Histology Technicians
SOC code 29-2012 · O*NET-SOC 29-2012.01 · Medium preparation needed · Healthcare
Histology Technicians pay
U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number
Median pay
$62,930
a year
Hourly
$30.26
per hour
The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.
Average pay
$67,350
$32.38 per hour
Middle 50%
$47,650 – $81,450
25th to 75th percentile
Full spread
$38,910 – $100,990
10th to 90th percentile
People employed
332,940
nationwide
National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.
These pay and employment figures are for the broader BLS group “Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians”, not this job alone.
- 10th percentile
- $38,910
- $18.71/hr
- 25th percentile
- $47,650
- $22.91/hr
- Median percentile
- $62,930
- $30.26/hr
- 75th percentile
- $81,450
- $39.16/hr
- 90th percentile
- $100,990
- $48.55/hr
What does a histology technician do?
Prepare histological slides from tissue sections for microscopic examination and diagnosis by pathologists. May assist with research studies.
The tasks that matter most day to day
- Cut sections of body tissues for microscopic examination, using microtomes.
- Embed tissue specimens into paraffin wax blocks, or infiltrate tissue specimens with wax.
- Mount tissue specimens on glass slides.
- Stain tissue specimens with dyes or other chemicals to make cell details visible under microscopes.
- Freeze tissue specimens.
- Operate computerized laboratory equipment to dehydrate, decalcify, or microincinerate tissue samples.
- Archive diagnostic material, such as histologic slides and blocks.
- Maintain laboratory equipment, such as microscopes, mass spectrometers, microtomes, immunostainers, tissue processors, embedding centers, and water baths.
How to become a histology technician
Most people in this role hold associate's degree or other 2-year degree — 48% of workers surveyed reported it as their level of education.
Preparation level: zone 3 — Medium preparation needed
- Education
- Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
- Experience
- Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
Education reported by people doing this job
- Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree48%
- Post-Secondary Certificate16%
- High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)12%
- Some College Courses12%
Common questions
How much does a histology technician earn?
The national median is $62,930 a year. The full range runs from $38,910 at the 10th percentile to $100,990 at the 90th — entry pay sits closer to the lower figure, and experience, licensing and specialisation move you up the range.
Can you become a histology technician without a degree?
Yes — this occupation sits in preparation zone 3, meaning the typical entry route is most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree. A four-year degree is not the standard requirement, though licensing or certification may still apply.
Skills and knowledge you need
Core skills
- Active Listening3.5/5
- Critical Thinking3.5/5
- Reading Comprehension3.4/5
- Monitoring3.3/5
- Speaking3.1/5
- Science3.1/5
- Writing3.0/5
Knowledge areas
- Chemistry3.8/5
- Biology3.8/5
- English Language3.3/5
- Administrative3.0/5
- Administration and Management2.8/5
- Education and Training2.7/5
- Computers and Electronics2.7/5
- Mathematics2.6/5
Transferable strengths: Complex Problem Solving, Judgment and Decision Making, Coordination.