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Pathologist Assistant Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

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Pathologist Assistant information

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$15

$57

$93

How much do pathologist assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for pathologist assistant in Riverside, CA is $57.72, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $45.38 and $70.24 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What Is a Pathologist Assistant?

A pathologist assistant is a specialized health care worker who conducts tests on specimen samples and performs surgical autopsies under licensed pathologists. As a pathology assistant, you may work in a research lab, hospital, medical examiner’s office, or you may choose to be self-employed and take on jobs at multiple facilities. You dissect tissue to acquire specimens, such as biopsies, and analyze those samples to help diagnose patients or determine problems within the cells. While you can do the majority of the procedures performed by a pathologist, you are not able to diagnose patients; the pathologist reviews your observations and suggestions and determines a diagnosis.

How do you become a pathologist assistant?

To become a pathologist assistant, one typically needs a bachelor's degree followed by a master's degree in an accredited pathology assistant program. Certification from the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) is often required, and candidates must gain practical experience through supervised training. Strong knowledge of anatomy, pathology, and laboratory procedures is essential for this role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Pathologist Assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Pathologist Assistant, you need a bachelor's degree in a science-related field and graduation from an accredited Pathologists' Assistant program, along with certification such as ASCP-PA. Proficiency with laboratory information systems, specimen dissection tools, and digital imaging equipment is typically required. Strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and effective communication are vital soft skills for collaborating with pathologists and other healthcare professionals. These skills ensure accurate specimen processing, efficient workflow, and high-quality diagnostic support in clinical and research laboratories.

What is the difference between Pathologist Assistant vs Histotechnologist?

AspectPathologist AssistantHistotechnologist
CredentialsMaster's degree, certification (e.g., ASCP-PA)Post-secondary education, certification (e.g., ASCP-HT)
Work EnvironmentPathology labs, hospitals, medical examinersHistology labs, hospitals, research facilities
Job RoleAssist pathologists with autopsies, gross examination, and specimen prepPrepare tissue samples for microscopic analysis

Pathologist Assistants and Histotechnologists both work in pathology settings, but their roles differ. Pathologist Assistants focus on gross examination and autopsies, while Histotechnologists prepare tissue slides for diagnosis. Credentials and work environments overlap, but their specific duties are distinct.

What can pathologist assistants do?

Pathologist assistants perform tasks such as gross examination, dissection, and description of surgical specimens, assisting pathologists in preparing tissue samples for microscopic analysis. They may also document findings, prepare reports, and handle laboratory equipment, often working in a hospital or laboratory setting with specialized training and certification. Their role supports accurate diagnosis and requires knowledge of pathology procedures and safety protocols.

What is the highest salary for a pathologist assistant?

The highest salaries for pathologist assistants can reach around $100,000 to $120,000 annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced certifications, or working in high-cost-of-living areas. Salaries vary based on location, employer, and level of expertise, with some earning additional benefits or overtime pay.

What are some common challenges a Pathologist Assistant faces when working with large specimen volumes or complex cases?

Pathologist Assistants often encounter challenges such as managing high specimen volume during peak times and ensuring meticulous attention to detail with complex or unusual cases. Balancing efficiency with accuracy is crucial, as errors in specimen processing can impact diagnoses. Additionally, Pathologist Assistants must adapt to evolving lab technologies and protocols, and collaborate closely with pathologists, lab technologists, and surgeons to ensure quality patient care. Developing strong organizational and communication skills can help address these challenges effectively.

Is it hard to be a pathologist assistant?

Becoming a pathologist assistant requires completing a master's degree in pathology assistant studies or a related field, along with certification. The job involves detailed anatomical and histological work, requiring strong attention to detail, technical skills, and the ability to work in a laboratory environment, which can be challenging due to the precision and responsibility involved.

What are Pathologist Assistants?

