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Surgical Pathology Tech information

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$721

$1.9K

$2.9K

How much do surgical pathology tech jobs pay per week?

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average weekly pay for surgical pathology tech in the United States is $1,882.31, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $1,403.85 and $2,307.69 per week, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a surgical pathology tech?

Surgical Pathology Technicians, also known as Pathology Technicians or Pathology Assistants, are healthcare professionals who assist pathologists in preparing and examining tissue samples from surgeries and biopsies. They are responsible for handling, processing, and preserving specimens, as well as supporting the technical aspects of diagnostic pathology. Their work is crucial in helping doctors accurately diagnose diseases, particularly cancer, and in ensuring high-quality laboratory results. Surgical Pathology Techs often work in hospitals, laboratories, or pathology departments alongside pathologists and other laboratory staff.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a surgical pathology tech?

To thrive as a Surgical Pathology Tech, you need a solid understanding of anatomy, specimen handling, and laboratory procedures, typically supported by an associate degree in a laboratory science field or equivalent certification. Familiarity with laboratory information systems (LIS), grossing tools, and tissue processing equipment is essential. Attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and effective communication help ensure accuracy and efficiency in specimen preparation. These skills and qualities are crucial for supporting accurate diagnoses and maintaining laboratory safety and quality standards.

What are the most common challenges faced by surgical pathology techs in their daily work?

Surgical Pathology Technicians often encounter challenges such as managing a high volume of specimens while maintaining strict accuracy and attention to detail. The role requires careful handling of delicate tissue samples, adhering to rigorous safety and quality protocols, and working efficiently alongside pathologists and other laboratory staff. Additionally, technicians must stay updated on evolving laboratory procedures and technologies, which can add complexity to their daily responsibilities. Effective communication and time-management skills are essential to navigate these demands successfully.

What is the difference between Surgical Pathology Tech vs Histology Technician?

AspectSurgical Pathology TechHistology Technician
CredentialsCertified or eligible for certification (e.g., ASCP)Certified or eligible for certification (e.g., ASCP)
Work EnvironmentHospitals, pathology labs, medical centersLaboratories, hospitals, research facilities
Job FocusPreparing and processing tissue samples for diagnosisPreparing tissue sections for microscopic examination
Common UsageUsed interchangeably in some settings, but Surgical Pathology Tech emphasizes grossing and processingFocuses on histological slide preparation

While both roles involve working with tissue samples, Surgical Pathology Techs primarily handle grossing and processing tissues for diagnosis, whereas Histology Technicians focus on preparing tissue sections for microscopic analysis. Both roles require similar certifications and work in comparable environments, but their specific tasks differ within the pathology workflow.

How do I get into surgical pathology?

To become a surgical pathology technician, typically a high school diploma or equivalent is required, followed by completing a histotechnology or pathology technician program accredited by relevant agencies. Certification from organizations like the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) can enhance job prospects, and on-the-job training is common for learning laboratory procedures and tools used in surgical pathology.

What does a surgical pathology technician do?

A surgical pathology technician prepares and processes tissue samples collected during surgeries for microscopic examination. They handle tasks such as tissue embedding, sectioning, staining, and labeling, often working with microscopes and laboratory equipment under the supervision of pathologists. Attention to detail and knowledge of laboratory safety protocols are essential in this role.

What cities are hiring for Surgical Pathology Tech jobs?

Cities with the most Surgical Pathology Tech job openings:

What states have the most Surgical Pathology Tech jobs?

States with the most job openings for Surgical Pathology Tech jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Surgical Pathology Tech jobs?

For Surgical Pathology Tech jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Surgical Pathology Tech jobs near you
Infographic showing various Surgical Pathology Tech job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 13% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $97,880 per year, or $47.1 per hour.

Surgical Pathology Technologist

Cleveland, OH • On-site

University Hospitals
Health Care and Social Assistance • 10K+ employees
Learn more about University Hospitalsexternal

Full-time

Posted 26 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Triages, accesses, registers cases in the Laboratory Information System (LIS), ensuring accuracy and completeness of case details.

