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Pathology Technical Assistant Jobs in California

... surgical pathology department, where you'll have the flexibility to contribute on an as-needed ... cutting-edge technical procedures. This opportunity is open to recent graduates, providing ...

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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 Aug 12, 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 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, assisting pathologists with diagnostic procedures, and maintaining laboratory equipment. They often handle tasks such as specimen labeling, slide preparation, and data entry, requiring attention to detail and knowledge of laboratory safety protocols.

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.

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 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.

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:
Infographic showing various Pathology Technical Assistant job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 8% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 88% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,687 per year, or $21 per hour.

$104K - $145K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 9 days ago


Job description

Pathologist Assistant

Yosemite Pathology (YP) is a private independent pathologist-owned and operated surgical pathology and cytology laboratory based in Modesto, CA. YP provides comprehensive state-of-the-art, reliable, and accurate diagnostic services to its physicians and major area hospitals in the Alameda, Amador, Calaveras, Contra Costa, Kern, Mariposa, Merced, San Joaquin, Solano, Stanislaus and Tuolumne counties.

YP offers a full spectrum of tissue pathology, cytology, and histology services, including examination of gynecologic specimens, body fluids, and fine needle aspiration specimens. We also offer an extensive array of special stains and immunohistochemistry to assist in the management of oncologic and non-oncologic diseases. The laboratory is supported by highly qualified Histotechnologists, Cytotechnologists, Technicians, and office staff who offer excellent service.

Under the supervision of a pathologist, the Pathologist Assistant performs gross examination, sampling, and dictation of human organs. Also provides assistance during intraoperative consultations such as frozen sections and gross examinations. The Pathologist Assistant requires certification from the American Association of Pathologists' Assistants or the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP).

Shift: Monday - Friday 4:00 pm - 12:30 am

Essential Functions

  • Preparation, gross description, dictation, and dissection of human tissue
  • Select representative sections for embedding, staining, and microscopic evaluation
  • Ensure appropriate specimen accessioning
  • Obtains tissue such as blood and toxicological material for studies such as flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry
  • Photograph pertinent gross specimens as needed
  • Assist with frozen section tissue selection and preparation
  • Retrieve the patient's medical chart and other pertinent data for review with the attending pathologist
  • Confer with the attending pathologist to identify any special techniques or procedures to be utilized
  • Ensures the proper maintenance of equipment
  • Provision of adequate supplies
  • Cleaning of grossing stations
  • Disposal of biological and administrative waste
  • Solve any discrepancies or other issues that may arise

Minimum Job Requirements

  • Bachelor of Science degree in Biological Sciences or related field
  • Successful completion of an NAACLS-accredited pathologists' assistant program.
  • Current certification from the American Association of Pathologists' Assistants or the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP).
  • Basic knowledge of human anatomy, macro-surgical techniques, and general laboratory skills.
  • Demonstrated ability to obtain and prepare tissue for evaluation and to provide assistance to pathologists in a timely and quality manner.
  • Knowledge/ability to become knowledgeable in voice recognition software, internet, and multiple-interfaced systems, various laboratory information systems, Excel, and MS Word or equivalent applications.
  • High degree of technical competence and knowledge of histological techniques.

Key Skills Needed

  • Demonstrated ability to organize workload.
  • Must possess a professional demeanor and have experience that demonstrates problem-solving skills and the ability to manage multiple tasks and work independently with minimal supervision
  • Must be detail-oriented, self-motivated, a fast learner, and possess excellent time management, organizational, written, and verbal communication skills.
  • Ability to take direction and use independent judgment to coordinate and meet multiple deadlines
  • Familiarity with HIPAA and security compliance requirements.
  • The ideal candidate will be willing to take on new challenges, have a proven record for producing results, be willing to learn and grow with the company.

Compensation and Benefits:

  • The compensation range is $104,000 - $145,000 annually (non-exempt) paid semi-monthly on an eight (8) hour per day, forty (40) hours per week. Final salary offer subject to multiple factors including candidate experience and expertise, geographic location of the role, and current market data.
  • 401(k) includes an employer match up to 4%
  • Robust health plans including dental, vision, life, and mental health support.
  • Offer generous annual vacation and sick time
  • 10 paid holidays
  • Annual scrub allowance for Lab roles

All offers of employment at Yosemite Pathology are contingent upon clear results of a thorough background check. Background checks will be conducted on all final candidates.