Equivalent combination of experience and education are qualifying for entry level for which both ... Histopathology technicians at this level generally have a higher level of responsibility for ...
New
Equivalent combination of experience and education are qualifying for entry level for which both ... Histopathology technicians at this level generally have a higher level of responsibility for ...
New
Entry Level Histology information
See Virginia salary details
$16.44 - $20.60
9% of jobs
$20.60 - $24.76
16% of jobs
$24.89 is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$24.76 - $28.92
18% of jobs
The median wage is $30.74 / hr.
$28.92 - $33.08
17% of jobs
$33.08 - $37.24
14% of jobs
$38.28 is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
$37.24 - $41.40
6% of jobs
$41.40 - $45.56
7% of jobs
$45.56 - $49.72
6% of jobs
$49.72 - $53.88
4% of jobs
$53.88 - $58.04
1% of jobs
$58.04 - $62.20
1% of jobs
$16
$34
$62
How much do entry level histology jobs pay per hour?
As of Aug 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level histology in Virginia is $34.75, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $25.24 and $41.25 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.
What career paths use entry level histology?
Entry level histology positions typically lead to careers as histotechnologists, laboratory technicians, or research assistants in medical laboratories, hospitals, or research institutions. These roles often require knowledge of tissue processing, microscopy, and laboratory safety, and can serve as a foundation for advanced roles in pathology or biomedical research.
How to get experience in histology?
Entry level histology positions typically require relevant education such as a histology technician certificate or associate degree in biology or a related field. Gaining hands-on experience through internships, volunteering, or entry-level laboratory assistant roles can also help build skills in tissue preparation, microscopy, and staining techniques. Familiarity with laboratory safety protocols and histology equipment is beneficial for starting a career in this field.
Is it hard to become an entry level histology technician?
Becoming an entry-level histology technician typically requires a high school diploma or equivalent, along with specialized training or certification in histology techniques. The role involves learning laboratory procedures, using microscopes and staining equipment, and following safety protocols, but it generally does not require extensive experience or advanced education.
What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in an entry level histology position?
To thrive as an Entry Level Histology professional, you need a background in biological sciences or laboratory technology, attention to detail, and knowledge of laboratory safety procedures. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, tissue processors, microtomes, and common histology staining techniques, as well as certifications like HT(ASCP), are often valued. Strong organization, communication, and the ability to follow precise protocols are standout soft skills. These are crucial for producing accurate results, maintaining sample integrity, and supporting effective diagnosis by pathologists.
What is an entry level histology?
An Entry Level Histology job involves preparing tissue samples for microscopic examination in a laboratory setting. Responsibilities may include embedding, sectioning, staining, and mounting tissue specimens under the supervision of experienced histology professionals. These roles are typically found in hospitals, research labs, or pathology departments. No prior experience is usually required, but employers may prefer candidates with a background in biology or laboratory sciences. Some positions may encourage or require certification, such as the HT (Histotechnician) certification from ASCP.
Are entry level histology in demand?
Entry level histology positions are in demand due to ongoing needs in medical laboratories, research facilities, and hospitals. These roles often require knowledge of tissue preparation, microscopy, and lab safety, with certifications like HT (ASCP) enhancing job prospects.
What does an entry level histology do?
In an entry level histology role, your daily responsibilities may include preparing and processing tissue samples, embedding specimens in paraffin, sectioning tissues with a microtome, and staining slides for microscopic examination. You'll often work alongside more senior histologists and pathologists, assisting with quality control and maintaining laboratory equipment. Attention to cleanliness, proper documentation, and adherence to safety protocols are key parts of the job. This role is an excellent way to gain hands-on laboratory experience and build a foundation for advanced histology or related career paths.
What are the most commonly searched types of Histology jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Histology jobs in Virginia are:
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Histology jobs in Virginia? For Entry Level Histology jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Histology jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Histology jobs in Virginia are:
$52K/yr
Full-time
Posted 3 days ago
New
Job description
This Histopathology Technician position is in Pathology and Laboratory Service at the Richmond VA Medical Center, located in Richmond, Virginia. As crucial members of the McGuire VA Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Service, histopathology technicians possess the knowledge and skills to process anatomical tissue and cytological cell samples obtained from the Veteran by a clinician.Qualifications:Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met.
