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Histotechnologists

Typical education: Bachelor's degreeHigh pressure

What they do

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.

Kinds of work

  • Investigative: Science, research, figuring out how things work and solving complex problems.
  • Realistic: Hands-on work with tools, machines, plants or animals, often outdoors.
  • Conventional: Organizing information, following clear procedures and working with data and details.

High pressure: How much pressure workers in this job report: deadlines, conflict, dealing with upset people, the cost of mistakes, responsibility for others' safety, competition and long hours. It varies a lot from one employer to the next. Source: U.S. Department of Labor worker surveys.

Pay, tasks and more

Salary

United States $62,930 Median per year · $30.26/hr Most earn $38,910–$100,990

BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, 2025.

What you might do

  • Perform procedures associated with histochemistry to prepare specimens for immunofluorescence or microscopy.
  • Examine slides under microscopes to ensure tissue preparation meets laboratory requirements.
  • Prepare or use prepared tissue specimens for teaching, research or diagnostic purposes.
  • Supervise histology laboratory activities.
  • Compile and maintain records of preventive maintenance and instrument performance checks according to schedule and regulations.
  • Perform tests by following physician instructions.

Job outlook

United States
3% more jobs by 2035, about as fast as average · about 20,800 openings a year

Openings include new jobs and jobs left by workers who retire or change careers. Projections: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. "Bright Outlook": U.S. Department of Labor.

Where they work

The Bureau of Labor Statistics doesn't break this career out by industry.

Experience before this job: 6 months to 1 year

Career path

How people usually get into this career, from school to their first job and beyond.

Typical education: Bachelor's degreeExperience before this job: 6 months to 1 year

Histotechnologist is not usually an entry-level job straight out of school. Most people earn a bachelor's degree and then spend roughly 6 months to 1 year gaining hands-on lab experience before working in this role.

  1. High school diploma with strong science classes

    4 years

    Biology, chemistry, and anatomy build the foundation you need for a college science major and for lab work.

  2. Bachelor's degree in biology, chemistry, or a related science

    4 years

    A four-year degree teaches lab techniques, tissue biology, and how diseases affect the body, which histotechnologists use every day.

  3. Histology Technician

    6 months to 1 year

    You prepare tissue samples, run staining and processing equipment, and learn the daily routine of a histology lab under supervision, building the hands-on skill needed for the next step.

  4. Histotechnologist

    Ongoing

    You process and prepare histological slides for pathologists to examine, solve instrument problems, and may help with research studies.

Where it can lead

  1. Senior Histotechnologist

    3-5 years of experience first

    You take on more complex tests, train newer staff, and troubleshoot harder equipment and technique problems with less supervision.

  2. Laboratory Supervisor

    5+ years of experience first

    You oversee a team's schedule, quality checks, and daily workflow, and you need strong organization and communication skills along with lab expertise.

What you can do now

Ideas for high school and college students.

In high school

  • Take biology, chemistry, and anatomyThese classes introduce the science behind tissues, cells, and disease that you will use in this career.
  • Join a science club or competition teamScience clubs give you practice with careful lab work, following procedures, and presenting results.
  • Volunteer at a hospital or clinicVolunteering shows you how a healthcare lab fits into patient care and builds a reference for future jobs.
  • Get a starter job that teaches care and attention to detailJobs like a lab-adjacent or stockroom role, or any job with careful, step-by-step tasks, show employers you can follow precise procedures.

In college

  • Major in biology, chemistry, or a related scienceMost histotechnologist roles expect a bachelor's degree in a science field, and these majors cover the lab and tissue knowledge you will need.
  • Take lab-heavy courses such as histology, anatomy, or microbiology if offeredHands-on courses with tissue or microscope work give you the exact skills used on the job.
  • Work in a campus research labResearch lab jobs teach you to follow protocols, keep records, and troubleshoot equipment, all common in histology work.
  • Complete a summer internship at a hospital or pathology labInternships give you real experience that counts toward the 6 months to 1 year of prior work most employers expect.
  • Join a pre-health or science student organizationThese groups offer networking, guest speakers from healthcare, and a way to learn about professional certification options in histology.

Tips for getting started

  • Look for part-time or volunteer work in a hospital, clinic, or research lab early on. Real lab exposure is what employers look for after a degree.
  • Keep your grades strong in biology and chemistry, since most histotechnologist programs and job ads ask for a science degree.
  • Ask a histotechnologist or pathology lab worker if you can job-shadow them. Hearing what the day looks like helps you decide if this path fits you.

Related jobs that often lead here

Related jobs a step up

Education, experience and related careers: U.S. Department of Labor. The step-by-step path, where it can lead and what you can do now were written by AI as typical examples; many people take other ways.

College majors that lead here

Majors: U.S. Department of Education and BLS (CIP–SOC crosswalk). Earnings and debt: College Scorecard, typical across U.S. colleges.

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