1

Cytology Lab Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Oversee the cytology processing and provide technical oversight of cytology lab * Perform the scheduling, planning, staffing, and monitoring of workflow to meet established goals * Provide staff ...

Labcorp is seeking a Lab Assistant to join our team in Phoenix, AZ. Work Schedule: This is a per diem/PRN position. Hours will be scheduled as needed, with start and end times varying Monday through ...

Cytologist - Lab Our client is currently seeking a Cytologist - Lab for a position in Pensacola, FL. 5x8 Days shift. You must have current State Licensure and at least 1 year of recent acute care ...

Cytologist

Pittsburgh, PA · On-site

$31.56 - $43.85/hr

... Cytology Lab team! This is a full-time position offering a daylight schedule (Monday through Friday) with no weekend or holiday responsibilities . In this role, you will primarily work at Magee ...

Showing results 21-40

Cytology Lab information

See salary details

$12

$22

$34

How much do cytology lab jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for cytology lab 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?

A cytology lab is a specialized medical laboratory where professionals analyze cells from various body fluids and tissues to detect diseases, most commonly cancer. In these labs, cytotechnologists and pathologists examine samples under a microscope to identify cellular changes, infections, or other abnormalities. Cytology labs play a vital role in early disease detection, especially for conditions like cervical cancer through Pap smears. They also assist in diagnosing infections, inflammatory diseases, and other health conditions. The results from cytology labs guide physicians in making informed treatment decisions.

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

To excel in a Cytology Lab, you need a solid background in biological sciences, strong microscopy skills, and typically a degree in cytotechnology or a related field, often accompanied by professional certification (e.g., ASCP). Familiarity with laboratory information systems, automated staining equipment, and digital imaging tools is common. Attention to detail, analytical thinking, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for interpreting cellular samples and collaborating with medical teams. These abilities are vital for ensuring accurate diagnoses, maintaining laboratory quality standards, and supporting patient health outcomes.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in a cytology lab, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in a Cytology Lab often encounter challenges such as managing high specimen volumes, maintaining accuracy under time constraints, and staying updated with evolving diagnostic techniques. To address these, strong organizational skills, continuous education, and collaboration with pathologists and other laboratory staff are essential. Many labs foster team-based environments and encourage ongoing training, which helps cytotechnologists stay current and ensure high-quality patient care.

What is the difference between Cytology Lab vs Histology Lab?

AspectCytology LabHistology Lab
Required CredentialsMedical Laboratory Technician (MLT) or Cytotechnologist certificationMLT or Histotechnologist certification
Work EnvironmentAnalyzing cell samples, often in hospitals or clinicsPreparing tissue samples, often in hospitals or diagnostic labs
Industry UsageUsed for detecting cellular abnormalities, cancer screeningUsed for tissue diagnosis, biopsies

Both Cytology Lab and Histology Lab professionals work in diagnostic laboratories, but Cytology Labs focus on analyzing cells, while Histology Labs prepare tissue sections. They share similar credentials and work environments, but their specific tasks differ, making each essential for accurate disease diagnosis.

Are cytology lab professionals in demand?

Cytology lab professionals are in steady demand due to the essential role they play in cancer detection and diagnosis. Employment opportunities are expected to grow as healthcare facilities expand and emphasize early disease detection, often requiring certification and proficiency with microscopes and laboratory techniques.

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

Becoming a cytology lab professional typically requires completing a bachelor's degree in a related field such as biology or medical technology, which takes about four years. Additionally, obtaining certification as a cytotechnologist through the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) or equivalent credential usually requires completing a cytotechnology program, which takes about one to two years, and passing the certification exam.

How much money do cytology lab professionals make?

Cytology lab professionals, such as cytotechnologists and cytology technicians, typically earn a median annual salary of around $70,000, with salaries varying based on experience, location, and certifications. They often work in clinical laboratories, hospitals, or diagnostic centers and may require specialized training or certification in cytotechnology.
More about Cytology Lab jobs

What cities are hiring for Cytology Lab jobs?

Cities with the most Cytology Lab job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Cytology Lab jobs?

The most popular types of Cytology Lab jobs are:

Infographic showing various Cytology Lab job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 13% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,864 per year, or $22.5 per hour.

Full-time

Re-posted 4 days ago


PathGroup rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 58 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

75th of 120 rated laboratories


Job description

JOB SUMMARY:

Under the direction of the laboratory operations director, the Cytology Manager plans, organizes, schedules, and directs the work of the department to effectively maximize employees and equipment to meet established turnaround times while adhering to quality technical standards. The manager provides direct on-site analysis and adjustment of specimen workflow, test performance, quality, compliance, and associated documentation.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Support the Company's mission, vision, goals, and management decisions
  • Provide leadership, supervise support staff and the day-to-day operations of the cytology department, including staff hires, scheduling, development, training, and annual appraisals, make decisions, solve problems, develop procedures, and conduct and attend meetings
  • Perform duties of cytotechnologist as needed
  • Oversee the cytology processing and provide technical oversight of cytology lab
  • Perform the scheduling, planning, staffing, and monitoring of workflow to meet established goals
  • Provide staff development through feedback aimed towards performance development and review
  • Procure appropriate supplies and equipment to maximize department efficiency while staying within established budgetary and quality goals
  • Serve as a technical resource for problem solving and process improvement to ensure accurate test performance and meets all quality goals
  • Evaluate workflow and specimen testing to maintain adequate turnaround time
  • Troubleshoot and recommend process improvements, as needed
  • Support, implement, and ensure compliance with all department and company policies and procedures
  • Monitor and ensure implementation of goals to meet established quality assurance, quality control quality improvement plans and turnaround time
  • Ensure compliance with regulatory agency requirements through maintaining proper documentation, conducting audits, and corrective actions
  • Interact with internal and external customers to ensure proper sample handling, reporting and resolution of questions and concerns
  • Participate in the updating of departmental standard operating procedures to accurately reflect the current practices
  • Monitor workload allocation to ensure compliance with regulations and departmental turnaround time expectations
  • Troubleshoot equipment and computer related problems
  • Validation of methodology and instrumentation
  • Perform all job responsibilities in alignment with the industry's best security practices and regulatory guidelines to protect the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of protected health information and other sensitive company data
  • Must become familiar with and abide by the Corporate Compliance Program and all Corporate policies, including the Privacy and Security policies
  • Other duties as assigned
  • High School Diploma or GED required
  • BS degree in Cytotechnology plus ASCP certification
  • Experience with NonGYN Cytology
  • Previous supervisory experience or a cytotechnologist in a lead role
  • Previous FISH experience a plus
  • Current Proficiency Test Scores

What PathGroup employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom