Most histotechnicians in Dallas earn at least $50,000 per year.
Histotechnicians, also called histology technicians, prepare body tissue specimens for microscopic examination. Pathologists use these specimens to find and diagnose disease. Most histotechs work in hospitals or private histology laboratories, while others find employment in facilities such as research laboratories, veterinary medicine laboratories and medical schools. The average salary of a histotechnician in Dallas, Texas, is very similar to the national average for this occupation.
Requirements
Although Texas does not regulate the occupation of histotechnician, job listings at Indeed.com show that many employers require candidates to have a one-year diploma or a two-year associate's degree in the field. The National Society for Histotechnology lists five schools in Texas that provide histotechnology training. Many employers also require certification from the American Society for Clinical Pathology, which involves passing an examination after completing formal training, or after completing a certain level of postsecondary science education along with experience working in a histopathology laboratory.
Salary Range
The median salary of histotechnicians in Dallas was about $50,000 per year as of February 2011, according to Salary.com. Those in the middle 50 percent of the earnings scale were making $45,280 to $54,740 per year. The top 10 percent had salaries above $59,000, and only the bottom 10 percent were earning less than $40,980 per year. In comparison, the nationwide salary for histotechs was $49,270, with the middle 50 percent range at $44,610 to $53,920.
Comparisons
Other cities relatively close to Dallas had lower median salaries for histotechnicians. Nearby Fort Worth was comparable, at a median salary of $49,580 per year. Histotechnicians in Waco, however, had a significantly lower median salary at $42,810. Histotechs in Tyler had a median annual salary of $42,860, in Wichita Falls $44,930, in Sherman $46,530 and in Denton $46,540.
Specifics
Indeed.com showed job openings for histotechnicians in Dallas in February 2011 in laboratories, hospitals and medical centers. Some employers were looking for individuals to fill supervisory positions. Many of the jobs were with an allied health staffing company. Histotechnician positions generally are full time, although some per diem, or as-needed, work is available. Although the listings generally do not provide salary information, some show that full-time histotechnicians receive full benefits packages with health insurance, paid time off and a 401(k) or other retirement savings plan.
Tags: histotechnicians Dallas, median salary, after completing, Dallas Texas, February 2011
