"Sleep Technicians” are the people who work at the sleep lab and conduct the sleep study. Their job is to attach the monitoring equipment to your body and then observe the recordings on a computer through the night. They are also there to ensure your safety during your stay and to answer any questions you might have about the procedure.

After your night in the sleep lab, a qualified sleep specialist will analyze your sleep study. This involves isolating any irregularities in your sleep patterns or your breathing. Often they will be trying to determine if you stopped breathing while you were sleeping and if you did they will count how many times this occurred. If you had a split night study, they will compare your diagnostic portion to the treatment portion to determine how effective the CPAP was for you. A summary report will be prepared outlining these things and this will determine the severity of your condition.

In many sleep laboratories, coveted day shifts are often given to lead technicians who have been with the sleep center longer. In addition, day shift technologists often take on additional managerial duties.

This person obtains artifact free sleep recordings. Observes essential clinical findings and titrates and administers the appropriate therapies and/or treatments. Assesses and determines clinical relevance to clinical and/or behavioral situations. Maintains compliance with all established policies and procedures in accordance with quality, efficiency, safety, standard of care and regulatory functions. Communicates with patients in a professional manner providing factual information regarding sleep disorders as it relates to polysomnography. Independently scores and reports the sleep record to accurately reflect and quantify the sleep physiology. Completes all assigned technical and administrative functions that lead to a proficient working environment.
Performs other duties as instructed by supervisor.

Requirements: CPR certification, One year sleep technology preferred.

Registered Polysomnographic Technologist (RPSGT)

Annual salary range: $44,320 - 55,607

The region of the country with the highest compensation for RPSGTs was the Middle Atlantic area. Here, the average salary was $67,809. The lowest was in the West South Central United States where the average salary was $40,514.

Lead Sleep Technologist

Direct supervision of 4-10 Technicians/Technologists. Main responsibilities include oversite of day to day operations, clinical/technical training, equipment maintenance and scoring.

Minimum of 5 years experience as a Sleep Technologist. BRPT registry.
Minimum of 3 years as a Supervisor or Manager.

Technical Specialist

Performance of daytime PSGs and MSLT/MWT, chart reviews, nighttime relief, scoring, follow-up program and CPAP clinic. Clear and concise documentation. Infection control.

This position is designed for the Technologist who is fast paced and likes deadlines. Organizational skills are a must. Works well with people and communicates effectively. Technologist may be required to multi-task and prioritize workload. Registry preferred. One (1) year experience as a registered night tech preferred. Must have a thorough knowledge of sleep technology and sleep physiology.
 

Sleep physician

Annual salary range: $68,000 - 212,000

For sleep physicians, the most lucrative states were in the South Atlantic region (average salary $212,000) and the least lucrative were the Mountain states ($68,000).

Sleep center CEO, owner, VP

Annual salary range: $70,000 - 180,000