1

Pulmonary Function Tech Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Pulmonologists

Los Angeles, CA

$323K - $431K/yr

... Tech, Government, Municipalities, Non-Profits, Legal, Public Accounting, Food and more. We are ... Conduct pulmonary function tests and manage ventilatory support. Educate patients on respiratory ...

Showing results 21-40

Pulmonary Function Tech information

See California salary details

$24.7K

$63.2K

$124.8K

How much do pulmonary function tech jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for pulmonary function tech in California is $63,227.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $40,000.00 and $77,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a pulmonary function tech?

To thrive as a Pulmonary Function Tech, you need a solid understanding of respiratory therapy, human physiology, and pulmonary function testing, typically supported by an associate’s degree or relevant certification (such as CPFT or RPFT). Familiarity with spirometry, plethysmography, and related diagnostic equipment, as well as electronic medical record (EMR) systems, is essential. Attention to detail, strong communication skills, and compassion help you accurately perform tests and provide comfort to patients. These skills ensure precise test results, effective patient care, and collaboration with healthcare teams for optimal respiratory health outcomes.

What is the difference between Pulmonary Function Tech vs Respiratory Therapist?

AspectPulmonary Function TechRespiratory Therapist
CredentialsCertification (e.g., CPFT), specialized trainingAssociate's degree, state licensure, certification (e.g., RRT)
Work EnvironmentPulmonary labs, diagnostic testing centersHospitals, clinics, emergency settings
Job ResponsibilitiesPerforming pulmonary function tests, data collectionAssessing and treating respiratory conditions, managing ventilators

While both roles focus on respiratory health, Pulmonary Function Techs primarily conduct diagnostic tests to assess lung function, whereas Respiratory Therapists provide treatment and manage respiratory care. The roles often overlap in work environments and require similar certifications, but their core responsibilities differ, with Respiratory Therapists having a broader scope of patient care.

What are some common challenges faced by pulmonary function techs during testing procedures, and how can they be managed?

Pulmonary Function Technicians often encounter challenges such as patients having difficulty understanding instructions, anxiety during breathing tests, or physical limitations that affect test performance. To manage these issues, techs use clear, supportive communication to guide patients step by step, adapt procedures for those with mobility or cognitive limitations, and work closely with respiratory therapists and physicians to ensure accurate results. Building rapport and creating a calm, encouraging environment can significantly improve patient cooperation and test quality.

What is a pulmonary function tech?

Pulmonary function techs, also known as pulmonary function technologists, are healthcare professionals who perform tests to assess how well a patient’s lungs are working. They administer breathing tests, such as spirometry and lung volume measurements, to help diagnose and monitor respiratory conditions like asthma, COPD, and other lung diseases. These techs work closely with physicians and respiratory therapists, ensuring that test results are accurate and patients are comfortable during procedures. They also maintain equipment and ensure a safe, sterile testing environment.
What are popular job titles related to Pulmonary Function Tech jobs in California? For Pulmonary Function Tech jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Pulmonary Function Tech jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Pulmonary Function Tech jobs in California are:
Infographic showing various Pulmonary Function Tech job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 9% Contract. Highlights an 97% In-person, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $63,227 per year, or $30.4 per hour.

Respiratory Therapist II (RT) - Respiratory Therapy

Rady Children's Hospital-San Diego

San Diego, CA • On-site

$44.52 - $61.95/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 3 days ago


Rady Children's Hospital rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 46 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

97th of 1,055 rated hospitals


Job description

JOB SUMMARY:
Responsible for assessment, diagnostic and therapeutic interventions affecting the cardiopulmonary system for both children and adults. Selects and administers the appropriate care, taking into consideration the age, development level and size of the patient. Provides a caring relationship that facilitates health and healing. Identifies own limitations and seeks appropriate resources, as needed.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Associate's Degree
1 Year of Experience
BLS for Health Providers (American Heart Association)
Ped Adv Life Support Prov(American Heart Association)
Respiratory Care Practitioner
In lieu of an Associate's Degree, a diploma from a NBRC certified Respiratory Therapist Program will be accepted for employees hired before 10/1/2013
Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT), CRT if hired prior to 10/1/2013
NRP Advanced Provider (AAP),with exception for employees in the Pulmonary Function Lab.
Pulmonary Function Lab Only: Certified Pulmonary Function Technologist (CPFT) or Registered Pulmonary Function Technologist (RPFT) required within 6 months of hire for new hires post 7/1/2021
RT II new to Peds must obtain PALS (American Heart Association) and NRP Advanced Provider (AAP) within 3 months of hire
ACLS (American Heart Association) - for those in the RT Charge Role
Ability to take care of patients or patient equipment in the area in which you work, including the ability to handle patients with an airborne-transmitted disease. Must be able to comply with infection control standards that may evolve over lime, including the routine use of PPE, required FIT testing and/or specialty training
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Bachelor's Degree
3 Years of Experience
Pulmonary Function Lab Specialist: 1+ year Pulmonary Lab experience
Bilingual
Advanced Credential
The current salary range for this position is $44.52 to $61.95
A candidate's placement in the range will be determined based on the terms and conditions of the applicable collective bargaining agreement. Rady Children's Hospital is committed to being externally competitive and internally equitable. We demonstrate this commitment by reviewing market data to remain competitive within the nonprofit, healthcare sector. This posting will remain open from the "date posted" until the hiring manager has determined there is a sufficient applicant pool or until the position is filled.

What Rady Children's Hospital employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom