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Cytologist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

MN · On-site

$41.51 - $57.82/hr

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 ...

Cytologist

Urbana, IL · On-site

$34.51 - $59.36/hr

Cytologist (CT) within 1 year - American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP), Education: Bachelor's Degree: Science and Certificate of Completion: Cytotechnology; Responsibilities Participate in ...

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 ...

Cytologist

Urbana, IL · On-site

$34.51 - $59.36/hr

Cytologist (CT) within 1 year - American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP), Education: Bachelor's Degree: Science and Certificate of Completion: Cytotechnology; Responsibilities Participate in ...

Cytologist

Urbana, IL · On-site

$34.51 - $59.36/hr

Cytologist (CT) within 1 year - American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP), Education: Bachelor's Degree: Science and Certificate of Completion: Cytotechnology; Carle Health Company Overview Find ...

Cytologist

Urbana, IL

$34.51 - $59.36/hr

Cytologist (CT) within 1 year - American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP), Education: Bachelor's Degree: Science and Certificate of Completion: Cytotechnology; Responsibilities Participate in ...

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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

Other

Medical, Dental, Retirement

Posted 7 days ago


HealthPartners rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 125 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

101st of 864 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Job Description
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 every day.
Position Summary:
This position processes, screens and performs diagnostic cytology testing in accordance with laboratory protocol.
Required Qualifications:
Education, Experience or Equivalent Combination:
  • A baccalaureate degree in Cytotechnology or graduate from a school of Cytotechnology accredited by the Committee on Allied Health Education and Accreditation which would include a combination of certification in Cytotechnology, education and experience.
Licensure/ Registration/ Certification:
  • American Society of Clinical Pathology (ASCP) certification is required. New graduates must attain certification within 18 months of hire.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
  • Laboratory information system, Laboratory Instrumentation as appropriate, Personal computer, Telephone, Office Equipment, Personal Protective Equipment
  • Proven proficiency in the operation of the following: Personal Computer, Telephone, Fax Machine, Photocopier, Printer, and electronic medical record.
Preferred Qualifications:
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
  • Must be willing to maintain competence through continuing education and proficiency testing where required by law.
  • Attention to detail, good customer service skills, ability to work independently, good problem-solving skills.

Benefits:
Park Nicollet offers a competitive benefits package (for eligible positions) that includes medical insurance, dental insurance, a retirement program, time away from work, insurance options, tuition reimbursement, an employee assistance program, onsite clinic and much more!
About Us
At HealthPartners we believe in the power of good - good deeds and good people working together. As part of our team, you'll find an inclusive environment that encourages new ways of thinking, celebrates differences, and recognizes hard work.
We're a nonprofit, integrated health care organization, providing health insurance in six states and high-quality care at more than 90 locations, including hospitals and clinics in Minnesota and Wisconsin. We bring together research and education through HealthPartners Institute, training medical professionals across the region and conducting innovative research that improve lives around the world.
At HealthPartners, everyone is welcome, included and valued. We're working together to increase diversity and inclusion in our workplace, advance health equity in care and coverage, and partner with the community as advocates for change.
Benefits Designed to Support Your Total HealthAs a HealthPartners colleague, we're committed to nurturing your diverse talents, valuing your dedication, and supporting your work-life balance. We offer a comprehensive range of benefits to support every aspect of your life, including health, time off, retirement planning, and continuous learning opportunities. Our goal is to help you thrive physically, mentally, emotionally, and financially, so you can continue delivering exceptional care.
Join us in our mission to improve the health and well-being of our patients, members, and communities.
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identify, status as a veteran and basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class.

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