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Pathology Lab Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Sutter Health

Pathology Lab Assistant II

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$36.30 - $50.82/hr

Knowledge of human anatomy, physiology, pathology, and medical terminology. * Possess written and verbal communications skills to explain sensitive information clearly and professionally to diverse ...

Sutter Health

Pathology Lab Assistant II

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$36.30 - $50.82/hr

Knowledge of human anatomy, physiology, pathology, and medical terminology. * Possess written and verbal communications skills to explain sensitive information clearly and professionally to diverse ...

Sutter Health

Pathology Lab Assistant II

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$36.30 - $50.82/hr

Knowledge of human anatomy, physiology, pathology, and medical terminology. * Possess written and verbal communications skills to explain sensitive information clearly and professionally to diverse ...

CommonSpirit Health

Pathology Assistant

Long Beach, CA · On-site

One California As our Pathology Lab Assistant, you will perform essential technical and clerical activities related to the processing of tissue and body fluids. Your work is fundamental to providing ...

St Mary Medical Center

Pathology Assistant

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$29.38 - $43.70/hr

One California Job Summary and Responsibilities As our Pathology Lab Assistant, you will perform essential technical and clerical activities related to the processing of tissue and body fluids. Your ...

St Mary Medical Center

Pathology Assistant

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$29.38 - $43.70/hr

Job Summary and Responsibilities As our Pathology Lab Assistant, you will perform essential technical and clerical activities related to the processing of tissue and body fluids. Your work is ...

UC Davis Health

Pathology Assistant 4

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$107K - $212K/yr

Worked as a Pathologists' Assistant in an AP Lab Setting. Key Responsibilities * 60% - SURGICAL PATHOLOGY * 40% - EDUCATION Department Overview The Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine is ...

Unio Health Partners

Lab Assistant I

Pasadena, CA

$23/hr

UHP's best-in-class clinical program covers three sub-specialties (urology, gastroenterology, and radiation oncology) and offers numerous ancillary services, including pathology lab, in-office ...

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Pathology Lab information

See California salary details

$16

$34

$61

How much do pathology lab jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for pathology lab in California is $34.59, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $25.14 and $41.06 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a pathology lab?

A pathology lab is a specialized medical laboratory where bodily samples such as blood, tissue, and fluids are examined to diagnose diseases. Pathologists and trained technicians analyze these samples using various tests and techniques to identify infections, cancers, and other medical conditions. The results from a pathology lab are crucial for doctors to determine the most appropriate treatment for patients. Pathology labs play a vital role in both routine health check-ups and complex medical investigations.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in a pathology lab, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in a pathology lab often encounter challenges such as managing high sample volumes, maintaining accuracy under tight deadlines, and ensuring strict compliance with safety and quality standards. Effective communication and collaboration with pathologists, clinicians, and laboratory technicians are essential to ensure accurate diagnoses and timely reporting. Staying organized, adhering to standardized protocols, and participating in ongoing training can help address these challenges and support a productive work environment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in a pathology lab, and why are they important?

To excel in a Pathology Lab, you need a strong background in biology or medical laboratory science, attention to detail, and the ability to perform precise diagnostic tests, often validated by a relevant degree and certification such as ASCP or equivalent. Familiarity with laboratory information systems (LIS), microscopes, and specialized diagnostic instruments is crucial. Strong analytical thinking, communication, and teamwork skills help professionals interpret results accurately and work efficiently with clinicians. These skills and qualifications are vital to ensure accurate diagnoses, patient safety, and the smooth operation of the laboratory.

What is the difference between Pathology Lab vs Medical Laboratory Technician?

AspectPathology LabMedical Laboratory Technician
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in medical laboratory science or pathologyRequires an associate degree or diploma in medical laboratory technology
Work EnvironmentHospitals, diagnostic labs, research institutionsHospitals, clinics, diagnostic labs
Job RoleOversees lab operations, interprets results, manages staffPerforms tests, prepares samples, reports findings
Industry UsageUsed broadly in pathology and diagnostic servicesCommonly searched as a related role in medical labs

Pathology labs focus on diagnosing diseases through complex testing and often involve managerial roles, while Medical Laboratory Technicians perform routine tests and sample analysis. Both roles are essential in diagnostic services, but they differ in responsibilities and required qualifications.

