A histology technician prepares tissue samples for examination under a microscope. You work in labs, hospitals, and research facilities. The role is detail-oriented, in demand, and you can enter with an associate degree.
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Histology technicians process human tissue samples to help doctors diagnose disease. You prepare slides by cutting, staining, and mounting tissue sections. You operate and maintain lab equipment, monitor processes to ensure quality, and document your work carefully. You communicate with supervisors and peers about findings and procedures. The work requires knowledge of chemistry and biology, and you'll spend time inspecting materials and getting information to solve problems that come up during sample processing.
Core work activities
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Histology Technicians earn a median of $62,930 a year, based on 2025 data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and location.
The outlook is modest. Employment is projected to grow 2 percent from 2024 to 2034, little or no change for all occupations, with about 22,600 openings a year.
Top skills
Knowledge areas
Most histology technicians earn an associate degree, which typically takes two years. Your coursework covers chemistry, biology, and lab techniques specific to tissue preparation. During your education, you'll gain hands-on experience in a lab setting. This is a Job Zone 3 role, meaning you need some preparation but not a four-year degree. Look for programs at community colleges or technical schools that offer histology or clinical laboratory science training.
The main route is an associate degree program in histology or clinical laboratory science. If you're exploring whether this path fits your timeline and goals, Pathly can map the histology technician path that fits you with your counselor to map out the steps.
Many histology technicians must be licensed to practice.
Licensing is handled at the state level and the requirements vary, so check the licensing board in your state. Pathly shows your state's specific steps inside your roadmap.
You like hands-on work and solving practical problems. You're detail-oriented, good at following procedures, and comfortable working with scientific equipment and materials.
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Last updated July 1, 2026.
Data sources. Career details from the O*NET 30.3 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under CC BY 4.0. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. Salary and outlook figures from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2025 wages; 2024–2034 projections), delivered via the CareerOneStop API. Certification, licensing, wage, and outlook data from CareerOneStop, sponsored by USDOL/ETA and the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED).