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Cytologist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Every day, you will meticulously evaluate gynecologic and non-gynecologic cytology specimens, using your expertise to detect, differentiate, and interpret the presence or absence of disease. You will ...

Cytologist

Danville, PA · On-site

$50K/yr

Our cytopathology services are headed by Dr. Sara Monaco and processes more than 35,000 cytology cases per year, of which approximately 12,000 are non-gynecologic cases. This position offers the ...

Our cytopathology services are headed by Dr. Sara Monaco and processes more than 35,000 cytology cases per year, of which approximately 12,000 are non-gynecologic cases. This position offers the ...

Benefits We Offer: * Comprehensive health, prescription, dental, vision, life, and disability plans * Competitive pay rates * Referral opportunities ? Refer a friend & Cash in! * Travel reimbursement ...

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Benefits We Offer: * Comprehensive health, prescription, dental, vision, life, and disability plans * Competitive pay rates * Referral opportunities ? Refer a friend & Cash in! * Travel reimbursement ...

Cytologist

Arlington Heights, IL · On-site

$35.16 - $54.50/hr

Cytologist * Location: Northwest Community Hospital * Full Time/Part Time: Full Time * Hours: Monday-Friday, 8am-4:30pm What you will do: * Oversee daily operations within the assigned laboratory ...

Cytologist * Location: Northwest Community Hospital * Full Time/Part Time: Full Time * Hours: Monday-Friday, 8am-4:30pm What you will do: * Oversee daily operations within the assigned laboratory ...

Cytologist

Evanston, IL

$35.16 - $54.50/hr

Cytologist * Location: Evanston Hospital * Full Time/Part Time: Full Time * Hours: Monday-Friday, 8am-4:30pm * Travel: Yes What you will do: * Oversee daily operations within the assigned laboratory ...

Cytologist

Chicago, IL · On-site

$35.16 - $54.50/hr

Cytologist * Location: Swedish Hospital * Full Time/Part Time: Full Time * Hours: Monday-Friday, 8am-4:30pm What you will do: * Oversee daily operations within the assigned laboratory section ...

Cytologist

Evanston, IL · On-site

$35.16 - $54.50/hr

Cytologist * Location: Evanston Hospital * Full Time/Part Time: Full Time * Hours: Monday-Friday, 8am-4:30pm * Travel: Yes What you will do: * Oversee daily operations within the assigned laboratory ...

Park Nicollet is looking to hire a Cytologist to join our team! Come join us as a Partner for Good and help us make an impact on the care and experience that our patients and their families receive ...

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Cytologist information

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$11K

$115.3K

$250K

How much do cytologist jobs pay per year?

As of May 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for cytologist in the United States is $115,291.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $57,000.00 and $250,000.00 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 cities are hiring for Cytologist jobs? Cities with the most Cytologist job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Cytologist jobs? The most popular types of Cytologist jobs are:
What states have the most Cytologist jobs? States with the most job openings for Cytologist jobs include:
Infographic showing various Cytologist job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% As Needed, 89% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $115,291 per year, or $55.4 per hour.
Cytologist

Full-time

Posted 14 days ago


CommonSpirit Health rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 500 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

403rd of 864 rated healthcare providers


Job description


Job Summary and Responsibilities

In the crucial field of cellular diagnostics, the meticulous analysis of specimens is paramount for guiding patient care. Join our team as a Cytotechnologist, where your expert screening and interpretation provide the foundation for timely and accurate diagnoses.

As our Cytotechnologist, you will perform accurate microscopic screening and interpretation of gynecological and non-gynecological specimens so pathologists and clinicians can detect and identify cancerous and precancerous cellular changes, leading to optimal patient care and timely intervention. Your work directly provides clinicians with accurate results to assist them with optimal patient care.

Every day, you will meticulously evaluate gynecologic and non-gynecologic cytology specimens, using your expertise to detect, differentiate, and interpret the presence or absence of disease. You will be expected to diagnose negative gynecologic Pap cases, perform rapid on-site evaluations for fine needle aspirations, and resolve technical issues and discrepancies while maintaining absolute integrity in reporting results and ensuring compliance with all high-complexity testing requirements (CLIA and CAP).

