Cytotechnologists
Cytotechnologists prepare and examine cell samples under microscopes to identify cancer, infections, and hormonal problems. They work primarily in hospital laboratories, diagnostic clinics, and pathology centers, following standardized procedures to stain and mount slides. Their findings help pathologists and physicians diagnose disease.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against cytotechnologists and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
A cytotechnologist spends most of the day preparing glass slides by staining cells with chemical dyes and arranging samples under cover slips. They then examine slides through microscopes, documenting abnormal cell patterns and noting findings in reports. Tasks involve equipment maintenance, quality control checks, and careful record-keeping to ensure accuracy. Work is detail-oriented and methodical, often involving 50 or more slides daily.
Who this work suits
Holland code IRC. Investigative work is figuring things out: analysis, research, problem-solving. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You're suited for this work if you enjoy investigating problems systematically and working with concrete, tangible materials and equipment. You prefer hands-on lab work over theoretical study, have strong attention to detail, and can follow established procedures reliably while maintaining focus through repetitive tasks.
What it takes
Preparation: Extensive preparation (graduate degree and/or many years of experience). Most people in this occupation hold a bachelor’s degree.
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Who is hiring
Openings right now
- Cytotechnologist · Veterans Health Administration · San Juan, Puerto Rico · $74678–$97087
- Cytotechnologist · Veterans Health Administration · Kings, New York · $96809–$125858
- Cytotechnologist · Veterans Health Administration · Cleveland, Ohio · $77977–$101375
- Cytotechnologist · Veterans Health Administration · Indianapolis, Indiana · $84209–$109478
Openings are read from employers’ own career pages and public job boards and change daily. Search all openings (free account) to filter by distance, pay and how well you qualify.
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New York | $65,890 | $97,280 | $120,900 | 16,460 |
| Oregon | $62,360 | $83,010 | $102,950 | 2,660 |
| New Hampshire | $57,360 | $81,020 | $90,310 | 800 |
| Massachusetts | $54,020 | $79,120 | $99,130 | 10,850 |
| Vermont | $65,610 | $78,680 | $96,530 | 460 |
| District of Columbia | $58,600 | $76,560 | $102,560 | 960 |
| California | $56,700 | $76,010 | $89,480 | 29,210 |
| Rhode Island | $50,420 | $75,780 | $83,490 | 1,060 |
| Minnesota | $61,430 | $74,440 | $80,920 | 7,190 |
| Washington | $56,160 | $72,760 | $97,590 | 7,430 |
| Illinois | $53,820 | $71,950 | $82,880 | 10,330 |
| Colorado | $52,930 | $70,050 | $87,780 | 5,000 |
All 50 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico
Certifications people in this field hold
- Certified Cytotechnologist CT — International Academy of Cytology (IAC)
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Job titles in this occupation
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against cytotechnologists and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 29-2011.02 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.