Cytotechnologists

29-2011.02 Zone 5 — Extensive Preparation Needed

Stain, mount, and study cells to detect evidence of cancer, hormonal abnormalities, and other pathological conditions following established standards and practices.

Also known as: Certified Cytotechnologist, Cytologist, Cytology Applications Specialist, Cytology Coordinator, Cytology Technical Specialist, Cytopathology Technologist, Cytotechnologist

Annual Salary

$61,890

Median annual wage (May 2024)

$46,580 25th – 75th percentile $80,010
10th percentile $38,020
90th percentile $97,990
U.S. Employment: 343,040

Job Outlook

Outlook data not available.

What You'd Do

  • Examine cell samples to detect abnormalities in the color, shape, or size of cellular components and patterns.
  • Examine specimens, using microscopes, to evaluate specimen quality.
  • Prepare and analyze samples, such as Papanicolaou (PAP) smear body fluids and fine needle aspirations (FNAs), to detect abnormal conditions.
  • Provide patient clinical data or microscopic findings to assist pathologists in the preparation of pathology reports.
  • Assist pathologists or other physicians to collect cell samples by fine needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy or other method.
  • Document specimens by verifying patients' and specimens' information.
  • Maintain effective laboratory operations by adhering to standards of specimen collection, preparation, or laboratory safety.
  • Prepare cell samples by applying special staining techniques, such as chromosomal staining, to differentiate cells or cell components.
  • Submit slides with abnormal cell structures to pathologists for further examination.
  • Adjust, maintain, or repair laboratory equipment, such as microscopes.

Top Skills

Reading Comprehension 3.9
Active Listening 3.8
Critical Thinking 3.8
Complex Problem Solving 3.3
Speaking 3.1
Judgment and Decision Making 3.1
Writing 3.0
Active Learning 3.0

Importance scale: 1 (low) – 5 (high)

Knowledge Areas

Biology 4.2
Medicine and Dentistry 3.9
English Language 3.2
Administrative 3.1
Chemistry 2.7
Customer and Personal Service 2.6
Computers and Electronics 2.5
Education and Training 2.5

Importance scale: 1 (low) – 5 (high)

Education Level Distribution

Percentage of workers in this occupation by education level

Bachelor's
50%
Post-Bacc Cert
36.4%
Master's
13.6%

Technology & Tools

Software and tools commonly used in this role

In-Demand Technologies

Ansible software MEDITECH software Microsoft Excel Microsoft Office software Microsoft Word

Other Tools

Antek HealthWare LabDAQ Aspyra CyberLAB Cerner Millennium PathNet Clinical Software Solutions CLIN1 Suite ClinLab LIS Comp Pro Med Polytech CPSI CPSI System CSS CLS-2000 Custom Software Systems StarLab Elekta Impac Software IntelliLab EpicLab Laboratory Information System eTeleNext LIS Fletcher-Flora Health Care Systems FFlex eSuite LIS Fletcher-Flora Health Care Systems LabPak LIS Fortius Lab Systems Clinical LIS +10 more

Work Styles

Personality traits and work styles important for this career

3.0
Attention to Detail
2.7
Dependability
2.4
Cautiousness
2.1
Integrity
2.0
Intellectual Curiosity
1.8
Achievement Orientation
1.7
Perseverance

Key Abilities

Cognitive, physical, and sensory abilities important for this role

Oral Comprehension 4.0
Written Comprehension 4.0
Near Vision 4.0
Inductive Reasoning 3.9
Problem Sensitivity 3.8
Deductive Reasoning 3.8
Arm-Hand Steadiness 3.6
Finger Dexterity 3.6

Importance scale: 1 (low) – 5 (high)

Work Activities

General types of job behaviors occurring on this job

Documenting/Recording Information 4.5
Getting Information 4.2
Working with Computers 4.2
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates 3.9
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge 3.9
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events 3.9
Making Decisions and Solving Problems 3.6
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards 3.5

Importance scale: 1 (low) – 5 (high)

Work Environment

Physical and social factors that influence the nature of work

Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
4.8
E-Mail
4.7
Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions
4.7
Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
4.7
Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
4.6
Spend Time Sitting
4.5
Importance of Repeating Same Tasks
4.5
Freedom to Make Decisions
4.4
Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
4.3
Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection
4.3
Telephone Conversations
4.2
Consequence of Error
4.2

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Salary data: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2024. Outlook data: BLS Employment Projections, 2024–2034.

This page includes information from the O*NET 30.2 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license.