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Sleep Tech Trainee Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

... with sleep and wake disorders under the direct oversight of a Polysomnography Technologist ... Registered from Medical Board of California Polysomnographic trainee or technicianRegistered ...

On the job trainee with two (2) years experiencePreferred: Registered Polysomnographic Technologist ... Required: On the job training candidates two (2) years experience in a Sleep Disorders ...

EMS Trainer

Redlands, CA · On-site

$35 - $45/hr

Oversees and documents all aspects of the training program to ensure that the trainee is prepared ... The employee will occasionally go for periods of time without sleep, food, or breaks as determined ...

Oversees and documents all aspects of the training program to ensure that the trainee is prepared ... The employee will occasionally go for periods of time without sleep, food, or breaks as determined ...

Sleep Tech Trainee information

See California salary details

$8

$30

$58

How much do sleep tech trainee jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for sleep tech trainee in California is $30.45, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.79 and $34.62 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Sleep Tech Trainee?

A Sleep Tech Trainee is an entry-level healthcare professional who is training to become a sleep technologist. They assist in conducting sleep studies, monitoring patients overnight, and collecting data related to sleep disorders under the supervision of a registered sleep technologist. The trainee learns to use specialized equipment, recognize sleep patterns, and ensure patient safety throughout the study. This role is typically the first step toward becoming a certified sleep technologist, requiring additional training and certification.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Sleep Tech Trainee, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Sleep Tech Trainee, you need basic knowledge of human physiology, attention to detail, and typically a high school diploma or equivalent as an entry requirement. Familiarity with polysomnography equipment, patient monitoring systems, and CPR certification is often expected. Strong observational skills, effective communication, and a calm demeanor help build rapport with patients and ensure accurate data collection. These skills are critical for delivering quality sleep studies, ensuring patient safety, and supporting accurate diagnoses by supervising clinicians.

What are some common challenges faced by Sleep Tech Trainees during their initial months on the job?

As a Sleep Tech Trainee, one of the most common challenges is adapting to overnight shifts and maintaining alertness throughout long study sessions. Trainees also need to quickly learn how to operate complex polysomnography equipment and accurately recognize sleep stages and events. Building effective communication with patients—who may be anxious or unfamiliar with the process—is another key challenge. However, with mentorship from experienced technologists and ongoing hands-on training, most trainees become comfortable and proficient within a few months.

What is the difference between Sleep Tech Trainee vs Sleep Technologist?

AspectSleep Tech TraineeSleep Technologist
CertificationsTypically no certifications required initially; may pursue credentials like RPSGTRequires certification such as RPSGT or equivalent
Work EnvironmentTraining settings, labs, or clinics under supervisionIndependent work in sleep labs, hospitals, or clinics
Job ResponsibilitiesAssisting with sleep studies, learning proceduresConducting sleep studies, analyzing data, patient care

In summary, a Sleep Tech Trainee is in the learning phase, often working under supervision and not yet certified, while a Sleep Technologist is a fully qualified professional responsible for conducting sleep studies and analyzing data. The trainee role is a stepping stone toward becoming a certified Sleep Technologist.

What are the most commonly searched types of Sleep Tech jobs in California? The most popular types of Sleep Tech jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Sleep Tech Trainee jobs in California? For Sleep Tech Trainee jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Sleep Tech Trainee jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Sleep Tech Trainee jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Sleep Tech Trainee jobs? Cities in California with the most Sleep Tech Trainee job openings:
Infographic showing various Sleep Tech Trainee job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, and 25% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $63,344 per year, or $30.5 per hour.

Polysomnographic Technologist I (Nights)

Rch

Orange, CA

$45.21 - $56.28/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 7 days ago


Job description

Work Location

Mission Viejo, California


Work Shift

Night - 12hrs (United States of America)

Why CHOC?

At CHOC, we strive to be the leading destination of children's health by providing exceptional and innovative care. We are responsible for the overall health of our community's pediatric population in our hospitals, clinics, and practices. And because of our breadth of care, your career at CHOC can be as diverse and fulfilling as you determine. CHOC's compensation structure, benefits offerings, and career development programs are geared to helping you achieve your professional and personal goals. Apply now to see where your career at CHOC can take you.

Environmental Sustainability Statement

Driven by the connection between children's health and a healthy environment, we commit to creating a healthcare model that incorporates environmental sustainability aligned with our mission to protect children's health and patient safety.

