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Tissue Processing Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Merge Labs

Histology Technician

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$95K - $120K/yr

You will own the tissue processing, sectioning, and staining workflows that allow our scientists to visualize and characterize molecular technologies in complex biological samples. Your work requires ...

Retro

Histology Specialist / Histologist

Redwood City, CA · On-site

$100K - $125K/yr

Tissue processing will continue to be outsourced to a CRO; everything else happens in-house with you. You will work in a dedicated histology lab space and be a part of the Scientific Operations team ...

Retro

Histology Specialist / Histologist

Redwood City, CA · On-site

$100K - $125K/yr

Tissue processing will continue to be outsourced to a CRO; everything else happens in-house with you. You will work in a dedicated histology lab space and be a part of the Scientific Operations team ...

Unio Health Partners

Be Seen First

Lead Histotechnician - Pathology

Pasadena, CA · On-site

$83K - $91K/yr

Oversee tissue processing, embedding, and microtomy, ensuring adherence to established protocols. * Troubleshoot and resolve technical issues related to tissue processing. This may require being ...

OneLegacy

Eye Bank Coordinator

Azusa, CA · On-site

$53K/yr

The Eye Bank Coordinator (EBC) oversees ocular tissue storage, evaluation, donor eligibility determination, processing, and distribution. EBC maintains relations with external medical professional ...

OneLegacy

Eye Bank Coordinator

Azusa, CA

$53K/yr

The Eye Bank Coordinator (EBC) oversees ocular tissue storage, evaluation, donor eligibility determination, processing, and distribution. EBC maintains relations with external medical professional ...

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All JobsTissue Processing JobsTissue Processing Jobs in California

Tissue Processing information

See California salary details

$13

$25

$47

How much do tissue processing jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for tissue processing in California is $25.14, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.31 and $29.18 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What job makes $10,000 a month without a degree?

In the field of tissue processing, high-paying roles such as senior laboratory technicians or managers can earn around $10,000 per month, especially with extensive experience and specialized skills. These positions often require technical knowledge, certifications, and proficiency with laboratory equipment but may not always require a college degree.

What jobs in the US pay 300,000 a year?

In the US, high-paying roles related to tissue processing are uncommon, as most positions in this field typically do not reach $300,000 annually. However, senior roles such as laboratory directors, research managers, or specialized biomedical executives in large institutions or biotech companies can potentially earn this level of compensation, especially with extensive experience, advanced degrees, and leadership responsibilities.

How to become a tissue processing technician?

To become a tissue processing technician, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and may pursue postsecondary training or certification in histology or laboratory technology. Relevant skills include attention to detail, knowledge of laboratory procedures, and familiarity with tissue processing equipment; some positions may require on-the-job training or certification from professional organizations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Tissue Processing position, and why are they important?

To thrive in Tissue Processing, you need knowledge of laboratory procedures, strong attention to detail, and, ideally, an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in a science-related field. Competency in using laboratory instruments such as microtomes, embedding centers, staining machines, and familiarity with Laboratory Information Systems (LIS) is often required, with some roles preferring ASCP certification. Excellent organizational skills, teamwork, and effective communication are valued to ensure workflow efficiency and accuracy. These skills are crucial for producing high-quality tissue samples that enable accurate diagnosis and support patient care in clinical and research settings.

What are the typical daily responsibilities for someone working in Tissue Processing?

Professionals in Tissue Processing are primarily responsible for preparing, embedding, sectioning, and staining tissue samples for microscopic analysis. Day-to-day tasks often include labeling specimens, operating laboratory equipment, maintaining detailed records, and ensuring quality control. You will frequently collaborate with pathologists, histotechnologists, and other lab team members to ensure timely and accurate specimen preparation. This role may also involve meeting tight deadlines and adhering to strict safety and regulatory standards. Attention to detail and the ability to follow established protocols are key to success in this environment.

What is a Tissue Processing job?

A Tissue Processing job involves the preparation, preservation, and handling of biological tissues for medical, research, or transplant purposes. Responsibilities may include tissue recovery, sterilization, labeling, storage, and ensuring compliance with safety and regulatory standards. Professionals in this field work in healthcare facilities, laboratories, or tissue banks to process human or animal tissues for diagnostic, therapeutic, or research applications. Attention to detail, adherence to protocols, and knowledge of aseptic techniques are essential skills for this role.

How much does a tissue processor make?

Tissue processing technicians typically earn between $30,000 and $50,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and certifications. Salaries can vary based on the complexity of the procedures and the work environment, such as hospitals or laboratories.
What are the most commonly searched types of Tissue Processing jobs in California? The most popular types of Tissue Processing jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Tissue Processing jobs in California? For Tissue Processing jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Tissue Processing jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Tissue Processing jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Tissue Processing jobs? Cities in California with the most Tissue Processing job openings:
Tissue Processing jobs near you
Infographic showing various Tissue Processing job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% As Needed, 68% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 7% Temporary, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $52,292 per year, or $25.1 per hour.
Tissue Recovery Coordinator I

Tissue Recovery Coordinator I

Donor Network West

San Ramon, CA

Full-time

Posted 16 days ago

Job description

Donor Network West’s mission is to save and heal lives through organ and tissue donation for transplantation and research.
 
At Donor Network West, we're looking for people who embody our core values: passion, excellence, equity and inclusion, and relationships. We welcome diverse perspectives and foster an environment of collaboration and service.

