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Tissue Tech Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

One Mission. One California As our Surgical Tech, you will help prepare the operating room and ... Handles blood and tissue specimens accurately and in a timely manner. Measurement: Observation ...

Orthopedic Tech II

Downey, CA · On-site

$48.39 - $53.60/hr

Setting a fracture, manipulating bone or tissue or assessing that patients clinical condition * 2. ... Orthopedic Technologist Certificate from National Board for Certification of Orthopedic ...

New

Surgical Tech III

Oxnard, CA · On-site

$35.11 - $43.87/hr

Handles blood and tissue specimens accurately and in a timely manner. * Consistently demonstrates ... Certification as a Surgical Technologist and A minimum of two (2) years recent hospital experience ...

SURGICAL TECH II

Santa Maria, CA · On-site

$35.11 - $43.87/hr

Job Summary and Responsibilities As our Surgical Tech, you will help prepare the operating room and ... Handles blood and tissue specimens accurately and in a timely manner. Measurement: Observation ...

SURGICAL TECH II

Arroyo Grande, CA · On-site

$35.11 - $43.87/hr

Job Summary and Responsibilities As our Surgical Tech, you will help prepare the operating room and ... Handles blood and tissue specimens accurately and in a timely manner. Measurement: Observation ...

Showing results 21-40

Tissue Tech information

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$11

$20

$36

How much do tissue tech jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for tissue tech in California is $20.73, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.83 and $21.11 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a tissue tech?

Tissue Techs, also known as histology technicians or histotechnicians, are laboratory professionals who prepare tissue samples for examination by pathologists. They handle tasks such as embedding, sectioning, staining, and mounting tissues onto slides to help diagnose diseases. Tissue Techs work in medical laboratories, hospitals, or research facilities and play a crucial role in identifying abnormalities in tissue samples. Their work supports accurate diagnosis and effective treatment planning for patients.

What are some common challenges faced by tissue techs in a clinical laboratory setting?

Tissue Techs often encounter challenges such as managing a high volume of specimens while maintaining precision and accuracy in tissue processing and embedding. Attention to detail is critical, as even minor errors can affect diagnostic results. Additionally, adapting to evolving laboratory technologies and protocols requires ongoing learning. Working effectively within a team of pathologists and lab professionals is essential, as Tissue Techs play a key role in supporting accurate diagnoses and patient care.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a tissue tech, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Tissue Tech, you need a solid understanding of histology, tissue processing, and laboratory protocols, generally supported by an associate's degree in a laboratory science or related certification. Familiarity with laboratory information systems (LIS), microtomy equipment, and staining techniques is critical. Attention to detail, manual dexterity, and effective communication are important soft skills for excelling in this role. These competencies ensure accurate specimen preparation, reliable diagnostic results, and efficient workflow in pathology laboratories.

What is the difference between Tissue Tech vs Histology Technician?

AspectTissue TechHistology Technician
CertificationsTypically requires a histology technician certification or equivalentOften requires similar histology certifications or associate degree
Work EnvironmentHospitals, laboratories, research facilitiesHospitals, pathology labs, research institutions
Job ResponsibilitiesPreparing tissue samples, embedding, sectioning, stainingPreparing, sectioning, staining tissue samples for analysis

Both Tissue Tech and Histology Technician roles involve preparing tissue samples for examination, often requiring similar certifications and working in comparable environments. The main difference lies in terminology used by employers or regions, but their duties and qualifications largely overlap.

What job categories do people searching Tissue Tech jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Tissue Tech jobs in California are:

Infographic showing various Tissue Tech job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 74% Full Time, and 26% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $43,122 per year, or $20.7 per hour.

$35.11 - $43.87/hr

Full-time

Re-posted yesterday


Job description


Job Summary and Responsibilities

As our Surgical Tech, you will help prepare the operating room and surgical team so they can successfully perform a variety of surgical procedures for patients.

Every day you will set up surgical equipment and instruments, assist the surgical team, and ensure a sterile environment. You will be expected to adapt quickly, collaborate effectively within the OR team, and contribute directly to the patient's healing process.

To be successful in this role, you must possess adaptability, a strong team-player mindset, and enthusiasm for supporting complex surgical procedures.

  • Demonstrates intermediate or advanced skills in operating room technology and proficient knowledge of surgical procedures (as described in the Core Competencies and unit skills checklists). Measurement: Observation, Feedback.
  • Consistently demonstrates the principles of aseptic technique according to AORN Guidelines for Perioperative Practice, facility policy and procedures and the guidelines described in Universal Precautions. Measurement: Observation, Feedback.
  • Handles blood and tissue specimens accurately and in a timely manner. Measurement: Observation, Feedback, Accuracy.
  • Consistently demonstrates proper care and handling of instruments and equipment according to AAMI/ANSI Standards. Measurement: Observation, Feedback, Equipment condition.
  • Facilitates movement of surgery schedule through timely room turnover, communicating with appropriate persons for case progress and delays, through consistent and accurate anticipation of team needs. Measurement: Observation, Feedback, Timeliness, Accuracy.
  • Identifies and responds to urgent/emergent situations in a calm and efficient manner. Consistently accepts assistance and direction, demonstrating sound judgement during emergency situations. Measurement: Observation, Feedback, Accuracy.
Job Requirements

Required

  • Completion of Surgical Technologist training

  • Completion of Certification as Surgical Technologist

  • A minimum of one (1) year recent hospital experience as a Surgical Technologist

  • Basic Life Support - CPR (BLS-CPR) within 30 days
  • Certified Surgical Technologist CST or Technologist in Surgery-Certified TS-C

Preferred

  • Two (2) years of experience as a Certified Surgical Tech is preferred
Where You'll Work

Founded in 1961, Dignity Health - Arroyo Grande Community Hospital is a 65-bed, acute care, nonprofit hospital located in Arroyo Grande, California. Serving over 90,000 patients annually, the hospital offers a full complement of services including, emergency care, and orthopedics. Additionally, Arroyo Grande Community Hospital has been recognized as an LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality High Performer by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation. It is a Joint Commission-certified Primary Stroke Center, and has the only inpatient Acute Rehabilitation Center between Salinas and Santa Barbara.

One Community. One Mission. One California 


Pay Range
$35.11 - $43.87 /hour