Occupation · SOC 29-2012.01
Histology Technicians
Prepare histological slides from tissue sections for microscopic examination and diagnosis by pathologists. May assist with research studies.
Median wage
$54,270
$36,380–$87,540
Projected growth
—
—
Annual openings
—
per year
Employed (US)
3,124,620
Job Zone 3
Typical preparation
Medium preparation
Stackable credential programs
195 mapped
Core skills
Active ListeningCritical ThinkingReading ComprehensionMonitoringComplex Problem SolvingJudgment and Decision MakingSpeakingScience
Knowledge areas
ChemistryBiologyEnglish LanguageAdministrative
Technology & tools
Label making softwareMedical softwareData base user interface and query softwareSpreadsheet softwareOffice suite software
Representative tasks
Cut sections of body tissues for microscopic examination, using microtomes.Embed tissue specimens into paraffin wax blocks, or infiltrate tissue specimens with wax.Mount tissue specimens on glass slides.Load slides onto staining equipment.
Competency framework
Skill expectations by proficiency level.
emerging
Microtome sections — identify and handle under direct supervision during initial tissue-cutting exercises in a clinical histology laboratory.Paraffin wax embedding — follow step-by-step protocols to infiltrate and block tissue specimens under technician guidance in a hospital lab setting.Glass slide mounting — perform basic tissue placement on slides using established procedures with close oversight in a histopathology department.Staining reagents and dyes — apply standard hematoxylin and eosin protocols to prepared tissue sections under direct supervision in a histology lab.Frozen tissue specimens — execute cryostat freezing steps following written standard operating procedures with a senior technician present.Computerized tissue processors — operate dehydration and decalcification cycles using preset programs under supervised conditions in a clinical lab.Diagnostic material archives — locate, retrieve, and re-file histologic slides and paraffin blocks according to established laboratory filing systems.Laboratory equipment maintenance — perform basic cleaning and routine checks on water baths and embedding centers following posted checklists.Laboratory safety protocols — recognize and follow chemical handling and biohazard disposal procedures in compliance with facility guidelines.Laboratory software tools — enter specimen data into database and label-making applications with guidance from senior staff in a histology workflow.
developing
Microtome technique — cut consistently thin and artifact-free tissue sections at varying thicknesses across routine specimen types in a mid-volume histology lab.Paraffin wax infiltration — embed diverse tissue specimens independently, adjusting processing parameters to account for specimen size and density.Slide mounting quality — mount multiple tissue sections per slide with reliable orientation and minimal wrinkles during routine daily caseloads.Differential staining procedures — select and apply a range of special stains beyond H&E, adapting protocols to specific tissue requirements in a diagnostic lab.Frozen section processing — prepare and section cryostat specimens within intraoperative time constraints, communicating readiness to surgical staff.Tissue processor operation — manage full dehydration, clearing, and infiltration cycles on computerized equipment, troubleshooting common process interruptions.Archive management — organize and maintain histologic slide and block archives accurately across an ongoing caseload, ensuring chain-of-custody compliance.Preventive equipment maintenance — inspect and calibrate microtomes, immunostainers, and water baths on scheduled cycles, documenting findings in lab records.Time management under workload — prioritize concurrent specimen processing tasks to meet turnaround-time targets in a busy pathology department.Laboratory documentation — compose accurate electronic records, worksheet entries, and inter-departmental emails using office suite and medical software tools.
proficient
Complex tissue sectioning — produce high-quality sections from challenging specimens including bone, adipose, and small biopsies without supervision in a full-service pathology lab.Advanced embedding protocols — adapt paraffin wax and alternative embedding media to non-routine specimen types, resolving processing artifacts independently.Immunohistochemical slide preparation — coordinate antigen retrieval, antibody application, and counterstaining steps on automated immunostainers for diagnostic panels.Special staining optimization — evaluate staining outcomes, adjust reagent concentrations and timing, and validate modified protocols against quality control standards.Intraoperative frozen section workflow — manage the complete frozen section cycle from receipt to microscopic evaluation support, ensuring surgical decision timelines are met.Instrument troubleshooting — diagnose and resolve mechanical and software issues across microtomes, tissue processors, and mass spectrometers, minimizing lab downtime.Archive integrity oversight — audit histologic slide and block inventories, implement retrieval systems, and ensure long-term preservation standards are maintained.Quality assurance monitoring — conduct ongoing review of stain quality, sectioning consistency, and equipment performance metrics, initiating corrective action when needed.Critical interpretation support — apply deductive reasoning to flag tissue artifacts or processing errors to pathologists, contributing to accurate diagnostic outcomes.Cross-functional coordination — liaise with surgical, pathology, and administrative teams to manage specimen flow, resolve discrepancies, and maintain reporting accuracy.
advanced
Laboratory workflow design — develop and implement optimized tissue processing and staining workflows that increase throughput and diagnostic quality across the histology department.Protocol development and validation — author, validate, and approve new staining, embedding, and sectioning protocols in alignment with accreditation and regulatory standards.Staff training and mentorship — design competency-based orientation curricula and provide ongoing mentorship to emerging and developing histology technicians.Quality management leadership — lead laboratory-wide quality assurance programs, oversee proficiency testing, and drive continuous improvement initiatives in a CAP-accredited lab.Equipment procurement and evaluation — assess, recommend, and oversee installation of new instruments including immunostainers and digital pathology platforms, managing vendor relationships.Regulatory compliance oversight — ensure departmental adherence to CLIA, CAP, and OSHA standards, leading inspection preparation and responding to findings.Archive and data governance — establish policies for long-term retention, digital archiving, and retrieval of diagnostic materials, integrating with laboratory information systems.Interdepartmental strategic collaboration — partner with pathology, surgery, oncology, and administration leadership to align histology services with institutional clinical priorities.Budget and resource management — develop annual operational budgets for reagents, equipment, and staffing, analyzing expenditure trends to optimize departmental resources.Professional and scientific contribution — represent the histology discipline through presentations, participation in professional associations, and contributions to best-practice guidelines.
Also known as
14 alternate job titles map to this occupation.
HistotechnologistHistology ConsultantClinical Histology Technician (Clinical Histology Tech)HistologistHistologic AideMohs Technician (Mohs Tech)Certified Histologic Technician (Certified Histologic Tech)Histology Laboratory AideHistology CoordinatorHistotechnicianHistology Technician (HT)Histology Lab Assistant (Histology Laboratory Assistant)Histology AssistantHistologic Technician (HT)