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Pathology Technical Assistant Jobs in California

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 ...

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 ...

UC Davis Health

Pathology Assistant 4

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$107K - $212K/yr

The incumbent provides technical oversight of gross room techs, Residents and Fellows when they are ... Must complete an accredited training program for Pathologists' Assistants and pass the American ...

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All JobsPathology Technical JobsPathology Technical Assistant JobsPathology Technical Assistant Jobs in California

Pathology Technical Assistant information

See California salary details

$18.8K

$43.7K

$75.5K

How much do pathology technical assistant jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for pathology technical assistant in California is $43,687.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $37,000.00 and $43,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a pathology technical assistant?

Pathology Technical Assistants are healthcare professionals who provide support to pathologists and laboratory technologists in medical laboratories. Their duties often include preparing and processing specimens, maintaining laboratory equipment, assisting with autopsies, and ensuring samples are correctly labeled and stored. They play a crucial role in the accurate diagnosis of diseases by ensuring specimens are handled properly and lab procedures run smoothly. This position requires attention to detail, knowledge of laboratory protocols, and adherence to safety standards.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a pathology technical assistant?

To thrive as a Pathology Technical Assistant, you need a solid understanding of laboratory procedures, specimen handling, and basic biology, often supported by an associate degree in a relevant field. Familiarity with laboratory information systems (LIS), specimen labeling tools, and safety protocols is typically required. Attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and effective communication make candidates stand out in this role. These skills are crucial for ensuring accurate specimen processing, maintaining safety standards, and supporting pathologists and laboratory staff efficiently.

What challenges do pathology technical assistants face, and how can they be managed?

Pathology Technical Assistants often encounter challenges such as managing a high volume of specimens, maintaining strict attention to detail, and adhering to rigorous safety and confidentiality protocols. Balancing efficiency with accuracy is crucial, as errors can impact diagnostic outcomes. Effective time management, clear communication with pathologists and laboratory staff, and ongoing training in laboratory procedures help address these challenges. Staying organized and following standard operating procedures also supports a smooth workflow and reduces the risk of mistakes.

What is the difference between Pathology Technical Assistant vs Histology Technician?

AspectPathology Technical AssistantHistology Technician
CredentialsTypically requires a high school diploma or associate degree; certification may be preferredRequires an associate degree or post-secondary training; certification often recommended
Work EnvironmentHospitals, diagnostic labs, pathology labsHospitals, research labs, diagnostic laboratories
Job DutiesAssists in specimen collection, prepares samples, supports pathologistsPrepares tissue samples, processes slides, maintains histology equipment
Industry UsageCommonly employed in pathology labs for supporting diagnostic processesPrimarily in histology labs for tissue processing and slide preparation

While both roles support pathology and laboratory work, the Pathology Technical Assistant generally assists with specimen collection and support tasks, whereas the Histology Technician focuses on tissue processing and slide preparation. Both positions require related certifications and work in similar environments, but their specific duties differ within the pathology workflow.

Is there a demand for pathology technical assistants?

There is steady demand for pathology technical assistants due to ongoing needs in medical laboratories, hospitals, and research facilities. These roles require skills in specimen preparation, microscopy, and laboratory procedures, and employment opportunities are expected to grow with advancements in diagnostic testing and healthcare services.

What do you do as a pathology technical assistant?

A pathology technical assistant supports laboratory operations by preparing and processing tissue and fluid samples for analysis, often using microscopes and lab equipment. They assist pathologists with specimen handling, documentation, and maintaining lab cleanliness, typically working in a clinical or hospital setting and following safety protocols. Strong attention to detail and knowledge of laboratory procedures are essential for this role.

Where do pathology technical assistants make the most money?

Pathology technical assistants tend to earn higher salaries in regions with a higher cost of living and greater demand for healthcare professionals, such as metropolitan areas or states with advanced medical facilities. Salary levels are also influenced by experience, certifications, and the complexity of laboratory work performed.

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

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

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

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

What cities in California are hiring for Pathology Technical Assistant jobs?

Cities in California with the most Pathology Technical Assistant job openings:

Pathology Technical Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Pathology Technical Assistant job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 5% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,687 per year, or $21 per hour.

Laboratory Technical Assistant - Digital Pathology

City of Hope

Duarte, CA • On-site

Full-time

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.

City Of Hope rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 91 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

22nd of 898 rated healthcare providers

Job description

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. 

Working under the general direction of the Division of Anatomic Pathology Department. This position reports to the Supervisor of Digital Pathology (DP) and will possess the theoretical and practical knowledge to support the operations of Digital Pathology services.  The LTA will be responsible for the digitization of the surgical pathology diagnostic microscope slides from patient cases. This includes archival, retrieval, scanning, and creating digital images for pathology review.  The aim of the DP laboratory is to develop and apply digital methods for tissue imaging and analysis.  Also provides support and assistance with a variety of related laboratory tasks within the specimen processing area.  Works as part of the Anatomic Pathology team in fulfilling departmental objectives.

As a successful candidate, you will: 

  • Retrieve, archive, scan, and create high-quality digital pathology images from glass slides for pathologist review.
  • Verify slide identifiers, labeling, barcoding, and patient information accuracy, ensuring consistency with the Laboratory Information System (LIS).
  • Coordinate and manage slide scanning workflows from multiple sources, assessing slide quality and meeting internal and external turnaround deadlines.
  • Upload scanned images to digital pathology databases and troubleshoot scanner or software issues in collaboration with IT, vendors, and laboratory staff.
  • Process, package, ship, and track specimens accurately, ensuring compliance with laboratory, referral laboratory, and regulatory requirements.
  • Maintain quality, safety, and regulatory compliance standards (CAP, CALOSHA, CMS, TJC), while supporting inventory control, documentation, and continuous quality improvement activities.

Your qualifications should include: 

  • High School Diploma or GED equivalent.
  • Up to one-year experience in a hospital laboratory setting preferred

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.

To learn more about our Comprehensive Benefits, please CLICK HERE.

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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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