Occupation · SOC 29-2011.04
Histotechnologists
Apply knowledge of health and disease causes to evaluate new laboratory techniques and procedures to examine tissue samples. Process and prepare histological slides from tissue sections for microscopic examination and diagnosis by pathologists. May solve technical or instrument problems or assist with research studies.
Median wage
$54,270
$36,380–$87,540
Projected growth
+1.7%
Slower than average
Annual openings
600
per year
Employed (US)
3,124,620
Job Zone 4
Typical preparation
Considerable preparation
Stackable credential programs
161 mapped
Core skills
Reading ComprehensionCritical ThinkingMonitoringJudgment and Decision MakingActive LearningOperations MonitoringActive ListeningSpeaking
Knowledge areas
BiologyProduction and ProcessingChemistryCustomer and Personal ServiceEnglish Language
Technology & tools
Label making softwareMedical softwareData base user interface and query softwareSpreadsheet softwareOffice suite software
Representative tasks
Embed tissue specimens into paraffin wax blocks, or infiltrate tissue specimens with wax.Cut sections of body tissues for microscopic examination, using microtomes.Stain tissue specimens with dyes or other chemicals to make cell details visible under microscopes.Cut sections of body tissues for microscopic examination, using microtomes or cryostats.Select and maintain controls for stains.
Competency framework
Skill expectations by proficiency level.
emerging
Paraffin wax embedding procedure — execute under direct supervision to infiltrate tissue specimens in a clinical histology laboratory.Microtome sectioning technique — perform basic cuts of body tissues for microscopic examination under close technologist guidance.Routine staining protocols — apply standard hematoxylin and eosin dyes to tissue specimens following written step-by-step instructions.Slide compilation packets — assemble surgical working drafts, requisitions, and labeled slides for pathologist review under supervisor direction.Laboratory maintenance logs — record preventive maintenance entries and instrument performance checks according to established schedules and regulations.Physician test instructions — carry out designated histological tests by following prescribed written orders with minimal deviation.Computerized tissue-processing equipment — operate dehydration and decalcification instruments under direct oversight in a regulated lab environment.Reagent and stain preparation — mix standard solutions and dilutions for histological specimens by strictly adhering to written protocols.Near-vision inspection skills — recognize cellular detail and specimen quality issues during routine slide review under supervisor guidance.Laboratory safety and compliance rules — identify and follow departmental protocols for chemical handling and personal protective equipment use.
developing
Tissue infiltration and embedding workflow — independently embed a variety of specimen types in paraffin wax with consistent quality in a mid-volume histology lab.Microtome section quality — routinely produce thin, artifact-free tissue sections across common tissue types with limited supervisory review.Special staining procedures — apply a range of histochemical stains beyond routine H&E, adapting technique to specimen characteristics in a clinical setting.Pathologist distribution packages — compile and verify complete slide sets, requisitions, and case documentation with accuracy and time efficiency.Instrument performance monitoring — track and evaluate equipment function trends from maintenance logs, escalating anomalies to senior staff as needed.Decalcification and microincineration operations — run computerized laboratory instruments for specialized tissue processing with routine proficiency.Reagent quality control — prepare, label, and verify reagents and dilutions against quality standards, documenting results in laboratory information systems.Critical thinking in specimen assessment — identify suboptimal tissue quality or staining artifacts and apply corrective steps within familiar problem scenarios.Time management in a multi-case workload — prioritize and sequence processing tasks to meet surgical pathology turnaround benchmarks.Laboratory data entry and records management — utilize database and spreadsheet software to maintain accurate specimen tracking and QC documentation.
proficient
Complex tissue embedding decisions — autonomously select and execute appropriate embedding media and orientation strategies for challenging or rare specimen types.Advanced microtomy techniques — produce high-quality sections from calcified, fatty, or friable tissues, troubleshooting cutting artifacts without supervision.Comprehensive staining repertoire — design and optimize immunohistochemical and special stain protocols to meet diagnostic requirements across diverse case types.Case material integration — compile, audit, and validate complete pathology case packages including slides, reports, and ancillary data for complex surgical cases.Regulatory compliance oversight — independently ensure all maintenance records and QC documentation meet CAP, CLIA, and institutional regulatory standards.Non-routine test execution — interpret and adapt physician instructions for novel or infrequently requested histological tests, applying deductive reasoning to resolve ambiguities.Instrument optimization — evaluate computerized tissue-processing platforms for efficiency and output quality, adjusting program parameters to improve specimen outcomes.Reagent and protocol development — formulate new staining solutions and validate procedural modifications against established diagnostic benchmarks in a laboratory environment.Problem sensitivity in quality control — detect subtle pre-analytical and analytical errors across the full histology workflow and implement corrective actions independently.Interprofessional communication — convey complex technical findings and procedural concerns clearly to pathologists, clinicians, and lab leadership through written and verbal channels.
advanced
Histology program strategic direction — set departmental goals, standards, and resource plans for a high-volume histopathology laboratory aligned with institutional priorities.Novel protocol innovation — lead validation and implementation of cutting-edge tissue processing and staining technologies, authoring standard operating procedures adopted lab-wide.Quality management system leadership — design and oversee a comprehensive QA/QC framework encompassing instrument performance, reagent control, and regulatory audit readiness.Workforce development and mentorship — develop training curricula and competency assessment programs that elevate emerging and developing histotechnologists across the department.Cross-functional pathology integration — collaborate with pathologists, molecular diagnostics, and surgical teams to optimize specimen handling pathways that improve diagnostic accuracy.Regulatory and accreditation stewardship — represent the laboratory during CAP and CLIA inspections, leading corrective action plans and continuous improvement initiatives.Laboratory information systems governance — direct the configuration and optimization of LIS and database platforms to ensure accurate, efficient specimen data management at scale.Budget and operational accountability — manage procurement, equipment lifecycle planning, and staffing allocations to sustain laboratory performance within fiscal constraints.Research and scholarly contribution — lead applied histology research projects and disseminate findings through presentations and publications to advance the profession.Organizational culture and integrity — model and institutionalize values of accuracy, dependability, and intellectual curiosity that define laboratory excellence and patient safety outcomes.
Also known as
10 alternate job titles map to this occupation.
HistotechnologistHistology Lab Manager (Histology Laboratory Manager)HistologistMohs Technician (Micrographically Oriented Histographic Surgery Technician)Histology SpecialistHistology TechnologistGrossing Technician (Grossing Tech)HistotechnicianHistocompatibility TechnologistClinical Lab Manager (Clinical Laboratory Manager)