Histology Technicians
Histology technicians prepare tissue samples for examination under microscopes by pathologists, who use these slides to diagnose diseases. Most work in hospitals, diagnostic laboratories, or medical research facilities, handling samples from biopsies, surgeries, and autopsies. The work requires precision and attention to detail in following standardized procedures.
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A day in the work
A histology technician processes tissue samples through multiple stages: cutting thin sections from preserved tissues, staining slides with dyes to highlight different structures, and mounting coverslips. Days involve operating specialized equipment like microtomes and staining machines, documenting samples, and quality-checking slides before they go to pathologists. Work may include assisting with research projects or training new staff, with tasks varying by lab type and size.
Who this work suits
Holland code RIC. Realistic work is hands-on, practical work with tools, machines or the outdoors. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You're well-suited for this work if you're detail-oriented and enjoy solving practical problems through systematic procedures. You likely appreciate understanding how things work and prefer hands-on lab work over desk tasks, with strong interest in how biology relates to real medical outcomes.
What it takes
Preparation: Medium preparation (vocational training, an associate degree, or related experience). Most people in this occupation hold an associate degree.
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Who is hiring
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New York | $65,890 | $97,280 | $120,900 | 16,460 |
| Oregon | $62,360 | $83,010 | $102,950 | 2,660 |
| New Hampshire | $57,360 | $81,020 | $90,310 | 800 |
| Massachusetts | $54,020 | $79,120 | $99,130 | 10,850 |
| Vermont | $65,610 | $78,680 | $96,530 | 460 |
| District of Columbia | $58,600 | $76,560 | $102,560 | 960 |
| California | $56,700 | $76,010 | $89,480 | 29,210 |
| Rhode Island | $50,420 | $75,780 | $83,490 | 1,060 |
| Minnesota | $61,430 | $74,440 | $80,920 | 7,190 |
| Washington | $56,160 | $72,760 | $97,590 | 7,430 |
| Illinois | $53,820 | $71,950 | $82,880 | 10,330 |
| Colorado | $52,930 | $70,050 | $87,780 | 5,000 |
All 50 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico
Certifications people in this field hold
- Certified Hemodialysis Technician (CHT) — Board of Nephrology Examiners Technology Nursing
- Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) — American Society for Clinical Pathology
- Medical Labratory Technician (MLT) — American Medical Technologists
- Certified Clinical Hemodialysis Technician - Advanced (CCHT-A) — Nephrology Nursing Certification Commission
- Medical Laboratory Technician Generalist Certification (MLT(AAB)) — AAB - Board of Registry
- Certified Clinical Hemodialysis Technician (CCHT) — Nephrology Nursing Certification Commission
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Job titles in this occupation
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against histology technicians and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 29-2012.01 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.