 ($250,000 joint), and each state's 2026 income tax. Local income taxes, state disability or paid-leave payroll taxes and other deductions are not included. Estimate only, not tax advice.
Common questions
How much does a perfusionist make?
A median of about $158,969 a year (Salary.com, November 2026), or $157,906 on average (Payscale).
How much does a perfusionist make an hour?
About $76.43 an hour at 2,080 hours a year.
What do the top-paid perfusionists earn?
Over $177,258 a year for the top 10% (Salary.com), and around $206,000 at Payscale's 90th percentile.
Is perfusion a good career?
Pay is high for a master's-level job, but the work involves long surgeries and on-call shifts.
Does BLS publish perfusionist salaries?
No. BLS has no separate occupation for perfusionists, so salary surveys are the best guide.
Sources
- Salary.com: Cardio-pulmonary perfusionist salary
- Payscale: Perfusionist salary
- BLS: Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics
Related
Last reviewed November 5, 2026. Salary.com and Payscale figures are estimates from employer and self-reported data, updated frequently. Figures are gross pay before taxes and benefits. General information, not career or financial advice.