Histotechnologists: Career Profile
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.
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What Do Histotechnologists Perform?
The day-to-day responsibilities of histotechnologists include:
- 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.
- Compile materials for distribution to pathologists, such as surgical working drafts, requisitions, and slides.
- Compile and maintain records of preventive maintenance and instrument performance checks according to schedule and regulations.
- Perform tests by following physician instructions.
- Operate computerized laboratory equipment to dehydrate, decalcify, or microincinerate tissue samples.
- Prepare substances, such as reagents and dilution, and stains for histological specimens according to protocols.
Key Skills and Knowledge
Top histotechnologists rely on a mix of skills and domain knowledge.
Key Skills
The competencies most important for this role, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:
Core Knowledge
Related Job Titles
Common job titles for this role include:
- Clinical Lab Manager (Clinical Laboratory Manager)
- Grossing Technician (Grossing Tech)
- Histocompatibility Technologist
- Histologist
- Histology Lab Manager (Histology Laboratory Manager)
- Histology Specialist
- Histology Technologist
- Histotechnician
Employment and Demand
The U.S. employs around 1,612,133 histotechnologists working in the United States today. Demand is forecast to grow by +4.1% over the projection horizon.
How Much Do Histotechnologists Make?
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Annual median | $125,527 |
| Hourly median | $60.35 |
| 10th percentile | $69,493 |
| 25th percentile | $97,510 |
| 75th percentile | $153,544 |
| 90th percentile | $181,561 |
Pay can vary substantially based on experience, location, and industry.
Software Histotechnologists Use
- Medical software: MEDITECH software (hot technology)
- Data base user interface and query software: Microsoft Access (hot technology)
- Spreadsheet software: Microsoft Excel (hot technology)
- Office suite software: Microsoft Office software (hot technology)
- Electronic mail software: Microsoft Outlook (hot technology)
- Word processing software: Microsoft Word (hot technology)
The Day-to-Day Environment
The work environment for histotechnologists reflects the following characteristics:
- Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
- Time Pressure
- Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
- Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
- Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions
Getting Started in This Career
Entry-level histotechnologists positions require a bachelor’s degree as the typical entry-level education. This occupation sits in Considerable Preparation Needed (Job Zone 4), indicating the level of preparation typically expected.
Similar Occupations
Similar Occupations
- Microbiologists (Primary-Long)
- Biological Technicians (Primary-Long)
- Chemical Technicians (Supplemental)
- Physicians, Pathologists (Supplemental)
- Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists (Primary-Short)
- Cytogenetic Technologists (Primary-Short)
- Cytotechnologists (Primary-Short)
- Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technicians (Primary-Short)
Degree Programs
Aspiring histotechnologists often complete programs in:
Health Professions and Related Programs
5 programs across 1 majors
Biological and Biomedical Sciences
1 programs across 1 majors
About the Data
Statistics shown above are sourced from the following authoritative sources:
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics — Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) for employment and wage data by state and industry.
- BLS Employment Projections for total employment and growth forecasts.
- O*NET (Occupational Information Network) for skills, knowledge, tasks, work activities, work context, technology, and education-zone data.
SOC code: 29-2011.04 (Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists).
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