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Anatomic Pathology Lab Assistant Jobs in California

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Anatomic Pathology Lab Assistant information

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How much do anatomic pathology lab assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for anatomic pathology lab assistant in California is $55.66, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $39.66 and $69.57 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by Anatomic Pathology Lab Assistants, and how can new hires prepare for them?

Anatomic Pathology Lab Assistants often work in fast-paced environments where attention to detail and time management are critical. Common challenges include handling a high volume of specimens accurately, maintaining strict labeling protocols, and adhering to safety and confidentiality standards. New hires can prepare by familiarizing themselves with laboratory information systems, reviewing safety procedures, and developing strong organizational skills. Collaborating closely with pathologists, technologists, and administrative staff is also essential for smooth daily operations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Anatomic Pathology Lab Assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Anatomic Pathology Lab Assistant, you need a background in biology or laboratory science, attention to detail, and knowledge of specimen handling, often backed by an associate's degree or relevant certification. Familiarity with laboratory information systems (LIS), specimen tracking software, and basic histology equipment is typically required. Strong organizational skills, effective communication, and the ability to work collaboratively stand out as essential soft skills. These competencies ensure accurate specimen processing, support diagnostic accuracy, and maintain safety and efficiency in a laboratory environment.

What is the difference between Anatomic Pathology Lab Assistant vs Histology Technician?

AspectAnatomic Pathology Lab AssistantHistology Technician
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; on-the-job trainingAssociate degree or certification in histotechnology
Work EnvironmentPathology labs, hospitals, medical facilitiesHistology labs, hospitals, research institutions
Job RoleAssists with specimen preparation, lab support tasksPrepares tissue samples, processes slides, maintains equipment
Common UsageUsed in hospitals and pathology labs for support rolesSpecialized in tissue processing and slide preparation

The Anatomic Pathology Lab Assistant and Histology Technician roles both support pathology labs, but the Histology Technician has more specialized training in tissue processing and slide preparation. The Lab Assistant typically performs supportive tasks under supervision, while the Histology Technician handles more technical procedures. Both roles are essential in the diagnostic process within medical laboratories.

What does an Anatomic Pathology Lab Assistant do?

An Anatomic Pathology Lab Assistant supports pathologists and laboratory staff by preparing and processing tissue specimens for examination and diagnosis. Their duties include labeling and accessioning samples, assisting with specimen grossing, maintaining lab equipment, and ensuring that all specimens are handled according to safety and quality protocols. They play a vital role in the workflow of the pathology laboratory, helping to ensure accurate and timely diagnostic results. Strong attention to detail, good organizational skills, and adherence to confidentiality standards are essential for this role.
What are popular job titles related to Anatomic Pathology Lab Assistant jobs in California? For Anatomic Pathology Lab Assistant jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Anatomic Pathology Lab Assistant jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Anatomic Pathology Lab Assistant jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Anatomic Pathology Lab Assistant jobs? Cities in California with the most Anatomic Pathology Lab Assistant job openings:
Infographic showing various Anatomic Pathology Lab Assistant job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 8% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 8% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $115,763 per year, or $55.7 per hour.
Histotechnologist - Pathology Lab - 139650

Histotechnologist - Pathology Lab - 139650

University of California San Diego

San Diego, CA • On-site

$40.12 - $55.30/hr

Full-time

Posted 17 days ago


University Of California San Diego rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 40 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