Basic Requirements:
Grade Determinations: Histopathology Technician, GS-7 (Advanced)
(1) Experience. One year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level.
(2) Assignment. Histopathology technicians at this level generally have a higher level of responsibility for technical oversight, and are expected to carry out assigned tasks of considerable difficulty independently. The incumbent will have the responsibility of performing difficult specialized histological, histochemical, and immunohistochemical procedures, as well as developing, modifying, or adapting new staining methods or techniques, improving existing methods as necessary for routine histotechnology procedures. The technician will be responsible for troubleshooting issues with instruments and resolving problems. For all assignments above the full performance level, the higher-level duties must consist of significant scope, complexity (difficulty) and range of variety and be performed by the incumbent at least 25% of the time.
(3) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs.
References: VA HANDBOOK 5005/102 April 6, 2018 PART II APPENDIX G55 Histopathology Technician GS-0646 Qualifications Standard.
Physical Requirements: . See VA Directive and Handbook 5019Education:IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education.
Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html.Employment Type: OTHER
Basic Requirements:
- United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.
- English Language Proficiency. Histopathology Technicians must be proficient in spoken and written English.
- Experience and Education:
- (1) Experience. One year of experience in a health care field that demonstrates the applicant's ability to perform the work or provides an understanding of the work such as but not limited to a medical or clinical laboratory assistant (or technician) or health technician. OR,
- (2) Education (a) Four academic years above high school leading to a bachelor's degree with courses related to the occupation such as biological science or chemistry; or (b) Successful completion of two academic years of study above high school that included at least 24 semester hours in Chemistry and/or in appropriate fields of biological science and successful completion of a 12-month program of education and training in histopathology or cytotechnology. OR,
- (3) Experience/Education Combination. Equivalent combination of experience and education are qualifying for entry level for which both education and experience are acceptable. Examples are listed below:
- Six months of experience in the health care field and two years of education above high school that included at least six semester hours in health care related courses such as biological science, surgical technician courses or other courses related to the position; or an associate's degree in a health care related field.
- Six months of experience in the health care field and successful completion of a course for health care technicians, hospital corpsmen, medical service specialists, or histopathology technicians given by the U.S. Armed Forces.
Grade Determinations: Histopathology Technician, GS-7 (Advanced)
(1) Experience. One year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level.
(2) Assignment. Histopathology technicians at this level generally have a higher level of responsibility for technical oversight, and are expected to carry out assigned tasks of considerable difficulty independently. The incumbent will have the responsibility of performing difficult specialized histological, histochemical, and immunohistochemical procedures, as well as developing, modifying, or adapting new staining methods or techniques, improving existing methods as necessary for routine histotechnology procedures. The technician will be responsible for troubleshooting issues with instruments and resolving problems. For all assignments above the full performance level, the higher-level duties must consist of significant scope, complexity (difficulty) and range of variety and be performed by the incumbent at least 25% of the time.
(3) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs.
- (a) Skill in applying professional, complex anatomic pathology principles, practices, concepts, and theories in performing new or difficult specialized testing methods or techniques.
- (b) Ability to provide technical oversight of laboratory quality control and assurance procedures and principles of performance improvement exhibiting competence in managing reagent and supply inventories and document control systems.
- (c) Ability to validate methodologies, operate anatomic pathology laboratory equipment and perform complex instrument troubleshooting.
- (d) Ability to use independent technical judgment to analyze and evaluate laboratory results and resolve problems.
References: VA HANDBOOK 5005/102 April 6, 2018 PART II APPENDIX G55 Histopathology Technician GS-0646 Qualifications Standard.
Physical Requirements: . See VA Directive and Handbook 5019Education:IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education.
Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html.Employment Type: OTHER