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Surgical Pathologist Assistant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Albanymed

Pathologist Asst

Albany, NY

$94K - $147K/yr

The Pathologists' Assistant has a lead role in the grossing areas of the department ... They will describe and examine surgical specimens and prepare such specimens for histological ...

Albanymed

Pathologist Assistant

Albany, NY

$38.53 - $63.58/hr

The Pathologists' Assistant has a lead role in the grossing areas of the department ... They will describe and examine surgical specimens and prepare such specimens for histological ...

MRINetwork Jobs

Pathologist Assistant

Newburgh, NY

Permanent Pathologist Assistant Location: Newburgh, NY 12550 Shift: Per Diem Job Summary: Under the ... Performs postmortem examinations ( * Assist with gross description, dissect surgical specimens and ...

Albanymed

Pathologist Assistant

Albany, NY · On-site

$38.53 - $63.58/hr

They will describe and examine surgical specimens and prepare such specimens for histological ... The Pathologists' Assistant manages the day-to-day operations of the morgue based on patient care ...

MRINetwork Jobs

Pathologist Assistant

Newburgh, NY · On-site

Permanent Pathologist Assistant Location: Newburgh, NY 12550 Shift: Per Diem Job Summary: Under the ... Performs postmortem examinations ( * Assist with gross description, dissect surgical specimens and ...

MRINetwork Jobs

Pathologist Assistant

Newburgh, NY · On-site

Permanent Pathologist Assistant Location: Newburgh, NY 12550 Shift: Per Diem Job Summary: Under the ... Performs postmortem examinations ( * Assist with gross description, dissect surgical specimens and ...

Lancesoft

Pathologist Assistant

Augusta, GA · On-site

$42 - $58.74/hr

The individual will be responsible for conducting gross examinations of surgical pathology specimens under appropriate supervision. Duties & Responsibilities: Assist the department manager/supervisor ...

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Surgical Pathologist Assistant information

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$14

$55

$89

How much do surgical pathologist assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for surgical pathologist assistant in the United States is $55.33, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $43.51 and $67.31 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What do surgical pathologist assistants do?

Surgical pathologist assistants support pathologists by preparing and grossing surgical specimens, ensuring proper labeling and documentation. They may also assist with specimen dissection, processing, and maintaining laboratory equipment, often working in a clinical or hospital setting and requiring knowledge of histology and laboratory safety protocols.

What is the difference between Surgical Pathologist Assistant vs Histotechnologist?

AspectSurgical Pathologist AssistantHistotechnologist
CredentialsCertification (e.g., ASCP-PA), relevant educationCertification (e.g., HT(ASCP)), specialized training
Work EnvironmentPathology labs, hospitals, surgical centersHistology labs, research facilities, hospitals
Employer & IndustryMedical institutions, pathology labsMedical labs, research institutions
Job FocusAssisting pathologists, grossing specimensPreparing tissue samples, staining slides

The Surgical Pathologist Assistant and Histotechnologist roles share overlapping skills and work environments but differ in focus. Surgical Pathologist Assistants primarily assist with specimen grossing and support pathologists, while Histotechnologists prepare tissue samples for microscopic examination. Both roles are vital in pathology labs and often require similar certifications, but their daily tasks and responsibilities differ significantly.

Are pathologist assistants in high demand?

Pathologist assistants are in increasing demand due to the growing need for specialized support in medical laboratories and hospitals. Their skills in gross examination, tissue sampling, and documentation are essential, and employment opportunities are expected to grow alongside the healthcare industry. Certification and experience can enhance job prospects in this field.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Surgical Pathologist Assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Surgical Pathologist Assistant, you need specialized training in anatomical pathology, specimen preparation, and gross examination, typically requiring a bachelor's degree in a related field and completion of a NAACLS-accredited Pathologists’ Assistant program. Familiarity with laboratory information systems, digital imaging, and compliance standards like CAP and CLIA is essential. Strong attention to detail, communication skills, and the ability to multitask under pressure help professionals excel in this role. These competencies are crucial to ensure accurate diagnoses, efficient workflow, and safe handling of patient specimens in a high-stakes medical environment.

What are some common challenges faced by Surgical Pathologist Assistants in their daily workflow?

Surgical Pathologist Assistants often work in fast-paced environments where they must balance accuracy and efficiency while handling a high volume of specimens. Managing complex or urgent cases, dealing with delicate or large tissue specimens, and maintaining strict attention to detail can be challenging. Additionally, effective communication with pathologists, surgeons, and laboratory staff is crucial for ensuring proper specimen processing and timely diagnoses. Adapting to new laboratory technologies and evolving protocols is also part of the role.

What is a Surgical Pathologist Assistant?

