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Pulmonary Function Testing Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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Pulmonary Function Testing information

See California salary details

$113.5K

$336.7K

$394.8K

How much do pulmonary function testing jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for pulmonary function testing in California is $336,719.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $296,100.00 and $394,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in Pulmonary Function Testing, and how can they be managed?

Professionals in Pulmonary Function Testing often encounter challenges such as ensuring accurate patient cooperation during tests, maintaining and calibrating sensitive equipment, and adapting to a fast-paced clinical environment. Clear communication with patients is crucial, as some may have anxiety or difficulty understanding instructions, which can impact test results. Staying updated with evolving testing protocols and collaborating closely with respiratory therapists, physicians, and other healthcare staff helps maintain high-quality care and supports continuous professional development.

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

AspectPulmonary Function TestingRespiratory Therapist
CredentialsOften requires specialized certification in pulmonary testingRequires respiratory therapy license and certification
Work EnvironmentClinics, hospitals, pulmonary labsHospitals, clinics, emergency settings
Job FocusAdministering and interpreting pulmonary testsManaging patient airway, ventilator support
Industry UsageUsed mainly in diagnostic settingsUsed in patient care and respiratory management

While both roles involve respiratory health, Pulmonary Function Testing specialists focus on conducting and analyzing lung function tests, whereas Respiratory Therapists provide broader patient respiratory care and support. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

What are pulmonary function testing (PFT) and what do they measure?

Pulmonary function testing (PFT) refers to a group of noninvasive tests that measure how well your lungs are working. These tests evaluate lung volume, capacity, rates of flow, and gas exchange to help diagnose and monitor various lung conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and other respiratory disorders. PFTs can help your doctor determine the severity of lung problems and how well treatments are working, providing essential information for ongoing care.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Pulmonary Function Technologist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Pulmonary Function Technologist, you need a solid background in respiratory care or allied health, typically with a relevant associate degree or certification such as Certified Pulmonary Function Technologist (CPFT) or Registered Pulmonary Function Technologist (RPFT). Proficiency in operating pulmonary function testing equipment, spirometers, and related diagnostic software is essential. Attention to detail, strong communication, and patient-focused interpersonal skills help ensure accurate results and a positive patient experience. These skills and qualifications are vital for providing reliable diagnostic data that guides effective respiratory care and treatment.
What cities in California are hiring for Pulmonary Function Testing jobs? Cities in California with the most Pulmonary Function Testing job openings:
Infographic showing various Pulmonary Function Testing job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, 1% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $336,719 per year, or $161.9 per hour.
Respiratory Therapist II - PER_DIEM 12 Hour Nights

Respiratory Therapist II - PER_DIEM 12 Hour Nights

Cedars Sinai

Los Angeles, CA

Other

Posted 5 days ago


Cedars-Sinai rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 129 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

37th of 997 rated hospitals


Job description

Every Skill. Every Effort. Everything We Have

When the work you do every single day has a crucial impact on the lives of others, every effort, every detail, and every second matters. This shared culture of happiness, passion and dedication pulses through Cedars-Sinai, and it's just one of the many reasons we've achieved our fifth consecutive Magnet designation for nursing excellence. Working with dedicated healthcare professionals, you will use brand new facilities. You will have everything needed to do something incredible for yourself and others. Join us, and discover why U.S. News & World Report has named us one of America's Best Hospitals!

Job Responsibilities:

The Respiratory Therapist II is an RCP who performs general ward therapy procedures including: 02 therapy, bland aerosol therapy, medicinal aerosol therapy, volume expansion therapy, bronchial hygiene procedures, CPR. You will also perform Adult Critical Care RT procedures including: setup and management of continuous invasive and non-invasive ventilator systems, specialty gases, and related monitoring and encouraging adjuncts. Training in of performance of Arterial Puncture for Blood Gas Analysis is required. You may pursue additional training in all "subspecialty services" provided by the CSMC Respiratory Care Services to include: management of Perinatal/ Pediatric Ventilator Systems and related adjuncts; Bronchoscopy Assist; Pulmonary Rehabilitation Center RT procedures; RT Order Entry System Operation. Once training is complete, a RT is encouraged to function as assigned in the subspecialty areas in which they have been trained and adjudged functionally proficient.

Additional primary duties and responsibilities that are only performed in the specific department(s) below: Pulmonary Function lab:
  • Schedules patient testing.
  • Verifies MD orders and diagnosis-based indications for testing.
  • Ensures pre-test pulmonary history and consent for exercise testing are complete, explains the purpose and side effects of ordered tests to patients.
  • Performs pulmonary function tests, exercise tests, arterial puncture.
  • Collates and submits verified results for pulmonologist interpretation.
  • Completes and submits patient billings.
  • Certified / Registered Pulmonary Function Tech upon hire.
  • Minimum of 1 year experience working in pulmonary function testing.
ABG Lab
  • Receives lab specimen from tube system for analysis.
  • Verify and validate patients information on the blood sample to test ordered.
  • Analyze blood sample per department policy and procedure.
  • Validate and report critical lab results to provider / patient's nurse.
  • Participate in lab correlation and linearity studies required by governing bodies.
  • Troubleshoot analyzer and perform minor maintenance on analyzer when required.
  • Performs quality control and proficiency testing sample analysis.
  • Adheres to blood gas lab safety and infection control policies.
 Job Qualifications:
  • Associates Degree in Respiratory Therapy (Bachelor's Degree highly preferred).
  • Two (2) years of experience as a respiratory therapist in an acute care facility.
  • State of California as a Respiratory Care Practitioner (RCP).
  • Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.
  • Current Advanced Life Support (ACLS) certification.
  • Current PALS

Cedars-Sinai is an EEO employer. Cedars-Sinai does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of the race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, ancestry, physical or mental disability, legally protected medical condition (cancer-related or genetic characteristics or any genetic information), marital status, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, age (40 or older), military and/or veteran status or any other basis protected by federal or state law. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please contact us by email at Applicant_Accommodation@cshs.org and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Requests for accommodation will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Please note that only inquiries concerning a request for reasonable accommodation will be responded to from this email address.


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