Histology Lab Support Technician
Career GuideKey Responsibilities
- Receive, label, and track specimens using a laboratory information system
- Prepare reagents, stains, and buffers according to written procedures
- Stock and organize lab supplies, including consumables and chemicals
- Clean and disinfect work areas to meet safety and quality standards
- Assist with tissue processing setup and routine workflow tasks
- Support slide preparation workflow by staging cassettes and slides
- Operate basic lab equipment such as centrifuges, water baths, and microtomes under supervision
- Perform routine equipment checks and document results
- Package, store, and dispose of biohazard and chemical waste correctly
- Maintain accurate records for inventory, temperatures, and maintenance logs
- Coordinate sample transport within the facility and to external partners
- Report issues such as labeling errors, shortages, or equipment problems to supervisors
Top Skills for Success
Attention to Detail
Time Management
Written Communication
Teamwork
Basic Computer Skills
Specimen Handling
Chain of Custody
Lab Safety
Chemical Handling
Biohazard Handling
Inventory Management
Equipment Maintenance
Quality Control Documentation
Laboratory Information System Use
Career Progression
Can Lead To
Histology Technician
Histotechnologist
Pathology Laboratory Technician
Cytology Technician
Laboratory Operations Coordinator
Transition Opportunities
Laboratory Quality Specialist
Laboratory Safety Coordinator
Laboratory Supervisor
Clinical Laboratory Technician
Research Laboratory Technician
Common Skill Gaps
Often Missing Skills
Laboratory Information System ProficiencySpecimen AccessioningQuality Control RecordkeepingChemical Safety ComplianceMicrotome Handling
Development SuggestionsBuild skills through on the job shadowing, short lab safety courses, and guided practice with lab documentation. Ask to own a small recurring task such as inventory counts or temperature logs to develop reliability and audit ready habits.
Salary & Demand
Median Salary Range
Entry LevelUSD 35,000 to 45,000
Mid LevelUSD 45,000 to 58,000
Senior LevelUSD 58,000 to 75,000
Growth Trend
Steady demand driven by hospital diagnostics, cancer care, and expanding laboratory testing. Hiring is strongest in large hospital systems, reference laboratories, and research hubs.Companies Hiring
Major Employers
HCA HealthcareKaiser PermanenteMayo ClinicCleveland ClinicLabcorpQuest DiagnosticsARUP LaboratoriesAmeriPathSonic HealthcareThermo Fisher Scientific
Industry Sectors
Hospitals and Health SystemsReference Diagnostic LaboratoriesAnatomic Pathology LaboratoriesCancer CentersMedical SchoolsBiotechnology CompaniesPharmaceutical CompaniesContract Research Organizations
Recommended Next Steps
1
Earn a basic laboratory safety credential such as bloodborne pathogens training2
Practice accurate labeling and tracking habits using checklists3
Learn the lab’s specimen workflow and common failure points4
Ask to support inventory ordering and restocking to build operations skills5
Request cross training in tissue processing or staining setup tasks6
Create a simple portfolio of logged competencies and training dates for promotion readiness