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Pulmonary Function Tech Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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Pulmonary Function Tech information

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$24.7K

$63.2K

$124.8K

How much do pulmonary function tech jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 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.

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Re-posted 10 hours ago


University Of California San Francisco rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 13 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

228th of 616 rated colleges and universities


Job description


The Electroencephalographic Technologist (EEG Tech), under direction from the Supervisor and according to lab protocols, will participate as an integral member of the Neurodiagnostic Services department by performing routine, specialized and complex Neurodiagnostic procedures to include: EEGs, ambulatory studies, Phase I Video EEG in the Epilepsy Monitoring Unit (EMU), Long Term (LTM), live patient EEG monitoring, and other specialized procedures in both inpatient and outpatient settings, including nursing floors, intensive care units, operating rooms and other specialized locations. The EEG Tech will ensure electrode and technical integrity and quality of all Neurodiagnostic procedures performed. Accurate results provide the physician with valuable information to diagnose and treat neurological conditions/disorders. The EEG Tech may participate in departmental and organizational programs, including performance improvement activities, in-services, and staff development activities.
This is a night shift position at the UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital in Oakland with as needed coverage at SF Mission Bay hospital as needed. The work schedule is typically 9:00 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. The schedule may transition to 10-hour shifts in the future to meet operational requirements.
Responsibilities
  • 20% - Under direct supervision performs routine, ambulatory EEG, specialized and complex Neurodiagnostic procedures including LTM, 10/10 electrode applications
  • 10% - Prepares patient for tests by documenting a comprehensive patient history by gathering appropriate information from patient, patient's record and family members including neurological symptomatology and medications. Educates patient and/or family on procedures and interacts on a level appropriate to patient's age and intellectual capacity. Attends to patient needs and ensures patient safety at all times.
  • 10% - Prepares patient for electrode placement, marks and measures the head accurately according to the international 10/20 system of electrode placement. Applies the electrodes in a timely manner and ensures technical integrity and quality of results.
  • 10% - Rounding: Routinely rounds on continuous Neurodiagnostic patients (EMU/LTM) to ensure technical quality and integrity of recordings; re-applies electrodes, recognizes, and corrects electrode and environmental artifact, with supervision/guidance as needed.
  • 20% - Monitoring: Provides continuous video observation and annotations of adult and pediatric Neurodiagnostic patients; accurately documents and describes clinical and electrographic events, to include time, duration, description, EEG changes and post ictal state, to ensure physician can provide the proper care and diagnosis for the patient. Upon recognition of a change in the EEG or behavior suggestive of a patient event, electrographic or clinical event will trigger the alarm.
  • 5% - Troubleshooting: Maintains equipment and understands the interface between equipment of other electrophysiological devices and procedures to ensure the accurate technical integrity of the recording. Responsible for troubleshooting Neurodiagnostic equipment and promptly notifying Neurodiagnostic Leadership, Principal or Senior ND Tech and/or Clinical Technology department.
  • 5% - Data management: Responsible for data management according to department protocol including but not limited to RedCap, EEG database, prunes studies, import/export of data, Apex and billing. shift change and status reports.
  • 10% - Communication: Exhibits professional behavior in a group setting and effective communication by answering phones, Voalte phone and email. Ability to work closely with physicians and clinical staff throughout all disciplines.
  • 5% - Quality assurance: Regular quality assessments of technical and clinical skills must be performed and documented annually.
  • 5% - Participate in Department meetings and Medical Center training sessions.
  • Comply with and models UCSF Living PRIDE standards. Maintain compliance with all applicable infection control, health and safety policies and procedures implemented by the Department and/or UCSF Health.
  • Performs any other duties related to patient care activities or facility management as required.
  • Performs any other duties as assigned by Neurodiagnostic Leadership.
  • Obtains a minimum of 12 hours of department-level education and or training in Neurodiagnostics each year covering all modalities performed by the EEG Tech.

Qualifications
Required:
  • Possession of current CPR certification
  • Obtain ABRET R. EEG T. credential within two years.
  • This position requires flexibility to orient and work at all UCSF Medical Center locations.
  • High school graduate or GED
  • Graduate from an accredited training program in Electroneurodiagnostics or a combination of training and experience.
  • Demonstrated competency in performing EEGs as well as in one or modalities such as LTM, EMU etc.
  • Prior experience working with an interdisciplinary health provider team.
  • Ability to communicate effectively in English, both orally and in writing.
  • Possession of good interpersonal skills in dealing with patients, family, caregivers, physicians, and clinical staff.
  • Proficient in computer skills including Word, Excel, and online communication.
  • Possession of good time management, problem solving and self-initiation skills
  • Ability to work variable shifts and days.
  • Demonstrates ability to be an independent, motivated self-starter.

Preferred:
  • One year of experience as an EEG Technologist
  • Prior experience working in an academic medical center's Epilepsy Monitoring Unit
  • Knowledge of basic medical terminology
  • Experience with computerized Neurodiagnostic equipment
  • Proficient with EMRs (EPIC)

About Us
About UCSF
The University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) is a leading university dedicated to promoting health worldwide through advanced biomedical research, graduate-level education in the life sciences and health professions, and excellence in patient care. It is the only campus in the 10-campus UC system dedicated exclusively to the health sciences. We bring together the world's leading experts in nearly every area of health. We are home to five Nobel laureates who have advanced the understanding of cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, aging and stem cells.
Pride Values
UCSF is a diverse community made of people with many skills and talents. We seek candidates whose work experience or community service has prepared them to contribute to our commitment to professionalism, respect, integrity, diversity and excellence - also known as our PRIDE values.
In addition to our PRIDE values, UCSF is committed to equity - both in how we deliver care as well as our workforce. We are committed to building a broadly diverse community, nurturing a culture that is welcoming and supportive, and engaging diverse ideas for the provision of culturally competent education, discovery, and patient care. Additional information about UCSF is available here.
Join us to find a rewarding career contributing to improving healthcare worldwide.
Equal Employment Opportunity
The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.
Salary Information
The final salary and offer components are subject to additional approvals based on UC policy.
Your placement within the salary range is dependent on a number of factors including your work experience and internal equity within this position classification at UCSF. For positions that are represented by a labor union, placement within the salary range will be guided by the rules in the collective bargaining agreement.
To learn more about the benefits of working at UCSF, including total compensation, please visit: https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/compensation-and-benefits/index.html

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