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Cytology Lab Technician Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Lab Technician

Campus, IL · On-site

$18.50 - $24.50/hr

Details Open Date 08/05/2026 Requisition Number PRN45840B Job Title Lab Technician Working Title ... Experience with flow cytometry, including sample preparation and data analysis. * Experience with ...

Lab Technician

Salt Lake City, UT · On-site

$12.02 - $21.63/hr

Announcement Details Open Date 08/05/2026 Requisition Number PRN45840B Job Title Lab Technician ... Experience with flow cytometry, including sample preparation and data analysis. * Experience with ...

Lab Technician

Campus, IL · On-site

$18.50 - $24.50/hr

Details Open Date 08/05/2026 Requisition Number PRN45840B Job Title Lab Technician Working Title ... Experience with flow cytometry, including sample preparation and data analysis. * Experience with ...

Lab Technician

Campus, IL

$18.50 - $24.50/hr

Details Open Date 08/05/2026 Requisition Number PRN45840B Job Title Lab Technician Working Title ... Experience with flow cytometry, including sample preparation and data analysis. * Experience with ...

Lab Technician

Salt Lake City, UT · On-site

$18.50 - $24.50/hr

Details Open Date 08/05/2026 Requisition Number PRN45840B Job Title Lab Technician Working Title ... Experience with flow cytometry, including sample preparation and data analysis. * Experience with ...

Strain Improvement Lab Technician

Columbia, MD · On-site

$18.50 - $24.50/hr

Strain Improvement Lab Technician The Strain Improvement Lab Technician provides primary support to ... Exposure to or experience with flow cytometry is a plus. * Experience with data analysis related to ...

Quality Lab Technician Who you are: You have energy and drive in abundance, a passion for serving ... Process and prepare tissue and cytology samples using laboratory equipment and established ...

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Cytology Lab Technician information

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$12

$22

$34

How much do cytology lab technician jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for cytology lab technician in the United States is $22.53, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.27 and $24.28 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a cytology lab technician?

A Cytology Lab Technician is a healthcare professional who prepares and examines cell samples under a microscope to help diagnose diseases, most commonly cancer. They work in medical laboratories and assist pathologists by processing specimens, staining slides, and identifying cellular abnormalities. Their work is crucial in early detection and diagnosis of various conditions, contributing to effective patient care. Cytology Lab Technicians must follow strict laboratory protocols and often handle delicate or potentially infectious materials.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a cytology lab technician?

To thrive as a Cytology Lab Technician, you need a solid background in biological sciences, laboratory techniques, and cytotechnology—often demonstrated by an associate or bachelor's degree in a related field and certification such as CT(ASCP). Familiarity with laboratory information systems, automated cell imaging technology, and staining equipment is typically required. Attention to detail, critical thinking, and strong communication skills help technicians accurately analyze samples and collaborate effectively with pathologists and medical staff. These competencies are crucial for ensuring precise diagnoses, maintaining lab efficiency, and supporting optimal patient care.

What are some common challenges a cytology lab technician might face in their daily work, and how can they be managed?

Cytology Lab Technicians often encounter challenges such as managing high sample volumes while maintaining accuracy, handling potentially infectious materials safely, and staying current with emerging laboratory technologies. Success in this role requires strong attention to detail, effective time management, and diligent adherence to safety protocols. Many labs provide ongoing training and encourage teamwork, which helps technicians stay up-to-date and support each other in problem-solving difficult cases.

What is the difference between Cytology Lab Technician vs Histology Technician?

AspectCytology Lab TechnicianHistology Technician
CertificationsCertified Cytology Technician (CCT)Certified Histology Technician (CHT)
Work EnvironmentLaboratories analyzing cell samples, primarily for cancer detectionLaboratories preparing tissue samples for microscopic examination
Job FocusExamining and preparing cell samples from body fluids and smearsProcessing and sectioning tissue specimens for pathology

While both roles work in laboratory settings and require similar certifications, Cytology Lab Technicians focus on analyzing cell samples for abnormalities, whereas Histology Technicians prepare tissue samples for microscopic review. Both are essential in pathology labs but specialize in different sample types and procedures.

