Cytotechnologists

SOC code 29-2011 · O*NET-SOC 29-2011.02 · Extensive preparation needed · Healthcare

Cytotechnologists pay

U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number

Median pay

$62,930

a year

Hourly

$30.26

per hour

10th$38,910Median$62,93090th$100,990

The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.

Average pay

$67,350

$32.38 per hour

Middle 50%

$47,650 – $81,450

25th to 75th percentile

Full spread

$38,910 – $100,990

10th to 90th percentile

People employed

332,940

nationwide

National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.

These pay and employment figures are for the broader BLS group “Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians”, not this job alone.

10th percentile: $38,910; $18.71/hr
25th percentile: $47,650; $22.91/hr
Median percentile: $62,930; $30.26/hr
75th percentile: $81,450; $39.16/hr
90th percentile: $100,990; $48.55/hr

What does a cytotechnologist do?

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

The tasks that matter most day to day

Examine cell samples to detect abnormalities in the color, shape, or size of cellular components and patterns.
Document specimens by verifying patients' and specimens' information.
Submit slides with abnormal cell structures to pathologists for further examination.
Prepare and analyze samples, such as Papanicolaou (PAP) smear body fluids and fine needle aspirations (FNAs), to detect abnormal conditions.
Examine specimens, using microscopes, to evaluate specimen quality.
Maintain effective laboratory operations by adhering to standards of specimen collection, preparation, or laboratory safety.
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.

How to become a cytotechnologist

Most people in this role hold bachelor's degree — 50% of workers surveyed reported it as their level of education.

Preparation level: zone 5 — Extensive preparation needed

Education: Most of these occupations require graduate school. For example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a Ph.D., M.D., or J.D. (law degree).
Experience: Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience are needed for these occupations. Many require more than five years of experience. For example, surgeons must complete four years of college and an additional five to seven years of specialized medical training to be able to do their job.
Training: Employees may need some on-the-job training, but most of these occupations assume that the person will already have the required skills, knowledge, work-related experience, and/or training.

See all zone 5 occupations →

Education reported by people doing this job

Bachelor's Degree50%
Post-Baccalaureate Certificate36%
Master's Degree14%

Common questions

How much does a cytotechnologist earn?

The national median is $62,930 a year. The full range runs from $38,910 at the 10th percentile to $100,990 at the 90th — entry pay sits closer to the lower figure, and experience, licensing and specialisation move you up the range.

Can you become a cytotechnologist without a degree?

Not usually — this occupation sits in preparation zone 5, where the typical entry route is most of these occupations require graduate school. For example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a Ph.D., M.D., or J.D. (law degree). The education breakdown above shows what people in the role actually reported.

Skills and knowledge you need

Core skills

Reading Comprehension3.9/5
Active Listening3.8/5
Critical Thinking3.8/5
Speaking3.1/5
Writing3.0/5
Active Learning3.0/5
Monitoring3.0/5

Knowledge areas

Biology4.2/5
Medicine and Dentistry3.9/5
English Language3.2/5
Administrative3.0/5
Chemistry2.7/5
Customer and Personal Service2.6/5
Computers and Electronics2.5/5

Transferable strengths: Complex Problem Solving, Judgment and Decision Making, Social Perceptiveness.