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Pathology Assistant Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Travel Pathology Assistant

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$3.0K - $3.2K/wk

Pathology Assistant Location: San Francisco, California Employment Type: Travel/Contract Pay: $3057 - $3218 per week Shift: 5x8 Nights Start Date: ASAP Contract Length: 13-week Position: Pathology ...

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Pathology Assistant information

See California salary details

$14

$54

$88

How much do pathology assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for pathology assistant in California is $54.60, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $42.93 and $66.44 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How hard is it to become a pathology assistant?

Becoming a pathology assistant typically requires a bachelor's degree in a biological or health science field, followed by a master's degree or postgraduate certificate in pathology assisting. Candidates also need to gain relevant clinical experience and obtain certification, such as the ASCP Board of Certification, which can take several years of education and training. The process is competitive and demands a strong understanding of anatomy, pathology techniques, and laboratory procedures.

How do you become a certified pathology assistant?

To become a certified pathology assistant, candidates typically need a bachelor's degree in a biological or health science field, followed by a master's degree in pathology assistant studies from an accredited program. Certification is obtained through the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) Board of Certification, which requires passing an exam and maintaining ongoing education. Relevant skills include knowledge of laboratory procedures, anatomy, and pathology techniques.

What is the highest salary for a pathologist assistant?

The highest salary for a pathologist assistant can reach around $80,000 to $100,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and employer. Senior or specialized roles, especially in large hospitals or research institutions, tend to offer higher compensation. Certification and advanced skills can also influence earning potential.

What are Pathology Assistants?

Pathology Assistants are highly trained allied health professionals who work under the supervision of a pathologist to assist in the examination, processing, and analysis of tissue specimens in a laboratory setting. They play a crucial role in preparing and dissecting surgical specimens, performing postmortem examinations, and ensuring proper documentation for diagnostic purposes. Pathology Assistants help streamline laboratory workflow, allowing pathologists to focus on making accurate diagnoses and treatment recommendations. Their work is essential in hospitals, research laboratories, and forensic settings.

What is the difference between Pathology Assistant vs Histotechnologist?

AspectPathology AssistantHistotechnologist
CredentialsMaster's degree or certification in pathology assistingCertification in histotechnology, such as HT or HTL
Work EnvironmentPathology labs, hospitals, medical examiner officesHistology labs, hospitals, research facilities
Job RoleAssist pathologists by preparing and examining tissue samplesPrepare tissue samples for microscopic examination

Pathology Assistants and Histotechnologists both work in pathology labs and handle tissue samples, but Pathology Assistants focus on assisting pathologists with gross examination and case preparation, while Histotechnologists specialize in tissue processing and slide preparation. Their roles are complementary but distinct within the pathology workflow.

What can I do as a pathologist assistant?

A pathologist assistant supports pathologists by preparing and examining tissue samples, performing autopsies, and documenting findings. They often work in laboratories, using tools like microscopes and following strict safety protocols, and typically need certification or training in pathology assisting. Their role is essential in diagnostic processes and laboratory operations.

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

To thrive as a Pathology Assistant, you need a solid background in biological sciences, a master's degree from an accredited Pathologists’ Assistant program, and certification from the ASCP. Familiarity with laboratory information systems, specimen processing equipment, and digital imaging tools is typically required. Attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and effective communication set top performers apart in this role. These skills ensure accurate specimen analysis, efficient workflow, and clear collaboration with pathologists to support patient diagnoses.

What are some of the typical challenges a Pathology Assistant faces when managing high specimen volumes in a clinical setting?

Pathology Assistants often encounter periods of high specimen volume, which require efficient time management and meticulous attention to detail. Balancing rapid specimen grossing with maintaining quality and accuracy can be challenging, especially when handling complex or unusual cases. Effective communication with pathologists and laboratory staff is crucial to ensure workflow remains smooth and that urgent cases are prioritized appropriately. Additionally, adapting to evolving protocols and new technologies is important for maintaining best practices and patient safety.
What are the most commonly searched types of Pathology jobs in California? The most popular types of Pathology jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Pathology Assistant jobs? Cities in California with the most Pathology Assistant job openings:
Infographic showing various Pathology Assistant job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $113,575 per year, or $54.6 per hour.

School Pathology Assistant

Cross Country Education

Culver City, CA • On-site

$42/hr

Contractor

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 12 days ago


Job description

Cross Country Education is seeking a local contract School Pathology Assistant for a local contract job in Culver City, California.

Job Description & Requirements
  • Specialty: Pathology Assistant
  • Discipline: Allied Health Professional
  • Duration: 41 weeks
  • 40 hours per week
  • Shift: 8 hours
  • Employment Type: Local Contract

Help students find their voice and build confidence! Cross Country Education is seeking dedicated Speech-Language Pathology Assistants to support K–12 student communication goals while collaborating with licensed Speech-Language Pathologists in Culver City, CA, during the school year.
Position Overview:
Provide speech-language therapy services under the direct supervision of a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP).
Assist with screenings and evaluations while documenting student progress in accordance with established treatment plans.
Prepare therapy materials, maintain records, and complete administrative tasks to support service delivery.
Collaborate with supervising SLPs and school teams to support students across K–12 settings.
Qualifications:
Completion of an approved Speech-Language Pathology Assistant program and/or required educational coursework
Active California Speech-Language Pathology Assistant (SLPA) License
Minimum of 1 year of school-based experience required
Why Join Cross Country Education?
Competitive Pay: Earn up to $42.00 per hour, based on your experience and qualifications as a Speech-Language Pathology Assistant, with weekly pay and opportunities for bonuses and incentives.
Generous Benefits: Comprehensive health coverage, including Medical, Dental, Vision, and a 401(k) match to support your long-term financial goals.
Work-Life Balance: Enjoy the predictability of a school-year calendar, a 30-hour work week, weekends and holidays off, and paid sick leave.
Ready to make a difference? Learn more about Cross Country Education: www.crosscountry.com/education
Cross Country Education provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type regarding race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. We will consider all employment qualified Applicants with Criminal Histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of FCIHO. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training. Direct-Ed-IND2

Cross Country Education Job ID #a2m98f7yil6s. Posted job title: School Speech-Language Pathology Assistant

About Cross Country Education

Cross Country Education is educator-led, student-driven and solutions-oriented. With over 50 years of combined dedicated expertise, we service the education industry exclusively. Focusing our knowledge and resources on engaging with and understanding educational organizations, industry trends, and leadership needs, we provide a wide range of services to our educational partners to meet their individual needs including special education and substitute services. Each service can individually supplement an educational need or work in synergy with our other offerings to provide a holistic solution.

We guide and nurture our educational providers throughout their careers by partnering with them and providing access to coaching, resources, and development. To us, our role is more than providing jobs. By sharing knowledge, learning and resources with our professionals, we can develop a deep and collective strategy for helping them achieve a fulfilling career.