How to become a pathology lab worker?

To become a pathology lab worker, typically one needs a high school diploma or equivalent, followed by post-secondary education such as a certificate or associate degree in medical laboratory technology. Certification or licensing may be required depending on the region, and familiarity with laboratory equipment and safety protocols is essential.

What careers are there in pathology lab?

Careers in a pathology lab include roles such as pathologist, medical laboratory technician, medical laboratory technologist, histotechnologist, cytotechnologist, and lab assistant. These professionals perform tasks like analyzing tissue samples, preparing slides, and operating laboratory equipment, often requiring relevant certifications and knowledge of laboratory procedures.

What do you do in a pathology lab?

A pathology lab technician or pathologist examines tissue, blood, and other samples to diagnose diseases. They prepare slides, use microscopes and lab equipment, and document findings to assist in patient diagnosis and treatment planning.

What are the most commonly searched types of Pathology Lab jobs in California?

The most popular types of Pathology Lab jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Pathology Lab jobs in California?

For Pathology Lab jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Pathology Lab jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Pathology Lab jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Pathology Lab jobs?

Cities in California with the most Pathology Lab job openings:

Pathology Lab jobs near you
Infographic showing various Pathology Lab job openings in California as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 2% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 10% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $71,941 per year, or $34.6 per hour.

Pathology Lab Assistant - Per Diem - Varied - La Jolla

San Diego, CA • On-site

Scripps Health
Health Care and Social Assistance • 10K+ employees
Learn more about Scripps Healthexternal

Full-time, Per diem

This job post has expired 2 days ago. Applications are no longer accepted.

Scripps Health rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 142 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

This is a casual/per diem, non-benefited position. Training will be up to full-time hours, Monday through Friday. Once training is completed, schedule will be as needed. Located in the Surgical Pathology Lab at Scripps Memorial La Jolla.

Join the Scripps Health team and work alongside passionate caregivers and provide patient-centered healthcare. Receive endless appreciation while you build a rewarding career with one of the most respected healthcare organizations nationwide.

Why join Scripps Health?

At Scripps Health, your ambition is empowered and your abilities are appreciated:

  • Nearly a quarter of our employees have been with Scripps Health for over 10 years.
  • Scripps is a Great Place to Work Certified company for 2025.
  • Scripps Health has been consistently ranked as a top employer for women, millennials, diversity, and as an overall workplace by various national publications.
  • Beckers Healthcare ranked Scripps Health on its 2024 list of 150 top places to work in health care.
  • We have transitional and professional development programs to create a learning environment that enables you to thrive in your specific field as well as in your overall career.
  • Our specialties have been nationally recognized for quality in areas such as cardiovascular care, oncology, orthopedics, geriatrics, obstetrics and gynecology, and gastroenterology.

Why join this team?

In our supportive environment, our Pathology Lab Assistants are always learning and training in different sections of pathology, while maintaining accuracy with high volume of processing. You will be exposed to a wide variety of complex cases and procedures and will have the opportunity to work closely with the team of pathologists, radiologists and surgeons. 

The Pathology Lab Assistant is responsible for the following:

        Specimen receiving, accessioning and specimen distribution

        Sectioning and staining of frozen tissue

        Assisting Pathologist Assistants with photography

        Knowledge of protocols for special handling of surgical specimens

        Monitoring/ordering of supplies and maintaining work areas in a clean and orderly fashion.

Required Education/Experience/Specialized Skills:

        Knowledge of medical terminology.

        Ability to handle multiple tasks.

        Detail oriented. Legible penmanship.

        Basic computer skills, especially data.

        Excellent customer service skills.

Preferred Education/Experience/Specialized Skills/Certification:

        Pathology experience

        Background in science

        Two years lab experience

What Scripps Health employees say

Pay

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About Scripps Health

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

As a nationally recognized health system, Scripps Health is committed to providing the highest quality care to our patients. Through collaboration and innovation, our healthcare professionals lead the frontier in caring for our community. With a culture centered around teamwork, each laboratory site serves as a resource of support for each other, setting our laboratories as the benchmark for standardization.

Industry

Health care and social assistance

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

San Diego, CA, US

Year founded

1924

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