Are cytology lab technicians in high demand?

Cytology lab technicians are in steady demand due to the ongoing need for diagnostic testing in healthcare. Employment opportunities are expected to grow as laboratories expand and diagnostic technologies advance, requiring skilled technicians with knowledge of microscopy and laboratory procedures.

How many years does it take to become a cytology lab technician?

Becoming a cytology lab technician typically requires completing a postsecondary certificate or associate degree program in cytotechnology or a related field, which generally takes 1 to 2 years. Certification through the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) is often required or preferred for employment.
More about Cytology Lab Technician jobs

What cities are hiring for Cytology Lab Technician jobs?

Cities with the most Cytology Lab Technician job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Cytology Lab Technician jobs?

For Cytology Lab Technician jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Cytology Lab Technician job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,864 per year, or $22.5 per hour.

Anatomic Pathology Technician, HMC Cytology Lab

Seattle, WA • On-site

University of Washington
Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools • 10K+ employees

Other

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago


University Of Washington School Of Medicine rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 13 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

82nd of 631 rated colleges and universities


Job description

No Telework

Seattle, WA

Full time

REQ-0000136356

Job Description

Who we're looking for:

The UW Medicine - Department of Laboratory Medicine & Pathology (DLMP) in Seattle, WA has a fantastic opportunity for an Anatomic Pathology Technician with the Cytology Team at Harborview Medical Center .

Under general supervision, the Anatomic Pathology Technician is responsible for performing laboratory specimen processing, which consists of receiving, identifying, sorting, preparing and distributing cytology specimens and other laboratory work in support of technologists, faculty, and students.

Work schedule:

  • 100% FTE

  • Monday - Friday

  • 8:30 - 5pm

What you'll contribute:

  • Receive and accession cytology specimens - accurately enter in specimen into Epic Beaker laboratory system, select correct specimen codes and lab testing orders, inspect specimens for required elements, identify ancillary test requests and forward to appropriate department, resolve specimen issues or missing testing information.

  • Perform cytology gynecological processing - properly label and prepare slides using ThinPrep machine, stain slides using Papanicolaou regressive staining method, reprocess unsatisfactory Pap samples using glacial acetic acid wash method, coverslip slides without bubbles or excess mounting medium, distribute slides.

  • Perform cytology non-gynecological processing - process specimens including cerebral spinal fluids, urines, brushings, fine needle aspirations, body cavity fluids, anal paps. Identify appropriate slide preparation technique based on specimen type. Prepare adequate cell blocks for histology processing.

  • Archive specimens - properly archive specimens according to department procedures, discard specimens according to department defined schedule, retrieve archived specimens for reprocessing or upon request.

  • Equipment and laboratory workspace maintenance - perform routine maintenance and cleaning or laboratory equipment and workspace, decontaminate and clean glassware and other lab instruments, replenish supplies from stock, check reagents for expiration dates, assist in performing inventory and order laboratory supplies, fulfill requests for specimen collection supplies and prepare shipments to clinics.

  • Assist in fine needle aspiration procedures - provide assistance to cytopathology residents and fellows, prepare smeared slides and perform Diff-Quik staining.

  • Daily and weekly maintenance of Papanicolaou staining setup - prepares reagents according to laboratory standard operating procedures, properly labels reagents when prepared or opened, filter and change staining setup in accordance with laboratory operating procedures.

  • Respond to inquiries concerning cytology specimens - answers questions about specimen requirements, turn-around-time, and case status. Triages phone calls to other departments or staff when necessary.

  • Perform related duties as required.

What you'll need:

  • Certified, or certified within two (2) years from the date of hire, at the Technician level by a nationally recognized certifying agency such as the American Society of Clinical Pathologists, the American Society of Clinical Laboratory Scientists or the Microscopy Society of America.

  • Equivalent education and/or experience may substitute for minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license, certification, and/or registration.

What we offer:

  • Vacation time and sick time off that accrue monthly, including 12 paid holidays.

  • State Employee Tuition Exemption Program covering up to 6 credits of qualifying coursework per quarter at the University of Washington or other participating colleges or universities.

