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Cytologist Jobs in Florida (NOW HIRING)

Cytologist

Orlando, FL

$31.55 - $58.69/hr

Performs microscopic evaluation and reporting of negative gynecological cytology preparations. * Evaluates and formulates an opinion for the pathologist on abnormal gynecological thin layer, non ...

Florida State License as a Cytology Supervisor Experience: Minimum 3 years of relevant experience Knowledge, Skills, and Attitudes: * Knowledge of business and management principles. * Ability to ...

Florida State License as a Cytology Supervisor Experience: Minimum 3 years of relevant experience Knowledge, Skills, and Attitudes: * Knowledge of business and management principles. * Ability to ...

Evaluate cytology slides , ensuring optimal specimen quality. * Review, document, and report findings accurately in the LIS. * Assist with FNA procedures , including specimen collection, adequacy ...

Evaluate cytology slides , ensuring optimal specimen quality. * Review, document, and report findings accurately in the LIS. * Assist with FNA procedures , including specimen collection, adequacy ...

Evaluate cytology slides, ensuring optimal specimen quality. * Review, document, and report findings accurately in the LIS. * Assist with FNA procedures, including specimen collection, adequacy ...

Florida State License as a Cytology Supervisor Experience: Minimum 3 years of relevant experience Knowledge, Skills, and Attitudes: * Knowledge of business and management principles. * Ability to ...

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Showing results 1-20

Cytologist information

See Florida salary details

$8.2K

$86.2K

$186.8K

How much do cytologist jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for cytologist in Florida is $86,156.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $42,600.00 and $186,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a cytologist?

A cytologist, also called a cytotechnologist, analyzes slides of human cells under a microscope. In this career, you analyze a cell and check to see if it is abnormal; this includes looking for cancer or infection. Your responsibilities include analyzing cells from skin, the reproductive tract, digestive tract, or other areas of the body, prepare the slides and screen the specimen for bacteria or viruses, and document your findings. These may include pre-cancerous cells, inflamed tissue, or infectious diseases. While your work is crucial to determining the diagnosis for the patient, you do not diagnose the problem; you report your findings to a pathologist for the final analysis and diagnosis.

What are some common challenges faced by cytologists when interpreting complex cell samples?

Cytologists often encounter challenges such as distinguishing between benign, atypical, and malignant cells, especially in samples with overlapping features or poor preservation. Maintaining accuracy under time constraints and managing a high volume of slides can also be demanding. Collaboration with pathologists and clinicians is crucial to ensure correct diagnoses, and ongoing education helps cytologists stay updated on evolving diagnostic criteria and technologies.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a cytologist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Cytologist, you need expertise in cellular biology, specimen preparation, and microscopic analysis, typically supported by a degree in cytotechnology or a related field and professional certification such as ASCP. Familiarity with laboratory information systems (LIS), automated imaging tools, and advanced staining techniques is essential. Strong attention to detail, analytical thinking, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for accurately interpreting results and conveying findings to healthcare teams. These skills ensure precise diagnoses, early detection of diseases, and effective collaboration in clinical laboratory settings.

What is the difference between Cytologist vs Histotechnologist?

AspectCytologistHistotechnologist
CredentialsTypically requires a Bachelor's degree in Cytotechnology or related field, certification (such as ASCP)Requires a Bachelor's degree in Histotechnology or related field, certification (such as ASCP)
Work EnvironmentLaboratories analyzing cell samples, often in hospitals or diagnostic labsLaboratories preparing tissue samples for examination, often in hospitals or research facilities
Industry UsageUsed in pathology labs for cancer diagnosis and disease detectionUsed in pathology labs for tissue processing and diagnosis

Both Cytologists and Histotechnologists work in pathology labs and require similar certifications. While Cytologists focus on analyzing cell samples for abnormalities, Histotechnologists prepare tissue samples for microscopic examination. Their roles complement each other in diagnostic laboratories, but they specialize in different sample types and procedures.

Are cytologists in high demand?

Cytologists are in steady demand due to their specialized role in diagnosing diseases through cell analysis, often working in hospitals, laboratories, or clinics. The field is expected to grow as healthcare needs increase and advanced diagnostic techniques become more prevalent.

How much do cytologists make?

Cytologists typically earn a median annual salary of around $70,000 to $80,000, depending on experience, location, and certification. Salaries can range from approximately $50,000 for entry-level positions to over $100,000 for experienced professionals or those working in specialized settings. Certification and advanced skills in microscopy and laboratory techniques can influence earning potential.

What does a cytologist do for a living?

A cytologist examines cells under a microscope to detect diseases such as cancer. They analyze samples like blood, tissue, or bodily fluids, often working in laboratories and using specialized staining techniques. Cytologists typically require certification and have strong attention to detail to identify abnormal cell changes accurately.

What are the most commonly searched types of Cytologist jobs in Florida?

The most popular types of Cytologist jobs in Florida are:

What cities in Florida are hiring for Cytologist jobs?

Cities in Florida with the most Cytologist job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Cytologist jobs in FL?