A Surgical Pathologist Assistant is a trained healthcare professional who works under the supervision of a pathologist to assist in the examination and processing of surgical specimens. They help prepare tissue samples for analysis, describe and dissect specimens, and sometimes assist with autopsies. Their work is crucial in ensuring accurate diagnoses by preparing high-quality samples for pathologists to examine. Surgical Pathologist Assistants typically work in hospitals, laboratories, or medical examiner offices, and require specialized education and training in pathology. This role is vital to the pathology team and contributes significantly to patient care.

What is the highest salary for a pathologist assistant?

The highest salary for a surgical pathologist assistant can exceed $80,000 to $100,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and certifications. Senior or specialized assistants working in large medical centers or with advanced skills may earn higher compensation.

How hard is it to become a pathologist assistant?

Becoming a surgical pathologist assistant typically requires completing a bachelor's degree, followed by a specialized master's program in pathology assisting or a related field. Certification through the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) is often required, and candidates need relevant laboratory experience, making the process moderately challenging but achievable with proper education and training.
More about Surgical Pathologist Assistant jobs
What cities are hiring for Surgical Pathologist Assistant jobs? Cities with the most Surgical Pathologist Assistant job openings:
What states have the most Surgical Pathologist Assistant jobs? States with the most job openings for Surgical Pathologist Assistant jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Surgical Pathologist Assistant jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Surgical Pathologist Assistant jobs are:
Surgical Pathologist Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Surgical Pathologist Assistant job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 21% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $115,082 per year, or $55.3 per hour.
Pathologist Assistant

Pathologist Assistant

UPMC Presbyterian

Pittsburgh, PA

Other

Posted 6 days ago

UPMC rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 1,247 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

404th of 877 rated healthcare providers

Job description

UPMC Presbyterians Shadyside in Pittsburgh, PA seeks multiple Pathologist Assistants to Assist manager or Supervisor with administrative functions as they relate to the Pathologists' Assistant portion of the department. Oversee the proper handling, storage and disposition of all surgical and autopsy tissue while adhering to the regulatory and compliance standards regarding biohazard and safety. Ensure that tests are prepared properly at all stages from specimen collection through results reporting and performs additional special handling of the specimens if necessary or requested (i.e. radiography, photography, special fixation, cultures and tissue procurement). Operate the Laboratory Information System and Medical Archival Retrieval System. Perform special projects such as research protocols when required. Provide independent technical leadership, consulting with the Manager or Supervisor on unusual and complex cases, such as oncology cases where the tumor has spread into other organs, cancers that extend into surrounding structures, autopsies on complicated cases, and initial intraoperative examination and tissue banking for uncommon specimens of interest to research such as wide section melanomas and thoracic biopsies. Provide training and orientation to the pathology assistant team members as needed. Examine and prepare surgical pathology cases for microscopic evaluation by providing gross description, dissection and sections of each case as defined by the Surgical Pathology Manual while maintaining accurate records of all activities. Participate in and performs frozen sections, intraoperative consultations, autopsies and prenatal procedures. File and retrieve surgical and autopsy materials and maintains accurate records of all such activities.

Job Responsibilities:

Assist manager or Supervisor with administrative functions as they relate to the Pathologists' Assistant portion of the department.

Oversee the proper handling, storage and disposition of all surgical and autopsy tissue while adhering to the regulatory and compliance standards regarding biohazard and safety.

Ensure that tests are prepared properly at all stages from specimen collection through results reporting and performs additional special handling of the specimens if necessary or requested (i.e. radiography, photography, special fixation, cultures and tissue procurement).

Operate the Laboratory Information System and Medical Archival Retrieval System.

Perform special projects such as research protocols when required.

Provide independent technical leadership, consulting with the Manager or Supervisor on unusual and complex cases, such as oncology cases where the tumor has spread into other organs, cancers that extend into surrounding structures, autopsies on complicated cases, and initial intraoperative examination and tissue banking for uncommon specimens of interest to research such as wide section melanomas and thoracic biopsies.

Provide training and orientation to the pathology assistant team members as needed.

Examine and prepare surgical pathology cases for microscopic evaluation by providing gross description, dissection and sections of each case as defined by the Surgical Pathology Manual while maintaining accurate records of all activities.

Participate in and performs frozen sections, intraoperative consultations, autopsies and prenatal procedures.

File and retrieve surgical and autopsy materials and maintains accurate records of all such activities.

  • Master's degree, or equivalent, from NAACLS accredited Pathologist Assistant program;

  • ASCP PA certification or eligibility

UPMC is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran

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About UPMC

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UPMC, a distinguished healthcare provider and insurer headquartered in Pittsburgh, PA, operates with a $23 billion budget. With a vast team of 92,000 employees, including 4,900 physicians, UPMC serves through over 40 academic, community, and specialty hospitals, along with 800+ doctors' offices and outpatient sites. Committed to patient-centered care, UPMC pioneers innovative and cost-effective models of accountable healthcare. The organization maintains a close affiliation with the University of Pittsburgh, a top recipient of National Institutes of Health research funding since 1998.

Industry

Health care and social assistance

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Pittsburgh, PA, US

Year founded

1893

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