152nd of 611 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Payroll Title:
HISTO TCHNO 2 Department:
PATHOLOGY LAB Hiring Pay Scale
$40.12 - $55.30 / Hour Worksite:
Jacobs Medical Center Appointment Type:
Career Appointment Percent:
100% Union:
EX Contract Total Openings:
1 Work Schedule:
Days, 8-Hour Shifts, Variable
#139650 Histotechnologist - Pathology Lab
Extended Deadline: Tue 8/4/2026
Apply Now
UC San Diego values and welcomes people from all backgrounds. If you are interested in being part of our team, possess the needed licensure and certifications, and feel that you have most of the qualifications and/or transferable skills for a job opening, we strongly encourage you to apply.
UCSD Layoff from Career Appointment : Apply by 5/13/2026 for consideration with preference for rehire. All layoff applicants should contact their Employment Advisor.
Reassignment Applicants : Eligible Reassignment clients should contact their Disability Counselor for assistance.
This posting will remain open until a successful candidate has been identified.
DESCRIPTION
Under general supervision, the Histotechnologist performs histological procedures in accordance with Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA), College of American Pathologists (CAP), and Journal of Clinical Oncology (JCO) requirements.
This position utilizes a wide range of skillsets encompassing manual, semi-automated, and advanced techniques (e.g., microtomy with rotary and cryostate microtomes, special stains, IHC, IF, ICE, and EM), to prepare tissue specimens for microscopic diagnosis. Throughout the entire process, from pre-analytic to post-analytic phases, the incumbent is expected to maintain the integrity of the samples. Additional responsibilities include grossing of biopsy specimens and loading of blocks. Prepares high-quality slides in an efficient and timely manner in close collaboration with the lead histotechnologist and supervisor. Othertasks include, but are not limited to, preventive maintenance, inventory management, data collection and reporting, and effective communication with different stakeholders.
Communicates effectively with co-workers, customers, staff, vendors, and others. Serves as a technical resource. Assists in the review, writing, and updating of policies and procedures. Provides mentorship and training to junior staff.
Depending on the selected candidate's experience and licensure/certification, this position may be hired at the Histology Tech II or Histology Tech III level.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
  • Minimum qualifications for the Histotechnologist II level is two (2) years of experience as a histotechnologist.
  • Minimum qualifications for the Histotechnologist III level may be met in 1 of 3 ways: 1) Three (3) years of experience in a Histology Anatomic Pathology (AP) laboratory with an HTL certification; OR 2) Five (5) years of experience in a Histology Anatomic Pathology (AP) laboratory with an HT certification, OR 3) ten (10) years of experience in Histology Anatomic Pathology (AP) laboratory without certification.
  • Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with pathologists, laboratory staff, clinicians, vendors, and other stakeholders.
  • Proven ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced, high-volume laboratory environment.
  • Strong organizational skills and attention to detail with the ability to maintain specimen integrity and accurate documentation.
  • Ability to prioritize workload and meet turnaround time expectations while maintaining quality standards.
  • Knowledge of laboratory safety, quality assurance, and regulatory requirements including CLIA and CAP standards.
  • Basic computer skills and experience working with laboratory information systems (LIS).
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • Histotechnologist certification (HTL).
  • Histotechnician certification (HT).
SPECIAL CONDITIONS
  • Must be able to work various hours and locations based on business needs.
  • Employment is subject to a criminal background check and pre-employment physical.
  • Histo Tech level II pay range $40.12-$49.86. Histo Tech level III pay range $44.49-$55.30.
Pay Transparency Act
Annual Full Pay Range: $87,967 - $109,307 (will be prorated if the appointment percentage is less than 100%)
Hourly Equivalent: $42.13 - $52.35
Factors in determining the appropriate compensation for a role include experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. The Hiring Pay Scale referenced in the job posting is the budgeted salary or hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position. The Annual Full Pay Range may be broader than what the University anticipates to pay for this position, based on internal equity, budget, and collective bargaining agreements (when applicable).
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If employed by the University of California, you will be required to comply with our Policy on Vaccination Programs, which may be amended or revised from time to time. Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements. If applicable, life-support certifications (BLS, NRP, ACLS, etc.) must include hands-on practice and in-person skills assessment; online-only certification is not acceptable.
UC San Diego Health is the only academic health system in the San Diego region, providing leading-edge care in patient care, biomedical research, education, and community service. Our facilities include two university hospitals, a National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, Shiley Eye Institute, Sulpizio Cardiovascular Center, the only Burn Center in the county, and dozens of outpatient clinics. We invite you to join our team!
Applications/Resumes are accepted for current job openings only. For full consideration on any job, applications must be received prior to the initial closing date. If a job has an extended deadline, applications/resumes will be considered during the extension period; however, a job may be filled before the extended date is reached.
To foster the best possible working and learning environment, UC San Diego strives to cultivate a rich and diverse environment, inclusive and supportive of all students, faculty, staff and visitors. For more information, please visit UC San Diego Principles of Community .
The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.
For the University of California's Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination
UC San Diego is a smoke and tobacco free environment. Please visit smokefree.ucsd.edu for more information.
UC San Diego Health maintains a marijuana and drug free environment. Employees may be subject to drug screening.
Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts an offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of substantiated misconduct with a previous employer.
a. "Misconduct" means any violation of the policies governing employee conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, or discrimination, as defined by the employer. For reference, below are UC's policies addressing some forms of misconduct:
  • UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
  • UC Anti-Discrimination Policy
  • Abusive Conduct in the Workplace

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