Best Cytotechnologist Careers + Salary Outlook

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What We Do

A cytotechnologist is responsible for studying samples of human cells. They use microscopes to look at skin cells and body fluids in an attempt to discover if there are any problems within the body. If an abnormality is found, this means that a bacteria or virus may be present, or even cancer. The main responsibilities of a cytotechonlogist is to study FNA (fine needle aspiration) biopsies and Pap (papanicolaou) smear tests. However, other cells, collected through both invasive and non-invasive ways, may also require further investigation. A cytotechnologist is also responsible for cataloging and logging samples. They work closely with physicians to discuss what they have found, and also with patients in order to collect the necessary samples. Furthermore, every sample must be labeled and verified so that patient files remain accurate. Lastly, they are responsible for the maintenance of certain pieces of equipment, including the centrifuge. Should it break down, the cytotechnologist may be responsible for repairing and maintaining it.

Work Environment

Due to the nature of the job of a cytotechnologist, these professionals are usually found working mostly in laboratories. These can be in state, private, or local hospitals, but they can also be in research facilities, pharmaceutical companies, independent labs, and more.

How to Become a Cytotechnologist

To become a cytotchenologist, candidates are expected to have a relevant bachelor’s degree as a minimum. During this degree program, they must have studied disease, cytology, immunology, chemistry, genetics, microbiology, and anatomy. The bachelor’s degree is a bachelor of science, usually in cytotechnology or in medical technology.

Training & Certification Requirements

Cytotechnologists are certified through the American Society for Clinical Pathology Board, which offers a national certification examination for prospective cytotechnologists. Once candidates have earned this certification, they must then maintain it through such things as continuous education credits and taking part in regular further training. Most employers will also have a number of other requirements in place, such as proof of immunizations and a criminal background check.

Cytotechnologist Related Job Titles

According to Indeed.com, the following career/job titles with salary figures are most closely related to Cytotechnologist.

Career/Job Title	Average Salary
Senior Cytotechnologist	$63,000
Cytotechnologist	$60,000
Cytotechnologist Histotechnologist Manager	$66,000
Anatomic Pathology Manager	$70,000
Medical Technologist Associate Obj	$42,000

Cytotechnologist Earning Potential

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), medical and clinical laboratory technologists and technicians were able to earn a median salary of $50,550 per year as of May 2015.

Cytotechnologist Job Outlook

The BLS has also reported that all medical and clinical laboratory technologists and technicians, including cytotechnologists, can expect a growth in demand of 16% between 2014 to 2024. This is much faster than the national average for most other jobs in the country.

According to Indeed.com, the average national salary of jobs for Cytotechnologist was $59,000.00 with a high confidence ranking based on over 250 sources. Average Cytotechnologist salaries for job postings nationwide are 3% higher than average salaries for all job postings nationwide.

Cytotechnologist Salary by State

The following lists Cytotechnologist salaries in each state around the country. The figures are based on the total number of job postings by employers through Indeed.com. For example, DC had the largest quoted salary of $75,000 while Hawaii had the smallest quoted salary of $37,000.

Alaska – $44,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))

Rank: 48th

Average Cytotechnologist salaries for job postings in Alaska are 26% lower than average Cytotechnologist salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 48th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like .

In USD as of September 1, 2016		60k	120k	180k
Cytotechnologist	$44,000	.

Alabama – $61,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))

Rank: 11th

Average Cytotechnologist salaries for job postings in Alabama are 1% higher than average Cytotechnologist salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 11th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like UAB Medicine, Cunningham Pathology, LabCorp, and Grandview Medical Center.

In USD as of September 1, 2016		60k	120k	180k
Cytotechnologist	$61,000	.

Arkansas – $61,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))

Rank: 12th

Average Cytotechnologist salaries for job postings in Arkansas are 2% higher than average Cytotechnologist salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 12th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like JEFFERSON REGIONAL MEDICAL CTR.

In USD as of September 1, 2016		60k	120k	180k
Cytotechnologist	$61,000	.

Arizona – $49,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))

Rank: 43rd

Average Cytotechnologist salaries for job postings in Arizona are 18% lower than average Cytotechnologist salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 43rd among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Sonora Quest, LabCorp, and Loyal Source Government Services.

In USD as of September 1, 2016		60k	120k	180k
Cytotechnologist	$49,000	.

California – $64,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))

Rank: 8th

Average Cytotechnologist salaries for job postings in California are 7% higher than average Cytotechnologist salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 8th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Kaiser Permanente, Stanford Health Care, Los Angeles County Department of Human Resources, and Riverside Community Hospital.

In USD as of September 1, 2016		60k	120k	180k
Cytotechnologist	$64,000	.

