Histotechnologists

29-2011.04 Zone 4 — Considerable Preparation Needed

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.

Also known as: Clinical Lab Manager (Clinical Laboratory Manager), Grossing Technician (Grossing Tech), Histocompatibility Technologist, Histologist, Histology Lab Manager (Histology Laboratory Manager), Histology Specialist, Histology Technologist, Histotechnician, ...

Annual Salary

$61,890

Median annual wage (May 2024)

$46,580 25th – 75th percentile $80,010
10th percentile $38,020
90th percentile $97,990
U.S. Employment: 343,040

Job Outlook

Outlook data not available.

What You'd Do

  • Compile and maintain records of preventive maintenance and instrument performance checks according to schedule and regulations.
  • Compile materials for distribution to pathologists, such as surgical working drafts, requisitions, and slides.
  • Cut sections of body tissues for microscopic examination, using microtomes.
  • Embed tissue specimens into paraffin wax blocks, or infiltrate tissue specimens with wax.
  • Examine slides under microscopes to ensure tissue preparation meets laboratory requirements.
  • Identify tissue structures or cell components to be used in the diagnosis, prevention, or treatment of diseases.
  • Operate computerized laboratory equipment to dehydrate, decalcify, or microincinerate tissue samples.
  • Perform procedures associated with histochemistry to prepare specimens for immunofluorescence or microscopy.
  • Perform tests by following physician instructions.
  • Prepare or use prepared tissue specimens for teaching, research or diagnostic purposes.

Top Skills

Reading Comprehension 3.5
Judgment and Decision Making 3.4
Critical Thinking 3.4
Monitoring 3.4
Active Listening 3.3
Speaking 3.3
Active Learning 3.3
Complex Problem Solving 3.3

Importance scale: 1 (low) – 5 (high)

Knowledge Areas

Biology 4.0
Production and Processing 3.5
Chemistry 3.5
Customer and Personal Service 3.4
English Language 3.2
Administrative 3.1
Education and Training 3.0
Mathematics 3.0

Importance scale: 1 (low) – 5 (high)

Education Level Distribution

Percentage of workers in this occupation by education level

Bachelor's
42.9%
Associate's
19.1%
Certificate
14.3%
Master's
9.5%
High School
4.8%
Some College
4.8%
Post-Bacc Cert
4.8%

Technology & Tools

Software and tools commonly used in this role

In-Demand Technologies

MEDITECH software Microsoft Access Microsoft Excel Microsoft Office software Microsoft Outlook Microsoft Word

Other Tools

Brady Specimen Labeling System Cerner Millennium Laboratory information system LIS Presentation software Specimen labeling system software Spreadsheet software

Work Styles

Personality traits and work styles important for this career

3.0
Attention to Detail
2.7
Dependability
2.4
Cautiousness
2.1
Integrity
2.0
Intellectual Curiosity
1.7
Achievement Orientation
1.7
Perseverance

Key Abilities

Cognitive, physical, and sensory abilities important for this role

Near Vision 4.0
Written Comprehension 3.8
Oral Comprehension 3.5
Arm-Hand Steadiness 3.5
Oral Expression 3.4
Written Expression 3.4
Problem Sensitivity 3.4
Selective Attention 3.3

Importance scale: 1 (low) – 5 (high)

Work Activities

General types of job behaviors occurring on this job

Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials 4.1
Documenting/Recording Information 4.1
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates 4.0
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards 3.9
Making Decisions and Solving Problems 3.8
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings 3.8
Getting Information 3.7
Working with Computers 3.7

Importance scale: 1 (low) – 5 (high)

Work Environment

Physical and social factors that influence the nature of work

Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
5.0
Time Pressure
4.9
Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
4.8
Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection
4.8
Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions
4.7
E-Mail
4.7
Exposed to Hazardous Conditions
4.7
Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
4.5
Importance of Repeating Same Tasks
4.5
Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
4.4
Exposed to Contaminants
4.4
Telephone Conversations
4.3

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Salary data: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2024. Outlook data: BLS Employment Projections, 2024–2034.

This page includes information from the O*NET 30.2 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license.