Most histology technicians earn more than $40,000 per year.
A histology technician, also called a histotechnician, works in a laboratory preparing body tissue specimens for microscopic examination by pathologists. The technician applies firming techniques to specimens, then cuts the specimens thinly and stains them. The work of histology technicians helps doctors diagnose or rule out disease. Histology technician annual salaries are generally in the $40,000 to $60,000 range.
Requirements
Many employers, such as the Mayo Clinic, prefer or require a histology technician to have professional certification from the American Society for Clinical Pathology. To become certified, the candidate must complete training and pass an examination. Job listings at Indeed.com show that many employers prefer or require a two-year associate's degree in the field. The Mayo Clinic posts other qualifications for histology technicians as well, including familiarity with medical terminology and use of laboratory computer systems.
Percentages
The median salary for a histology technician as of February 2011 was about $49,270 per year, according to Salary.com. Those in the middle 50 percent of the earnings range were making $44,610 to $53,920 per year. The top 10 percent had annual salaries of more than $58,130. Only the bottom 10 percent were earning less than $40,370 per year.
Geography
The median salary for a histology technician varies a great deal by location. Histology technicians in Huntington, W. Va., for instance, were earning a median annual salary of $43,970 as of February 2011. In contrast, histology technicians in Anchorage, Ak., had a median annual salary of about $56,150. Histology technicians in Orlando, Fla., were earning a median annual salary of $46,960; in Syracuse, N.Y., $47,960; in Phoenix, Ariz., $48,650, in Detroit, Mich., $51,950 and in Seattle, Wash., $54,820.
Specifics
Indeed.com listed about 200 job openings for histology technicians throughout the country in February 2011. Positions were available in children's hospitals, general hospitals, genetics laboratories, medical centers, oncology units and outpatient clinics. Posted pay rates ranged from about $13 to $28 per hour. Most jobs were full time, and some required rotating weekends and holiday work. Full-time histology technicians receive health, dental and vision insurance; paid holidays, vacations and personal days; and a 401(k) or other company-matched savings plan.
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