GENERAL JOB FUNCTION

The Tissue Recovery Coordinator responds to tissue recovery cases and provides technical support for all aspects of tissue recovery for transplant and research. The Tissue Recovery Coordinator is responsible for the intraoperative leadership of the recovery team and communication to a team of other medical professional, including hospital personnel, funeral home staff and coroner or medical examiner professionals. To this audience they are the operative expert for the tissue recovery process. The Tissue Recovery Coordinator performs other clinical support related responsibilities during their scheduled shift on an as needed basis.
ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Arrives to work and is clocked in ready to work at the start of assigned shift. Required to have a sense of urgency for a clinical event and evaluate timeframes of recovery needs.
  • Responsible for accurately and thoroughly reviewing donor authorization and ensuring proper identification of the donor and tissue(s) authorized for recovery. Additionally able to review the donor medical history to the same standard as documented in the hospital chart, electronic donor record and the Uniform Donor Risk Assessment Interview (UDRAI). Obtains medical records and/or diagnostic samples from the hospital for clinical events as needed.
  • Assembles required supplies for tissue recovery and effectively utilizes the material management inventory system maintaining accurate levels of inventory. Responsible for duties associated with maintaining the Recovery Suite including, but not limited to: cleaning, inventory control, receiving deliveries, etc.
  • Performs blood draw or collects specimens and completes the preparation steps for surgical dissection of tissue(s). Effectively performs the surgical recovery of skin. Demonstrates annual proficiency of those recovery skills. Performs a thorough reconstruction of donor following the recovery of tissue.
  • Performs and verifies packaging and labeling of specimens and tissues recovered for testing, research, and/or transplant. Facilitates the timely shipping of diagnostic samples, tissues, and medical records to appropriate laboratories and processors.
  • Appropriately coordinates time management on the tissue recovery donor event with assigned tissue recovery coordinator peers. Consistently demonstrates a strong attention to details, excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Required to establish and maintain a basic knowledge of medical terminology, general anatomy, and disease processes. Reviews policies, procedures and trainings as directed to aid in the learning process prior to effective/due dates. Attends and actively participates in departmental and organization meetings.
  • Required to learn and maintain basic knowledge of federal, state, and industry laws/regulations related to tissue practices including those of all tissue processors, AATB, OSHA, EBAA, and FDA.
  • Trains staff in tissue recovery techniques that the coordinator is deemed proficient in, including ability to explain anatomical and technical concepts/terms.
  • Ability to read and comprehend patient charts.
  • Sets and meets realistic goals and deadlines.
  • Maintains professionalism and poise in stressful, complex, and continuously changing situations. Consistently exhibits a high standard of integrity and ethical behavior, resolving conflicts in an open, direct and appropriate manner.
  • Basic knowledge of the inter-relationships of departments and services provided by DNWest.
  • Performs additional tasks as needed to support donation such as, but is not limited to: Donor Operations, Quality, Data, and Donor Information.
  • Effectively performs the surgical recovery of musculoskeletal and ocular tissue. Demonstrates annual proficiency of those recovery skills. 
Additional duties and responsibilities as a full TRC I:
  • May function as a surgical first assistant to transplant surgery personnel on organ donor recoveries. May function as a surgical scrub for organ recovery cases.
  • Functions in the capacity of a leader of the team, appropriately overseeing and directing team coordination, and time management. Coordinates team assignments in collaboration Donor Operations.  Consistently demonstrates a strong attention to details, excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Obtains a minimum of 6 CEUs/CEPT per year. If CTBS certified, it is required to maintain certification by obtaining 40 CEUs every three years.
QUALIFICATIONS
  • Excellent organizational and time management skills; ability to function independently and collaboratively. Demonstrated problem-solving and creative thinking skill and well-developed personal stress management skills.
  • Ability to operate telephones, computers, and surgical equipment.
  • Ability to clearly and effectively speak and communicate to accurately convey information to internal DNWest staff, hospital staff, processing partners, and others involved in the donation process. Ability to establish and maintain relationships with these individuals.
  • Ability to handle exposure to emotionally intense situations like death, grief and the death process on a regular basis that includes pediatric and adult donors. Some scenarios surrounding death and donation may be of traumatic nature.
  • Must maintain a valid driver’s license in accordance with DNWest motor vehicle policy. Must have reliable personal automobile transportation to be used with company reimbursement using IRS guidelines. Employee may be required to drive personal vehicle while functioning in the role. Must be able to travel within the service area by ground or air. 
  • Ability to work minimum of a 12-hour shift, with the requirement of staying past shift when required by donor volume and staffing, with few breaks. The department schedule may change over time to meet staffing needs for tissue recovery. The schedule includes 7, 12-hr shifts per pay period. The employee is required to work weekends (defined as Friday, Saturday, and Sunday), nights and holidays. Holiday requirement includes work on 5 holiday shifts per calendar year.
  • Ability to handle confidentiality of all donor/recipient information.
  • Maintains recovery performance metrics that are consistent with department goals.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
  • Prove performance efficiency and excellence as a DNWest Tissue Recovery Coordinator I – Trainee
  • Associate degree in biological sciences/allied healthcare/ mortuary science, or completion of a surgical technology program, or an emergency medical services program
  • 2 years of work experience in a related field may be substituted for educational requirement.
  • Must maintain a valid California or Nevada driver’s license and current vehicle insurance based on applicable state minimum insurance coverage standards.
  • Certified Tissue Banking Specialist (CTBS), or Certified Eye Banking Specialist (CEBT), or Certified Surgical Technologist(CST) preferred.
  • Hospital/clinical experience; tissue recovery experience; previous experience with sterile technique and surgical procedures preferred.
Donor Network West takes a market-based approach to pay. All candidates' starting pay will be determined based on job-related skills, experience, qualifications and interview performance.

Our job listings’ compensation ranges include location-based differentials but may not be reflective of a candidate’s final base salary. Location differentials are determined by an employee’s home address, associated market data provided by government reporting and processed by Payroll.

If selected, Donor Network West’s Recruiting & Compensation Team will provide further detail!

Salary data provided by third party sites do not accurately reflect our pay structure.