Colorado – $53,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))

Rank: 32nd

Average Cytotechnologist salaries for job postings in Colorado are 11% lower than average Cytotechnologist salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 32nd among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Boulder Community Health.

In USD as of September 1, 2016		60k	120k	180k
Cytotechnologist	$53,000	.

Connecticut – $69,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))

Rank: 4th

Average Cytotechnologist salaries for job postings in Connecticut are 15% higher than average Cytotechnologist salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 4th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Linium, Western Connecticut Health Network, and Lawrence & Memorial Hospital.

In USD as of September 1, 2016		60k	120k	180k
Cytotechnologist	$69,000	.

DC – $75,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))

Rank: 1st

Average Cytotechnologist salaries for job postings in Washington, DC are 25% higher than average Cytotechnologist salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 1st among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Kaiser Permanente.

In USD as of September 1, 2016		60k	120k	180k
Cytotechnologist	$75,000	.

Delaware – $52,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))

Rank: 38th

Average Cytotechnologist salaries for job postings in Delaware are 12% lower than average Cytotechnologist salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 38th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Doctors Pathology Services.

In USD as of September 1, 2016		60k	120k	180k
Cytotechnologist	$52,000	.

Florida – $56,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))

Rank: 26th

Average Cytotechnologist salaries for job postings in Florida are 7% lower than average Cytotechnologist salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 26th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Quest Diagnostics, Baptist Medical Center, LabCorp, and Florida Hospital Fish Memorial – Adventist Health System.

In USD as of September 1, 2016		60k	120k	180k
Cytotechnologist	$56,000	.

Georgia – $68,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))

Rank: 5th

Average Cytotechnologist salaries for job postings in Georgia are 14% higher than average Cytotechnologist salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 5th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like SEPA Labs, St. Joseph’s/Candler, and Emory Healthcare.

In USD as of September 1, 2016		60k	120k	180k
Cytotechnologist	$68,000	.

Hawaii – $37,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))

Rank: 51st

Average Cytotechnologist salaries for job postings in Hawaii are 38% lower than average Cytotechnologist salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 51st among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like .

In USD as of September 1, 2016		60k	120k	180k
Cytotechnologist	$37,000	.

Iowa – $59,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))

Rank: 16th

Average Cytotechnologist salaries for job postings in Iowa are 2% lower than average Cytotechnologist salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 16th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like .

In USD as of September 1, 2016		60k	120k	180k
Cytotechnologist	$59,000	.

Idaho – $39,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))

Rank: 50th

Average Cytotechnologist salaries for job postings in Idaho are 34% lower than average Cytotechnologist salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 50th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like .

In USD as of September 1, 2016		60k	120k	180k
Cytotechnologist	$39,000	.

Illinois – $68,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))

Rank: 6th

Average Cytotechnologist salaries for job postings in Illinois are 13% higher than average Cytotechnologist salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 6th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Northwestern Medicine, Elmhurst Memorial Healthcare, Advocate Health Care, and Memorial Health System.

In USD as of September 1, 2016		60k	120k	180k
Cytotechnologist	$68,000	.

Indiana – $57,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))

Rank: 23rd

Average Cytotechnologist salaries for job postings in Indiana are 4% lower than average Cytotechnologist salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 23rd among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like .

In USD as of September 1, 2016		60k	120k	180k
Cytotechnologist	$57,000	.

Kansas – $55,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))

Rank: 29th

Average Cytotechnologist salaries for job postings in Kansas are 9% lower than average Cytotechnologist salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 29th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like .

In USD as of September 1, 2016		60k	120k	180k
Cytotechnologist	$55,000	.

Kentucky – $52,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))

Rank: 39th

Average Cytotechnologist salaries for job postings in Kentucky are 14% lower than average Cytotechnologist salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 39th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like .

In USD as of September 1, 2016		60k	120k	180k
Cytotechnologist	$52,000	.

Louisiana – $53,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))

Rank: 33rd

Average Cytotechnologist salaries for job postings in Louisiana are 11% lower than average Cytotechnologist salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 33rd among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like University Medical Center New Orleans and LSUHSC.

In USD as of September 1, 2016		60k	120k	180k
Cytotechnologist	$53,000	.

Massachusetts – $72,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))

Rank: 2nd

Average Cytotechnologist salaries for job postings in Massachusetts are 20% higher than average Cytotechnologist salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 2nd among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Cambridge Health Alliance, Emerson Hospital, Berkshire Medical Center, and Cooley Dickinson Hospital.

In USD as of September 1, 2016		60k	120k	180k
Cytotechnologist	$72,000	.

Maryland – $61,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))

Rank: 13th

Average Cytotechnologist salaries for job postings in Maryland are 3% higher than average Cytotechnologist salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 13th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Kaiser Permanente, University of Maryland Medical Center, Trivergent Health Alliance, and Greater Baltimore Medical Center.

