Histotechnologists
SOC code 29-2011 · O*NET-SOC 29-2011.04 · Considerable preparation needed · Healthcare
Histotechnologists 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 histotechnologist do?
Apply knowledge of health and disease causes to evaluate new laboratory techniques and procedures to examine tissue samples. Process and prepare histological slides from tissue sections for microscopic examination and diagnosis by pathologists. May solve technical or instrument problems or assist with research studies.
The tasks that matter most day to day
- Embed tissue specimens into paraffin wax blocks, or infiltrate tissue specimens with wax.
- Cut sections of body tissues for microscopic examination, using microtomes.
- Stain tissue specimens with dyes or other chemicals to make cell details visible under microscopes.
- Compile materials for distribution to pathologists, such as surgical working drafts, requisitions, and slides.
- Compile and maintain records of preventive maintenance and instrument performance checks according to schedule and regulations.
- Perform tests by following physician instructions.
- Operate computerized laboratory equipment to dehydrate, decalcify, or microincinerate tissue samples.
- Prepare substances, such as reagents and dilution, and stains for histological specimens according to protocols.
How to become a histotechnologist
Most people in this role hold bachelor's degree — 43% of workers surveyed reported it as their level of education.
Preparation level: zone 4 — Considerable preparation needed
- Education
- Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
- Experience
- A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.
Education reported by people doing this job
- Bachelor's Degree43%
- Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree19%
- Post-Secondary Certificate14%
- Master's Degree10%
Common questions
How much does a histotechnologist 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 histotechnologist without a degree?
Not usually — this occupation sits in preparation zone 4, where the typical entry route is most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not. The education breakdown above shows what people in the role actually reported.
Skills and knowledge you need
Core skills
- Reading Comprehension3.5/5
- Critical Thinking3.4/5
- Monitoring3.4/5
- Active Listening3.3/5
- Speaking3.3/5
- Active Learning3.3/5
- Writing3.1/5
Knowledge areas
- Biology4.0/5
- Production and Processing3.5/5
- Chemistry3.5/5
- Customer and Personal Service3.4/5
- English Language3.2/5
- Administrative3.0/5
- Education and Training3.0/5
- Mathematics3.0/5
Transferable strengths: Judgment and Decision Making, Complex Problem Solving, Operations Monitoring.