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Pathology Lab Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Pacer Group

Medical Records Clerk

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$24/hr

Prior experience in a pathology lab or handling tissue slides * Administrative experience in a healthcare or academic setting Work Environment * Fast-paced, high-volume department supporting multiple ...

InfoTree

Be Seen First

Sr Associate

South San Francisco, CA · On-site

$30 - $32/hr

Pathology lab experience is a plus but not required. * Candidates can come from any lab environment, including Biology, Clinical, QA/QC, or Regulatory labs. * Equipment maintenance experience is a ...

AMN Healthcare

Gastroenterology Physician

Merced, CA

$425K/yr

Gastrointestinal Pathology, Gastrointestinal Pathologist, Gi Pathologist, Gi Pathology, Sugical Pathology, Pathology Lab, Pathology, Laboratory, Cytologic, Pathology AMN Healthcare is a digitally ...

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Pathology Lab information

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$16

$34

$61

How much do pathology lab jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 16, 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 degree do I need to work in a pathology lab?

To work in a pathology lab, you typically need at least a bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as biology, chemistry, or medical technology. For roles like a medical laboratory technician or technologist, certification and specialized training are often required, and some positions may require a master's degree or higher. Skills in laboratory techniques and familiarity with lab equipment are also important.

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?

In pathology, common jobs include pathologist, histotechnologist, cytotechnologist, laboratory technician, and laboratory assistant. These roles involve analyzing tissue, cell, and fluid samples using microscopes and laboratory equipment, often requiring relevant certifications and training. Pathology professionals work in hospitals, diagnostic labs, and research institutions to diagnose diseases and support patient care.

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 require medical degrees and board certification. These roles typically involve overseeing lab operations, interpreting complex results, and managing staff, with salaries significantly higher than technician or technologist positions.

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, with senior roles like pathology directors or laboratory managers also commanding higher salaries. These positions typically require extensive experience, board certification, and advanced training, and they often involve leadership responsibilities and complex diagnostic work.

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 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 June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $71,941 per year, or $34.6 per hour.
Lab Tech - Laboratory - Full Time 8 Hours Days (4:00AM to 12:30PM) (Union, Non-Exempt)

Lab Tech - Laboratory - Full Time 8 Hours Days (4:00AM to 12:30PM) (Union, Non-Exempt)

University of Southern California

Arcadia, CA • On-site

$23.69 - $30.95/hr

Full-time

Posted 27 days ago

University Of Southern California rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 50 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

95th of 537 rated colleges and universities

Job description

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS AND CORE RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Answers and handles or screens and transfers all telephone calls,
  • Appropriately uses venipunctures and finger stick/heel stick procedures on infants and Children.
  • Using standardized venipuncture technique, obtains specimens from designated patients accurately and efficiently (appropriately for different age groups).
  • Assists in the procurement of other clinical specimens including bone marrow and other procedures as required.
  • Contributes to a safe, organized, and efficient workplace by complying with established hospital and departmental policies.
  • Contributes to accurate and timely diagnosis and treatment of patients of all ages by accurately performing patient identification (i.e., 2 patient identification), by using patient name and date of birth skillfully collecting properly prepared specimens, labeling all specimen in patient room and submitting accurate, complete paperwork for clinical assay.
  • Contributes to accurate and timely testing by processing specimens according to laboratory procedures.
  • Contributes to timely patient care by investigating and resolving discrepancies and communicating findings to appropriate personnel.
  • Cooperate with other lab personnel and hospital personnel for efficient reporting of lab results.
  • Discards specimen after test or stores for future reference as appropriate.
  • Draw blood from in and out patients and ER patients when needed.
  • Ensures professional development by assuming responsibility and accountability for current competency and credentialing files.
  • Follows clerical problems associated with test requests and reports.
  • Follows strict principles of asepsis and antisepsis in performance of duties.
  • Fosters continuous improvement in the quality of patient care by actively evaluating current work systems and suggesting or supporting positive changes.
  • Greets and assists all patients and visitors by politely and efficiently obtaining appropriate information and/or required paperwork.
  • Have knowledge and perform some clerical functions in the laboratory office.
  • Help with phone and verbal communication with hospital personnel.
  • Orders, receives, stores, and distributes supplies and keeps the work areas stocked and cleaned.
  • Performs clerical duties and projects as requested.
  • Performs other job-related duties by accepting delegated assignments.
  • Performs patient responsibilities considering needs specific to the standard of care for patient's care.
  • Processes incoming and outgoing test results, outpatient appointments and all other requests for laboratory services.
  • Promotes an atmosphere of professionalism and cooperation by interacting with others in a calm, courteous, and helpful manner.
  • Promotes excellent customer relations through clear communication, active listening, caring, and demonstrating supportive interaction.
  • Properly labels and prepares specimens for distribution to various sections of the laboratory or for sending out to outside testing facilities, i.e., centrifuging, aliquoting and freezing.
  • Responsible for understanding and participating in the organization-wide departmental and interdepartmental quality control Quality Improvement Program through orientation, education, improvement and quality planning activities.

Job Requirements:
Education
Minimum - High School diploma or equivalent
Preferred - Two years of college with a major in biological sciences, chemistry or equivalent preferred.
Work Experience
Preferred - A minimum of one year experience working in a clinical laboratory or anatomic pathology lab preferred.
Licenses and Certifications
Minimum (Required)
• California Phlebotomy Certification - CPTI or CPTII required.
• Must successfully complete and maintain BLS certification.
Pay Transparency
The hourly rate range for this position is $23.69 - $30.95. When extending an offer of employment, the University of Southern California Arcadia Hospital considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, federal, State, and local laws, contractual stipulations, grant funding, as well as external market and organizational considerations.
POSITION SUMMARY
Performs a variety of technical and clerical functions that include the procurement and processing of laboratory specimens and perform venipuncture using laboratory established procedures effectively and providing clerical support in the Clinical and Anatomic Pathology areas.
USC 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, protected veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or USC policy. USC observes affirmative action obligations consistent with state and federal law. USC will consider for employment all qualified applicants with criminal records in a manner consistent with applicable laws and regulations, including the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for employers and the Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, and with due consideration for patient and student safety. Please refer to the Background Screening Policy Appendix D for specific employment screen implications for the position for which you are applying.
We provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants with questions about access or requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact USC Human Resources by phone at (213) 821-8100, or by email at uschr@usc.edu. Inquiries will be treated as confidential to the extent permitted by law.
  • Notice of Non-discrimination
  • Employment Equity
  • Read USC's Clery Act Annual Security Report
  • USC is a smoke-free environment
  • Digital Accessibility

If you are a current USC employee, please apply to this USC job posting in Workday by copying and pasting this link into your browser:
https://wd5.myworkday.com/usc/d/inst/1$9925/9925$146962.htmld

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About University of Southern California

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The University of Southern California (USC) is not a conventional company, but a private research university established in the heart of Los Angeles, CA, US. Founded in 1880, it's one of the oldest private research universities in California. USC operates in the education industry providing primary services of higher education, research, and community development. This prestigious institution offers a comprehensive array of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs across various disciplines, including the humanities, social sciences, and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). The University is guided by its commitment to foster creativity, innovation, leadership, and discovery through academic excellence.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Los Angeles , CA, US

Year founded

1880

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