In USD as of September 1, 2016		60k	120k	180k
Cytotechnologist	$61,000	.

Maine – $53,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))

Rank: 34th

Average Cytotechnologist salaries for job postings in Maine are 12% lower than average Cytotechnologist salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 34th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like .

In USD as of September 1, 2016		60k	120k	180k
Cytotechnologist	$53,000	.

Michigan – $60,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))

Rank: 14th

Average Cytotechnologist salaries for job postings in Michigan are 1% higher than average Cytotechnologist salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 14th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like McLaren Macomb, Henry Ford Allegiance Health, Covenant HealthCare, and Saint Joseph Mercy Health System.

In USD as of September 1, 2016		60k	120k	180k
Cytotechnologist	$60,000	.

Minnesota – $52,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))

Rank: 40th

Average Cytotechnologist salaries for job postings in Minnesota are 13% lower than average Cytotechnologist salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 40th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Fairview Health Services and Essentia Health.

In USD as of September 1, 2016		60k	120k	180k
Cytotechnologist	$52,000	.

Missouri – $59,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))

Rank: 17th

Average Cytotechnologist salaries for job postings in Missouri are 2% lower than average Cytotechnologist salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 17th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like BJC HealthCare and Quest Diagnostics.

In USD as of September 1, 2016		60k	120k	180k
Cytotechnologist	$59,000	.

Mississippi – $63,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))

Rank: 9th

Average Cytotechnologist salaries for job postings in Mississippi are 5% higher than average Cytotechnologist salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 9th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like The University of Mississippi Medical Center and University of Mississippi Medical Center.

In USD as of September 1, 2016		60k	120k	180k
Cytotechnologist	$63,000	.

Montana – $50,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))

Rank: 42nd

Average Cytotechnologist salaries for job postings in Montana are 17% lower than average Cytotechnologist salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 42nd among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like St. Peter's Hospital.

In USD as of September 1, 2016		60k	120k	180k
Cytotechnologist	$50,000	.

North Carolina – $57,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))

Rank: 24th

Average Cytotechnologist salaries for job postings in North Carolina are 5% lower than average Cytotechnologist salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 24th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Staff Icons, Sentara Healthcare, and Aurora Diagnostics GPA Laboratories.

In USD as of September 1, 2016		60k	120k	180k
Cytotechnologist	$57,000	.

North Dakota – $53,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))

Rank: 35th

Average Cytotechnologist salaries for job postings in North Dakota are 11% lower than average Cytotechnologist salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 35th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Sanford Health.

In USD as of September 1, 2016		60k	120k	180k
Cytotechnologist	$53,000	.

Nebraska – $44,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))

Rank: 49th

Average Cytotechnologist salaries for job postings in Nebraska are 27% lower than average Cytotechnologist salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 49th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like .

In USD as of September 1, 2016		60k	120k	180k
Cytotechnologist	$44,000	.

New Hampshire – $59,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))

Rank: 18th

Average Cytotechnologist salaries for job postings in New Hampshire are 1% lower than average Cytotechnologist salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 18th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Seacoast Pathology an Aurora Diagnostics Partner.

In USD as of September 1, 2016		60k	120k	180k
Cytotechnologist	$59,000	.

New Jersey – $65,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))

Rank: 7th

Average Cytotechnologist salaries for job postings in New Jersey are 8% higher than average Cytotechnologist salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 7th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Meridian Health, Medical Diagnostic Laboratories LLC, Quest Diagnostics, and Atlantic Health System.

In USD as of September 1, 2016		60k	120k	180k
Cytotechnologist	$65,000	.

New Mexico – $52,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))

Rank: 41st

Average Cytotechnologist salaries for job postings in New Mexico are 13% lower than average Cytotechnologist salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 41st among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Christus Health and TriCore Reference Laboratories.

In USD as of September 1, 2016		60k	120k	180k
Cytotechnologist	$52,000	.

Nevada – $45,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))

Rank: 46th

Average Cytotechnologist salaries for job postings in Nevada are 24% lower than average Cytotechnologist salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 46th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Quest Diagnostics.

In USD as of September 1, 2016		60k	120k	180k
Cytotechnologist	$45,000	.

New York – $72,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))

Rank: 3rd

Average Cytotechnologist salaries for job postings in New York State are 21% higher than average Cytotechnologist salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 3rd among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Sunrise Medical Laboratories, Northwell Health, BORO PARK OB/GYN, and Rochester General Hospital.

In USD as of September 1, 2016		60k	120k	180k
Cytotechnologist	$72,000	.

Ohio – $57,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))

Rank: 25th

Average Cytotechnologist salaries for job postings in Ohio are 4% lower than average Cytotechnologist salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 25th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Drs. Hill & Chapnick, Inc and UC Health.