Pathologist Assistants are highly trained health professionals who work under the supervision of a pathologist to provide support in the examination and processing of tissue, surgical specimens, and sometimes autopsies. They help prepare and dissect specimens, ensure proper documentation, and may assist in preparing slides for microscopic analysis. Their work is essential for accurate diagnosis and research in clinical and hospital settings. Pathologist Assistants play a critical role in ensuring that laboratory operations run smoothly and efficiently.
More about Pathologist Assistant jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Pathologist jobs in Riverside, CA? The most popular types of Pathologist jobs in Riverside, CA are:
What are popular job titles related to Pathologist Assistant jobs in Riverside, CA? For Pathologist Assistant jobs in Riverside, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Pathologist Assistant jobs in Riverside, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Pathologist Assistant jobs in Riverside, CA are:
What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Pathologist Assistant jobs? Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Pathologist Assistant job openings:
Pathologist Assistant jobs near you
Pathologists' Assistant - New Grads Welcome to Apply

Pathologists' Assistant - New Grads Welcome to Apply

City of Hope

Irvine, CA

$79.44/hr

Per diem

Posted 10 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Receive, examine, and process surgical specimens for diagnosis.

  • Assist in autopsy prosection and photography.

  • Prepare specimens for fixation and embedding and perform frozen section procedures.

City Of Hope rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 87 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

17th of 877 rated healthcare providers

Job description

Pathologists' Assistant I – Surgical Pathology (Per Diem) / New Grads Welcome to Apply!

***Eligible for a $2,500 sign on bonus***

Join the transformative team at City of Hope, where we're changing lives and making a real difference in the fight against cancer, diabetes, and other life-threatening illnesses. City of Hope’s growing national system includes its Los Angeles campus, a network of clinical care locations across Southern California, a new cancer center in Orange County, California, and treatment facilities in Atlanta, Chicago and Phoenix. Our dedicated and compassionate employees are driven by a common mission: To deliver the cures of tomorrow to the people who need them today.  

Join our team at City of Hope as a Pathologists' Assistant, where you will play a critical role in the examination and preparation of surgical specimens! Your responsibilities include receiving, examining, and processing specimens for diagnosis, as well as assisting in autopsy prosection and photography. You'll also prepare specimens for fixation and embedding and perform frozen section procedures. Additionally, you will actively participate in various departmental activities, including patient services, research, teaching, and technical procedure development. Your contributions are vital to advancing our diagnostic capabilities and providing exceptional patient care!  CLICK HERE to learn more about the Lennar Foundation Cancer Center. 

Tentative Work Schedule: M-F variable between 7:30 am to 7pm as needed; 8 hr shifts.

It is highly preferred that candidates are familiar with: frozen section, rapid gross, grossing breast, gynecological, prostate, and margins

As a successful candidate, you will: 

  • Perform processing and grossing of surgical specimens for anatomic pathology.
  • Accession of surgical specimens in the laboratory information system (LIS).
  • Assist with duties related to surgical pathology and autopsy services.
  • Use Epic Beaker LIS (highly preferred)

Your qualifications should include:  

  • Bachelor’s Degree in Pathologist Assistant studies
  • 0-1 year of experience as a certified Pathologist Assistant in an anatomic pathology laboratory
  • ASCP / AAPA Pathologist Assistant certification or must be ASCP/AAPA Pathologist Assistant certified within 6 months of hire date.
  • Hourly Per Diem Rate: $79.4364/hr

City of Hope employees pay is based on the following criteria: work experience, qualifications, and work location. City of Hope is an equal opportunity employer.

What City Of Hope employees say

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About City of Hope

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

City of Hope is an independent biomedical research and treatment organization for cancer, diabetes and other life-threatening diseases. Founded in 1913, City of Hope is a leader in bone marrow transplantation and immunotherapy such as CAR T cell therapy. City of Hopes translational research and personalized treatment protocols advance care throughout the world. Human synthetic insulin, monoclonal antibodies and numerous breakthrough cancer drugs are based on technology developed at the institution. AccessHope, a subsidiary launched in 2019 serves employers and their health care partners by providing access to City of Hopes specialized cancer expertise. City of Hope is ranked among the nations Best Hospitals in cancer by U.S. News & World Report and received Magnet Recognition from the American Nurses Credentialing Center. Its main campus is located near Los Angeles, with additional locations throughout Southern California and in Arizona.

Industry

Hospitals

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Duarte, CA, US

Year founded

1913

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