For Cytologist jobs in FL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Cytologist job openings in Florida as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 5% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 9% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $86,156 per year, or $41.4 per hour.

Cytologist - Lab-Histology/Cytology

Lakeland Regional Health

Lakeland, FL • On-site

$43.58 - $65.38/hr

Full-time

Posted 21 days ago


Lakeland Regional Health rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 66 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

347th of 898 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Position Details
Lakeland Regional Health is a leading medical center located in Central Florida. With a legacy spanning over a century, we have been dedicated to serving our community with excellence in healthcare. As the only designated Level 1 Trauma Center for Polk, Highlands, and Hardee counties, and the second busiest Emergency Department in the US, we are committed to providing high-quality care to our diverse patient population. Our facility is licensed for 910 beds and handles over 200,000 emergency room visits annually, along with 49,000 inpatient admissions, 21,000 surgical cases, 4,000 births, and 101,000 outpatient visits.
Work Hours per Biweekly Pay Period: 80.00
Shift:
Location: 1324 Lakeland Hills Blvd Lakeland, FL
Pay Rate: Min $90,646.40 Mid $113,318.40Position Summary
Responsible for working within the scope of practice in the field of Cytology to ensure specimen integrity and adequacy, reliable testing to detect cancer and other pathologic conditions and accurate reporting of microscopic findings. Assists radiologists, physicians and other health care providers in collection of diagnostically adequate needle biopsy samples and maintains compliance with all accrediting agencies, regulatory standards, hospital and laboratory policies and procedures.
Position Responsibilities
People At The Heart Of All We Do
  • Fosters an inclusive and engaged environment through teamwork and collaboration.
  • Ensures patients and families have the best possible experiences across the continuum of care.
  • Communicates appropriately with patients, families, team members, and our community in a manner that treasures all people as uniquely created.
Safety And Performance Improvement
  • Behaves in a mindful manner focused on self, patient, visitor, and team safety.
  • Demonstrates accountability and commitment to quality work.
  • Participates actively in process improvement and adoption of standard work.
Stewardship
  • Demonstrates responsible use of LRH's resources including people, finances, equipment and facilities.
  • Knows and adheres to organizational and department policies and procedures.
Standard Work Duties: Cytologist
  • Actively participates in team development, achieving dashboards, and in accomplishing department goals and objectives.
  • Performs technical bench work, including, but not limited to, specimen receiving, accessioning, and processing.
  • Microscopically examines specimens to detect cancer and other pathological conditions, reports findings for finalization by the Pathologist and performs related troubleshooting tasks.
  • Assists EUS, ERCP, EBUS, Navigation Bronchoscopy, Bronchoscopy with Fluoro, FNA, and Core Biopsy procedures performed in GI, Cat Scan, US, IR, bedside, and OR areas.
  • Prepares specimens for adequacy or rapid on-site cytologic exam (ROSE) and recommends ancillary testing techniques when indicated.
  • Performs proficiency testing and educational assessments in compliance with laws, regulations, agencies and accrediting bodies.
  • Assists in writing/updating Cytology policies, procedures, and forms, maintains the Cytology Procedure Manual to assure compliance with regulatory and accreditation agencies and monitors Laboratory Information System performance related to Cytology accessioning, processing, reporting and billing.
  • Follows established safety, biohazard procedures and standard precautions at all times. Follows laboratory protocols in disposing of biohazardous waste.
  • Supports professional development by assisting with training and/or competency assessment for coworkers, new employees and students.
  • Performs other related duties as assigned.

Competencies & Skills
Essential:
  • Professional level of clinical, interpretive and analytical skills
  • Extensive knowledge and microscopic recognition of non gyn/needle biopsy malignancy and benign disease process patterns with exceptional communications skills and knowledge of ancillary testing requirements to ensure efficient and effective patient outcomes.
  • Experience assisting FNA and Core Biopsy with touch prep procedures.
Nonessential:
  • Experience assisting EUS, ERCP, EBUS, Navigation Bronchoscopy, Bronchoscopy with Fluoro, FNA, and Core Biopsy procedures

Qualifications & Experience
Essential:
  • Bachelor Degree

Essential:
  • As defined by the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) - Baccalaureate degree in science or higher from a regionally accredited college/university AND successful completion of a minimum 12-month CAAHEP accredited Cytotechnologist program.

Other information:
Licenses Essential:
Florida Department of Health license as a Technologist in the specialty of Cytology. Maintains an active status for licensure under the rules of the Board of Clinical Personnel for the disciplines of practice that are performed.
Licenses Preferred: Florida Department of Health license as Clinical Laboratory Supervisor in the specialty of Cytology.
Certifications: National Certification in Cytology by the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP). Maintains an active status for certification under the rules of the ASCP Board of Certification for cytology practice.
Experience Essential:
One to three years of experience with predominantly Non Gyn and FNA workload and performance of adequacy assessments.
Experience Preferred:
Three to five years of experience with predominantly non Gyn and FNA workload and performance of adequacy assessments

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