  • Fully subsidized public transit pass (U-PASS) that covers multiple forms of public transportation in the region.

  • Excellent healthcare, dental, disability, retirement, and other plan options.

  • Lots of free fantastic fitness, healthy eating, finance, and stress reduction classes offered through the Whole U.

  • And much more!

About the Department of Laboratory Medicine & Pathology:

A regional resource for clinical laboratory services required for innovative patient care, research and educational programs, the Department of Laboratory Medicine & Pathology at UW Medicine combines the sophisticated testing and informatics capabilities of fully accredited laboratories with the resources of an academic institution in its delivery of clinical and anatomic pathology services. Recognized for excellence in clinical training, world-class research initiatives, and a commitment to community service, we serve labs and medical facilities both nationally and internationally.

Please visit our website (http://dlmp.uw.edu/) to learn more about our department.

About UW Medicine:

UW Medicine is Washington's only health system that includes a top-rated medical school and an internationally recognized research center. UW Medicine's mission is to improve the health of the public by advancing medical knowledge, providing outstanding primary and specialty care to the people of the region, and preparing tomorrow's physicians, scientists and other health professionals.

All across UW Medicine, our employees collaborate to perform the highest quality work with integrity and compassion and to create a respectful, welcoming environment where every patient, family, student and colleague is valued and honored. Nearly 29,000 healthcare professionals, researchers, and educators work in the UW Medicine family of organizations that include Harborview Medical Center, UW Medical Center - Montlake, UW Medical Center - Northwest, Valley Medical Center, UW Medicine Primary Care, UW Physicians, UW School of Medicine, and Airlift Northwest.

Become part of our team (https://www.uwmedicine.org/jobs) . Join our mission to make life healthier for everyone in our community.

Compensation, Benefits and Position Details

Pay Range Minimum:

$30.89 hourly

Pay Range Maximum:

$44.25 hourly

Other Compensation:

Benefits:

For information about benefits for this position, visit https://www.washington.edu/jobs/benefits-for-uw-staff/

Shift:

First Shift (United States of America)

Temporary or Regular?

This is a regular position

FTE (Full-Time Equivalent):

100.00%

Union/Bargaining Unit:

SEIU Local 925 Healthcare Prof/Lab Tech

About the UW

Working at the University of Washington provides a unique opportunity to change lives - on our campuses, in our state and around the world.

UW employees bring their boundless energy, creative problem-solving skills and dedication to building stronger minds and a healthier world. In return, they enjoy outstanding benefits, opportunities for professional growth and the chance to work in an environment known for its diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits and natural beauty.

Our Commitment

The University of Washington is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful and welcoming community for all. As an equal opportunity employer, the University considers applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, pregnancy, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, or veteran status consistent with UW Executive Order No. 81 (https://policy.uw.edu/directory/po/executive-orders/eo-81-prohibiting-discrimination-harassment-and-sexual-misconduct/) .

To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450 or dso@uw.edu .

Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington state law (https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=28B.112.080) .

Use the filters or enter keywords in the search box (such as "custodian," "nursing" or "manager") to explore available opportunities. To find temporary opportunities, enter "temporary" in the search box.

If you are a current UW employee:

You must log into Workday and apply internally through the UW Jobs Hub.

Looking for faculty, librarian or academic staff positions?

Please visit our Academic Jobs (https://ap.washington.edu/ahr/academic-jobs/) site.

Looking for student employment?

Learn more on our Student Employment (https://hr.uw.edu/studentemployment/finding-student-employment/) site.

There are many perks to working for the University of Washington. Learn more about the benefits (https://www.washington.edu/jobs/benefits-for-uw-staff/) that could be available to you as a UW employee.

Sign up for Job Alerts (https://wd5.myworkdaysite.com/en-US/recruiting/uw/UWHires/jobAlerts) to be notified about job opportunities at the UW that interest you; you'll be one of the first to learn when openings become available. You will be asked to create an account if you do not already have one.

University of Washington is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to, among other things, race, religion, color, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, sex, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.


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