In USD as of September 1, 2016		60k	120k	180k
Cytotechnologist	$57,000	.

Oklahoma – $55,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))

Rank: 30th

Average Cytotechnologist salaries for job postings in Oklahoma are 8% lower than average Cytotechnologist salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 30th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like OU Medical Center, Regional Medical Lab, A Member of Ascension Health, and Mercy.

In USD as of September 1, 2016		60k	120k	180k
Cytotechnologist	$55,000	.

Oregon – $58,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))

Rank: 20th

Average Cytotechnologist salaries for job postings in Oregon are 3% lower than average Cytotechnologist salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 20th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Kaiser Permanente, Quest Diagnostics, Mid-Columbia Medical Center, and Providence Health & Services.

In USD as of September 1, 2016		60k	120k	180k
Cytotechnologist	$58,000	.

Pennsylvania – $58,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))

Rank: 21st

Average Cytotechnologist salaries for job postings in Pennsylvania are 4% lower than average Cytotechnologist salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 21st among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like St. Clair Hospital, Quest Diagnostics, Abington Hospital – Jefferson Health, and General Healthcare Resources.

In USD as of September 1, 2016		60k	120k	180k
Cytotechnologist	$58,000	.

Rhode Island – $54,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))

Rank: 31st

Average Cytotechnologist salaries for job postings in Rhode Island are 9% lower than average Cytotechnologist salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 31st among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like .

In USD as of September 1, 2016		60k	120k	180k
Cytotechnologist	$54,000	.

South Carolina – $59,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))

Rank: 19th

Average Cytotechnologist salaries for job postings in South Carolina are 1% lower than average Cytotechnologist salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 19th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like .

In USD as of September 1, 2016		60k	120k	180k
Cytotechnologist	$59,000	.

South Dakota – $45,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))

Rank: 47th

Average Cytotechnologist salaries for job postings in South Dakota are 25% lower than average Cytotechnologist salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 47th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like .

In USD as of September 1, 2016		60k	120k	180k
Cytotechnologist	$45,000	.

Tennessee – $56,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))

Rank: 27th

Average Cytotechnologist salaries for job postings in Tennessee are 7% lower than average Cytotechnologist salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 27th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare.

In USD as of September 1, 2016		60k	120k	180k
Cytotechnologist	$56,000	.

Texas – $58,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))

Rank: 22nd

Average Cytotechnologist salaries for job postings in Texas are 3% lower than average Cytotechnologist salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 22nd among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like MD Anderson Cancer Center, The Hospitals of Providence Transmountain Campus, Arbor Diagnostics, and UT Southwestern Medical Center.

In USD as of September 1, 2016		60k	120k	180k
Cytotechnologist	$58,000	.

Utah – $46,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))

Rank: 45th

Average Cytotechnologist salaries for job postings in Utah are 22% lower than average Cytotechnologist salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 45th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like ARUP Laboratories.

In USD as of September 1, 2016		60k	120k	180k
Cytotechnologist	$46,000	.

Virginia – $60,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))

Rank: 15th

Average Cytotechnologist salaries for job postings in Virginia are 1% higher than average Cytotechnologist salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 15th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Bon Secours Health System, Staff Icons, Mary Washington Healthcare, and VCU Health System.

In USD as of September 1, 2016		60k	120k	180k
Cytotechnologist	$60,000	.

Vermont – $53,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))

Rank: 36th

Average Cytotechnologist salaries for job postings in Vermont are 12% lower than average Cytotechnologist salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 36th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like .

In USD as of September 1, 2016		60k	120k	180k
Cytotechnologist	$53,000	.

Washington – $62,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))

Rank: 10th

Average Cytotechnologist salaries for job postings in Washington State are 3% higher than average Cytotechnologist salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 10th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Providence Health & Services and Incyte Diagnostics.

In USD as of September 1, 2016		60k	120k	180k
Cytotechnologist	$62,000	.

Wisconsin – $53,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))

Rank: 37th

Average Cytotechnologist salaries for job postings in Wisconsin are 11% lower than average Cytotechnologist salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 37th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like UW Hospitals & Clinics and Aurora HealthCare.

In USD as of September 1, 2016		60k	120k	180k
Cytotechnologist	$53,000	.

West Virginia – $56,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))

Rank: 28th

Average Cytotechnologist salaries for job postings in West Virginia are 6% lower than average Cytotechnologist salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 28th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like WVU Healthcare.

In USD as of September 1, 2016		60k	120k	180k
Cytotechnologist	$56,000	.

Wyoming – $49,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))

Rank: 44th

Average Cytotechnologist salaries for job postings in Wyoming are 17% lower than average Cytotechnologist salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 44th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like .