Essential Key Job Responsibilities:

Microscopic Evaluation & Interpretation: Performs all microscopic evaluations of gynecologic and non-gynecologic cytology specimens to detect, differentiate, and interpret the presence or absence of disease under the guidelines of regulations and laboratory policies.
Gynecologic Diagnosis: Responsible for the diagnosing of negative gynecologic Pap cases.
Documentation & Integrity: Document results in the laboratory information system for each patient case. Maintains absolute integrity in the accurate performance and reporting of results. Observes professional discretion with patient information.
Assistance with Procedures: Assists with fine needle aspirations, specimen collection, preparation, and staining.
Rapid On-Site Evaluation (ROSE): Performs rapid on-site evaluations for adequate tissue sampling, preliminary interpretation, and triage of patient samples in order to assist the proceduralist in ensuring an efficient and effective procedure to best support excellent patient care.
In-Lab Testing & Problem Solving: Performs in-lab testing on various patient samples for optimal patient results. Appropriate knowledge of specimen processing is required. Resolves technical issues and problem solves discrepancies.
Ancillary Test Triage: Uses knowledge-based expertise in diagnostic testing to assess patient history to further triage patient specimens for ancillary tests.
Quality & Process Improvement: Exhibits good knowledge of current lab standards and process workflows. Participates in development of policies and procedures that require change or implementation. Assists in quality assurance and proficiency testing programs, including federally regulated annual proficiency testing and continuing education credits required for maintaining certification.
Collaboration & Communication: Communicates effectively with other lab staff outside of this department.

To be successful in this role, you must possess advanced cytotechnological expertise for high-complexity testing, demonstrate exceptional analytical and microscopic interpretation skills, and exhibit a meticulous commitment to accuracy, regulatory compliance, and patient confidentiality.

Job Requirements

Required Education and Experience

AFTER Sept 1, 1992:

  • Opt 1: Bachelor degree in Cytology OR Opt 2: Bachelor degree in related science and 12 month in accredited Cytology program

BEFORE Before Sept 1, 1992:

  • Opt 1: completed 2 years in an accredited institution and have 1 year training in an approved school of cytotechnology; Opt 2: 6 months formal training in an approved school and 6 months full-time experience.

Required Certifications

  • AFTER Sept 1, 1992: Cytologist with American Society for Clinical Pathology (CT-ASCP)
  • BEFORE Sept 1, 1992: Cytologist with American Society for Clinical Pathology (CT-ASCP) is preferred but not required.

Required Minimum Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Training

  • Must be able to prioritize and organize assignments effectively. Must possess a high level of independence in their work. Must have a full understanding of laboratory technique and specialized methods
Where You'll Work

Virginia Mason Franciscan Health brings together two award winning health systems in Washington state - CHI Franciscan and Virginia Mason. As one integrated health system with the most patient access points in western Washington our team includes 18,000 staff and nearly 5,000 employed physicians and affiliated providers. At Virginia Mason Franciscan Health you will find the safest and highest quality of care provided by our expert, compassionate medical care team at 11 hospitals and nearly 300 sites throughout the greater Puget Sound region.

Qualifications:

Required Education and Experience

AFTER Sept 1, 1992:

  • Opt 1: Bachelor degree in Cytology OR Opt 2: Bachelor degree in related science and 12 month in accredited Cytology program

BEFORE Before Sept 1, 1992:

  • Opt 1: completed 2 years in an accredited institution and have 1 year training in an approved school of cytotechnology; Opt 2: 6 months formal training in an approved school and 6 months full-time experience.

Required Certifications

  • AFTER Sept 1, 1992: Cytologist with American Society for Clinical Pathology (CT-ASCP)
  • BEFORE Sept 1, 1992: Cytologist with American Society for Clinical Pathology (CT-ASCP) is preferred but not required.

Required Minimum Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Training

  • Must be able to prioritize and organize assignments effectively. Must possess a high level of independence in their work. Must have a full understanding of laboratory technique and specialized methods
Employment Type: Full Time

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