  • Performs gross examination of surgical specimens, creates gross descriptions, and assists pathologists in specimen dissection and preparation for microscopic analysis.

  • Operates and maintains laboratory equipment, participates in quality control processes, and maintains a clean, organized work environment in compliance with safety and quality standards.

University Hospitals rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 626 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

A Brief Overview

The Surgical Pathology Technologist I is responsible for accurate specimen handling, documentation, and preparation for microscopic analysis. This position will triage and register cases in the LIS, perform gross examinations, assist pathologists, and maintain compliance with safety and quality standards. The Surgical Pathology Technologist I operates and maintains laboratory equipment, participates in quality control processes, and ensures a clean, organized work environment.

What You Will Do
  • Triages, accessions, and registers cases in the Laboratory Information System (LIS), ensuring accuracy and completeness of case details.
  • Labels and documents all specimens properly to ensure accurate identification and traceability.
  • Performs gross examination of surgical specimens and creates gross descriptions that document relevant findings and measurements.
  • Adheres to organizational policies and established procedures when handling and submitting specimens to maintain tissue integrity.
  • Assists pathologists in the dissection and preparation of specimens for microscopic analysis.
  • Ensures a clean, well-stocked and organized work environment in compliance with safety and quality standards.
  • Operates and maintains laboratory equipment in accordance to manufacturer's instructions, including cassette printers, grossing benches, scales, and bone saws.
  • Participates in quality control processes by entering Q/A flags, as appropriate, and maintaining accurate records and logs.
  • Documents and reports quality or safety concerns and instrument malfunctions through the appropriate channels.
  • Completes all assigned mandatory assignments within allowed timelines.
  • Maintains and demonstrates competency assessment in assigned area; maintains current knowledge of best practices and emerging techniques in gross pathology.
  • Fosters a collaborative environment that promotes teamwork and effective communication.
Additional Responsibilities
  • Performs other duties as assigned.
  • Complies with all policies and standards.
  • For specific duties and responsibilities, refer to documentation provided by the department during orientation.
  • Must abide by all requirements to safely and securely maintain Protected Health Information (PHI) for our patients. Annual training, the UH Code of Conduct and UH policies and procedures are in place to address appropriate use of PHI in the workplace.
Education
  • Bachelor's Degree in a chemical, physical, biological or clinical laboratory science or medical technology from an accredited institution (Requirement specific in CLIA '88 to perform high complexity testing) (Required)
Work Experience
  • 1 years experience in dissection and processing of surgical specimens (Preferred)
Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities
  • Good computer skills (Required proficiency)
  • Good knowledge of anatomy and physiology (Required proficiency)
  • Good knowledge of lab equipment (Required proficiency)
Physical Demands
  • Standing Frequently
  • Walking Frequently
  • Sitting Rarely
  • Lifting Frequently up to 50 lbs
  • Carrying Frequently up to 50 lbs
  • Pushing Frequently up to 50 lbs
  • Pulling Frequently up to 50 lbs
  • Climbing Occasionally up to 50 lbs
  • Balancing Occasionally
  • Stooping Frequently
  • Kneeling Frequently
  • Crouching Frequently
  • Crawling Occasionally
  • Reaching Frequently
  • Handling Frequently
  • Grasping Frequently
  • Feeling Constantly
  • Talking Constantly
  • Hearing Constantly
  • Repetitive Motions Constantly
  • Eye/Hand/Foot Coordination Constantly
Travel Requirements
  • 5%

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About University Hospitals

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

For more than 155 years, University Hospitals has been on a mission to heal, teach and discover. As a renowned academic medical center and community hospital network, we’ve expanded across Northeast Ohio to deliver what matters most to our patients: personalized, compassionate care; medical discovery and breakthroughs; and high-quality, affordable care close to home.

Industry

Health care and social assistance

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Cleveland, OH, US

Year founded

1866

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