1

Pathology Lab Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Pathology Assistant 4

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$102K - $202K/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 ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Pathology Lab information

See California salary details

$16

$34

$61

How much do pathology lab jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 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 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 jobs can you do in pathology?

Jobs in pathology include pathologist, histotechnologist, cytotechnologist, laboratory technician, and laboratory technologist. These roles involve analyzing tissue, cell, and fluid samples to diagnose diseases, often requiring specialized training, certification, and working in a laboratory environment. Skills in microscopy, laboratory procedures, and knowledge of medical terminology are essential.

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.

What is the highest paying lab job?

In a pathology lab, the highest paying roles are often senior positions such as Laboratory Directors or Pathologists, who typically hold medical degrees and board certifications. These roles require extensive experience, specialized training, and often involve administrative responsibilities, with salaries significantly higher than technical or technician roles.

What is the highest paying pathology job?

The highest paying pathology jobs are often in specialized fields such as forensic pathology, molecular pathology, or surgical pathology, especially for those with extensive experience and board certifications. These roles typically require advanced training, and salaries can exceed $300,000 annually in some regions, particularly for senior or leadership positions in hospitals or private labs.

What do you do in a pathology lab?

A pathology lab technician or pathologist analyzes tissue, blood, and other samples to diagnose diseases. They prepare slides, operate laboratory equipment, and document findings, often working with microscopes and following safety protocols. Accurate testing and reporting are essential parts of the role.

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 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 the most commonly searched types of Pathology Lab jobs in California? The most popular types of 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:
Infographic showing various Pathology Lab job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, and 50% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $71,941 per year, or $34.6 per hour.
Histotechnologist - Pathology Lab

Histotechnologist - Pathology Lab

University of California San Diego

San Diego, CA • On-site

$83K - $104K/yr

Other

Posted 2 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

134th of 553 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 7/21/2026
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: $83,771 - $104,108 (will be prorated if the appointment percentage is less than 100%)
Hourly Equivalent: $40.12 - $49.86
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).
Apply Now
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

What University Of California San Diego employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom