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Sleep Technologist Trainee Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Job Summary The Polysomnographic Technologist I is responsible for performing a variety of sleep ... Licensed with the Medical Board of California for Polysomnographic Technologist or Trainee.

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

... sleep better, and live with more intention and positivity. We're seeking a highly adaptable ... Support live virtual training experiences, including technology management, participant support ...

Sleep Technologist Trainee information

See California salary details

$9

$30

$46

How much do sleep technologist trainee jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for sleep technologist trainee in California is $30.07, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.18 and $33.22 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a sleep technologist trainee?

Sleep Technologist Trainees are entry-level professionals who are learning to conduct sleep studies and assist in diagnosing sleep disorders under the supervision of experienced sleep technologists. Their responsibilities typically include preparing patients for overnight sleep studies, monitoring equipment, observing patient sleep patterns, and recording data for physician review. Trainees often receive on-the-job training and may work toward certifications as they gain experience in the field. This role is essential for ensuring accurate data collection and patient safety during sleep studies.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a sleep technologist trainee?

To thrive as a Sleep Technologist Trainee, you need foundational knowledge of human physiology, basic patient care, and a high school diploma or equivalent, with many employers preferring some healthcare background. Familiarity with polysomnography equipment, sleep study software, and basic computer systems is important, and trainees often pursue certification such as the Registered Polysomnographic Technologist (RPSGT) credential. Strong attention to detail, effective communication, and the ability to work overnight shifts are crucial soft skills for this role. These skills and qualities ensure accurate data collection, patient comfort, and the successful diagnosis and treatment of sleep disorders.

What challenges does a sleep technologist trainee face during their initial months on the job?

Sleep Technologist Trainees often find the transition into hands-on patient care and mastering complex diagnostic equipment to be the most challenging aspects early on. Learning to recognize and accurately document various sleep stages, respiratory events, and movement disorders requires careful attention to detail and continuous practice. Additionally, adapting to overnight shifts and managing patient comfort throughout the study can be demanding. However, close supervision from experienced technologists and structured training protocols help trainees build confidence and competence over time.

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

AspectSleep Technologist TraineeSleep Technologist
CertificationsTypically in training, may not yet have certificationsCertified Sleep Technologist (CST) or equivalent required
Work EnvironmentTraining environment, supervised clinical settingsIndependent work in sleep labs, hospitals, clinics
Job ResponsibilitiesAssisting with procedures, learning equipment, observingPerforming sleep studies, analyzing data, patient care

The main difference is that Sleep Technologist Trainees are in training and gaining experience under supervision, while Sleep Technologists are fully qualified professionals responsible for conducting sleep studies independently. Trainees focus on learning, whereas technologists perform the full scope of duties in sleep disorder diagnosis and treatment.

What are the most commonly searched types of Sleep Technologist jobs in California?

The most popular types of Sleep Technologist jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Sleep Technologist Trainee jobs in California?

For Sleep Technologist Trainee jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Sleep Technologist Trainee jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Sleep Technologist Trainee jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Sleep Technologist Trainee jobs?

Cities in California with the most Sleep Technologist Trainee job openings:

Infographic showing various Sleep Technologist Trainee job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, and 33% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $62,541 per year, or $30.1 per hour.

Polysomnographic Technologist I (Evening)

CHOC

Mission Viejo, CA • On-site

$45.21 - $56.28/hr

Other

Re-posted yesterday


Job description

Polysomnographic Technologist I

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: 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)

• Preferred: Registered Respiratory Therap y (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.