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Cytologist Jobs in Phoenix, AZ (NOW HIRING)

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Cytologist information

See Phoenix, AZ salary details

$10.9K

$114.5K

$248.2K

How much do cytologist jobs pay per year?

As of May 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for cytologist in Phoenix, AZ is $114,474.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $56,600.00 and $248,200.00 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 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 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 cytologists?

Cytologists are laboratory professionals who specialize in the study of cells to detect abnormalities, such as cancer and infections. They analyze cell samples from various body sites under a microscope to identify changes in cell structure and function. Cytologists play a crucial role in early disease detection, especially in cancer screening programs like the Pap smear. They work closely with pathologists and other healthcare professionals to ensure accurate diagnoses. Their expertise helps guide treatment decisions and improve patient outcomes.

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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Cytologist jobs in Phoenix, AZ? The most popular types of Cytologist jobs in Phoenix, AZ are:
What are popular job titles related to Cytologist jobs in Phoenix, AZ? For Cytologist jobs in Phoenix, AZ, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Cytologist job openings in Phoenix, AZ as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 87% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $114,474 per year, or $55 per hour.
2nd shift-Cytology Prep Tech Lead

2nd shift-Cytology Prep Tech Lead

Clinpath Diagnostics

Tempe, AZ • On-site

$26 - $30/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 20 days ago


Job description

JOB SUMMARY:
Hours: Monday-Friday 4:00pm-12:30am

Cytology Prep Technicians require expanded knowledge and understanding of laboratory techniques and the ability to perform technical tasks, as assigned, based on specific department needs.
Good reading, writing, and math abilities are required.  Must be able to demonstrate good problem solving skills, highly developed interpersonal skills, and a high level of self-motivation. 
This role functions as a technical lead within the cytology department, providing training, day-to-day workflow guidance, and operational support to ensure efficient, high-quality laboratory performance. The Cytology Prep Technician Lead supports staff development, assists with workflow prioritization, and serves as a resource to team members.
Employees are responsible for following all Company policies and procedures.  These policies and procedures will include adherence to regulatory standards such as CAP, CLIA and OSHA, including safety standards in performing all aspects of the functions below.
 
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
Essential functions of the job include, but are not limited to:
 
  1. Maintain competency in all cytological processes and procedures within the laboratory
  2. Provides departmental oversight and workflow coordination in the absence of the Histology Lab Manager, including supporting staff, prioritizing workload, and ensuring continuity of operations.
  3. Performs validations of new equipment and testing for Cytology
  4. Assists Histology Manager with oversight of departmental QA/QC
  5. Assists with updating/maintaining Cytology Procedures
  6. Assists with compliance of all regulatory requirements to include CAP, CLIA, HIPAA and
  OSHA
  1. Communicate with Pathologist team regarding new processes and procedures as
  needed.
  1. Responsible for troubleshooting and problem solving as needed
  2. Develop, implement, and improve processes, while supporting staff adoption and adherence to new workflows
  3. Performs other related duties as assigned.

DEPARTMENT-SPECIFIC
  • Receives and accession cytology specimens
  • Cytology prep for thinprep and cellblock
  • Provides day-to-day technical guidance and support to cytology staff to ensure workflow efficiency and quality outcomes
  • Assists in training, onboarding, and competency development of new and existing employees
  • Supports workflow coordination and prioritization to meet turnaround time expectations
  • Serves as a resource to staff for troubleshooting technical and procedural questions
  • Reinforces adherence to departmental policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements
  • Supports daily workflow coordination within cytology to ensure efficient specimen processing and case readiness
  • Maintains all cytology equipment
  • Maintains equipment and supplies in clean condition, including transferring used regents from instruments to 90-day accumulation containers (55-gal drums)
  • Other duties as assigned

PHYSICAL/MENTAL DEMANDS, ENVIRONMENT:
  1. In exercising these functions the employee must be able to exert up to 40 lbs. of force occasionally, and/or up to 20 lbs. of force frequently, and/or up to 10 lbs. of force routinely to move objects.
  2. Employee may be exposed to blood products, knife cuts, hazardous waste and chemical fumes, so appropriate precautionary measures must be followed at all times.  Certain situations require eye protection, mask, lab coat and or gloves. Hazardous Waste training required.
  3. Must be able to perform repetitive motion
 
EQUIPMENT USED:
  1. Microwave and conventional tissue processors
  2. Embedding center
  3. Stainers, H and E, IHC and Thin-Prep
  4. Coverslipper
  5. Centrifuge
  6. T-2000/T-5000
  7. Typical lab equipment
  8. Computer  
 
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Provides functional oversight of cytology workflow and staff guidance. No direct reports.
 
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
 
  • High school diploma or equivalent required
  • Associate degree or higher preferred
  • Minimum 3–5 years of relevant cytology, histology, or laboratory experience required
  • Prior experience training staff or supporting workflow coordination preferred
  • Strong understanding of cytology workflows and laboratory operations
  • Ability to train and mentor staff
  • Strong organizational and prioritization skills
  • Ability to troubleshoot and resolve workflow issues
  • Knowledge of CAP, CLIA, and OSHA standards

Work Environment:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those individuals and employee encounters while performing the duties of this job. Clin-Path provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, and gender identity. Clin-Path complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This applies to all terms and conditions of employment including, recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leave of absence, compensation, and training.
Benefits:

Clin-Path Associates offers nationally competitive compensation and benefits. Our benefits program provides a comprehensive array of services to our employees including, but not limited to health insurance (Primarily covered by the company), dental insurance (100% covered by the company) vision insurance, paid time off, retirement contributions (401k), & flexible spending account (FSA).

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