Job Summary

The Polysomnographic Technologist I is responsible for performing a variety of sleep studies on infants and children to include calibrations, monitoring equipment set-up, and scoring based on the American Academy of Sleep Medicine Guidelines. Processes all documentation in order to provide accurate information to the physician.

Pay Range

Minimum $34.11 Midpoint $45.21 Maximum $56.28

Rate of pay is determined by various factors, including but not limited to knowledge, skills, competencies, experience, education, as well as position requirements.

Experience

Required: Minimum one (1) year of direct patient care experience in Sleep Disorders, EEG or Respiratory Therapy.

Preferred: Additional work experience in Respiratory Care and/or EEG Testing. Both Digital and Analog equipment experience preferred. BiPAP, oxygen titration and ETCO2 experience preferred.

Education

Required: High School Diploma/ GED or equivalent and completion of Polysomnography workshops, courses, seminars, and/or comparable experience in an EEG/Respiratory and/or Sleep Disorders Laboratory.

Preferred: Associate Degree. Some college course work or Allied Health course work with EEG or Sleep Laboratory experience preferred.

Training

Required: License through the Medical Board of California.

Preferred: All Technologist conducting sleep testing who are not registered by the ABSM, BRPT, or NBRC: Must be enrolled in or have completed the A-STEP online Self Study Modules within two (2) years of enrollment. It is strongly advised that SDS certification achieved with two (2) years.

Specialized Skills

Required: Desire to work with children and their families is essential. Ability to communicate technical and/or clinical observations and accurately score records. Ability to set goals and judge results in accordance with the highest standards and respect; advance care through development of new ideas and technology; promote teamwork to achieve CHOC's mission; and understand and exceed customer expectations, effectively solve complex patient care and organizational problems, role model positive and professional behavior.

Preferred: Bilingual in English/ Spanish. Proficient in the use and theory of all equipment relating to sleep diagnostic testing.

Licensure

Required:

Requirements: RPSGT (Registered Polysomnographic Technologist) with BRPT (Board of Polysomnographic Technologist) or Board eligible. RPSGT must be obtained within one year of hire date. Licensed with the Medical Board of California for Polysomnographic Technologist or Trainee. Polysomnographic technologist license must be obtained with one year of hire date; Basic Life Support (BLS); Ped Emerg Assess Recog & Stabil (PEARS) - preferred within 90 days of hire.

Preferred: Registered Respiratory Therapy (RRT).

Work Environments - Functional Demand:

Medium - High energy level Lift and carry 40-50 lbs. Push/pull +/- 150-200 lbs. (Patients on bed, stretcher) Lateral transfer 150-200 lbs. (ie. Patient) .Physical Activity Requirements:Bending, Carry Objects, Climbing, Keyboard use/repetitive motion, Pinching/fine motor activities, Push/Pull, Reaching forward, Reaching overhead, Sitting, Squat/kneel/crawl (Squad & Knee), Standing, Talk or hear, Taste or smell, Twisting, Walking, Wrist position deviation

Physical Activity Lifting

Lifting (Floor to waist level) - Constant 67 or more%, Lifting (Floor to waist level) - Frequent 36-66%, Lifting (Floor to waist level) - Occasional 0-35%, Lifting (Waist level and above) - Constant 67 or more%, Lifting (Waist level and above) - Frequent 36-66%, Lifting (Waist level and above) - Occasional 0-35%

Sensory Requirements:

Color Discrimination, Depth Perception, Far Vision, Hearing, Near Vision

Environment Requirements:

Airborn Communicable Disease, Bloodborne Pathogens, Chemical, Dust Particular Matter, Extreme Noise Levels, Extreme Temperatures, Radiation, Uneven Surfaces or Elevations

Non-Discrimination Statement:

CHOC does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, marital status, genetic information, disability, sex, gender (including pregnancy, breastfeeding, childbirth, lactation or related medical conditions), gender identity or expression, medical condition, sexual orientation, veteran status, military or uniformed service member status, or other protected characteristics in accordance with state and federal laws. CHOC will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories, in accordance with the Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring.

We encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply for positions at CHOC, even if your experience doesn't align perfectly with the listed qualifications for a particular role, as your unique experience may be a great addition to our culture for another one of our opportunities.

If you desire support or accommodations throughout the Talent Acquisition process, please inform your Talent Acquisition Partner.