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Tissue Processing Technician Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Tissue Circulator supports the safe handling, tracking, and movement of human allograft tissue through the tissue processing environment. This role is responsible for assisting the Tissue ...

The Tissue Circulator supports the safe handling, tracking, and movement of human allograft tissue through the tissue processing environment. This role is responsible for assisting the Tissue ...

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Tissue Processing Technician information

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$13

$24

$35

How much do tissue processing technician jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for tissue processing technician in the United States is $24.67, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.71 and $28.12 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Tissue Processing Technician vs Histotechnologist?

AspectTissue Processing TechnicianHistotechnologist
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; certification often preferredAssociate or bachelor's degree in histotechnology; certification (HT or HTL)
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, hospitals, research facilitiesPathology labs, hospitals, research institutions
Job FocusPreparing tissue samples through processing stepsPreparing, sectioning, and staining tissue slides for diagnosis

Both roles work in laboratory settings and require knowledge of tissue handling. The main difference lies in their responsibilities: Tissue Processing Technicians focus on processing tissues, while Histotechnologists prepare slides for microscopic examination. Histotechnologists typically have higher education and certification requirements, enabling more advanced technical tasks.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Tissue Processing Technician, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Tissue Processing Technician, you need knowledge of tissue handling, sterile techniques, and laboratory protocols, typically backed by a relevant associate degree or certification. Familiarity with laboratory information systems, tissue processing equipment, and quality control procedures is commonly required. Attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and effective communication are vital soft skills in this role. These skills and qualities are crucial to ensure accuracy, compliance, and the safety of tissue samples in medical and research settings.

What are Tissue Processing Technicians?

Tissue Processing Technicians are laboratory professionals who prepare biological tissue samples for examination, typically by pathologists. Their main responsibilities include receiving tissue specimens, embedding them in paraffin, slicing them into thin sections, and staining them to make cellular details visible under a microscope. This work is essential for diagnosing diseases, especially cancer, as it ensures that samples are properly preserved and prepared for accurate analysis. Tissue Processing Technicians often work in hospital labs, research institutions, or private pathology labs, following strict protocols to maintain sample integrity and safety.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a Tissue Processing Technician, and how do they contribute to the laboratory workflow?

As a Tissue Processing Technician, your daily tasks revolve around preparing biological tissue samples for microscopic examination, which includes fixing, dehydrating, embedding, sectioning, and staining specimens. You play a critical role in ensuring that samples are processed accurately and efficiently, which directly impacts the quality of diagnostic results. Collaboration with pathologists, histotechnologists, and laboratory staff is essential to maintain workflow, troubleshoot specimen issues, and ensure compliance with laboratory protocols. Attention to detail and adherence to safety standards are key, as your work supports timely and accurate diagnoses for patient care.
More about Tissue Processing Technician jobs
What cities are hiring for Tissue Processing Technician jobs? Cities with the most Tissue Processing Technician job openings:
What states have the most Tissue Processing Technician jobs? States with the most job openings for Tissue Processing Technician jobs include:
Infographic showing various Tissue Processing Technician job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,319 per year, or $24.7 per hour.

Ocular Transplant Tissue Processing Technician

VisionGift

Portland, OR โ€ข On-site

$21.20/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 29 days ago


Job description

Description:

Make a difference in the lives of others by helping give the gift of sight!

VisionGift (VG) is a nonprofit eye bank that obtains, evaluates and distributes eye tissue donated by caring individuals for use in cornea transplantation, research, and education. Since 1975, our organization has helped over 65,000 individuals receive sight-restoring transplants.


This is a great opportunity for individuals with excellent attention to detail and problem-solving skills desiring to learn tissue processing techniques and perform microscopic ocular tissue manipulation for ophthalmic surgery. Those who succeed will have experience and interest in the life-sciences, aseptic/sterile technique, and/or tissue processing of donor tissue for transplant. As a Processing Technician, you will operate in an aseptic environment performing DMEK and DSAEK graft preparations, sterilize instruments, and evaluate corneal tissue using a variety of microscopes and equipment. This position is an excellent fit for Sterile Processing Technicians, Ophthalmic Technicians, Surgical Technicians, Scrub Technicians, or anyone with healthcare experience interested in dramatically changing the lives of others every day.


Some essential functions of the role include but are not limited to the following:

  • Prepare ocular tissue for transplant
  • Establish sterile field for tissue processing
  • Evaluate tissue for suitability using specular microscopy, slit lamp biomicroscopy, and OCT


Requirements:

While this position is learned through extensive on-the-job training, related experience will be viewed favorably.


A successful candidate will have:

  • Very fine motor skills that are required for processing tissue for transplant
  • 1 year experience in universal/standard precautions & sterile technique is preferred
  • Experience with sterilization techniques and autoclave operation is preferred
  • Knowledge of Microsoft Windows and Office software
  • Be able to work full-time (reliable attendance is a must)

Hourly pay: $21.20

In addition to the hourly wage, VisionGift offers a generous benefit package including, but not limited to:

โ€ข Shift differentials for nights & weekends

โ€ข 7 paid holidays, 1 floating holiday and 1 DEI day

โ€ข 3 weeks PTO to in the first year which increases to 6 weeks with tenure

โ€ข Employer paid employee premiums for Medical, dental, and vision

โ€ข Employer-funded $1,000 HRA

โ€ข 401K with 4% employer match at 6 months

โ€ข $20,000 employer-paid life insurance policy

โ€ข Employer-paid short-term disability

โ€ข Voluntary benefits such as Dependent Care and FSA

โ€ข Parking pass or Portland transportation wallet

โ€ข Paid leave and more!


Notice to applicants: Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they meet 100% of the qualifications listed in the job post. We are more interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and encourage you to apply, even if you do not meet every qualification listed. If you are unsure if you meet the qualifications of this role, please email hr@visiongift.org to discuss your application.


Incumbent must perform the essential duties and responsibilities with or without reasonable accommodation. The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work. Final employment offers are contingent upon a Final Candidateโ€™s successful completion of a Background Verification, and a determination by the Company that the information derived from the Background Verification does not disqualify the individual. In addition, a Financial History Check and Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) Check may be required.


Please visit www.visiongift.org for more information on our organization.