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Cytology Lab Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Cytologist

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$60 - $80/hr

... Cytology Lab.Sign on bonus up to $20,000 for qualified candidates!Join our team, where we are committed to quality and compassionate care, along with employee growth and satisfaction!Overview:Job ...

Cytotechnologist

Evansville, IN · On-site

$30.38 - $45.57/hr

Work Environment Anatomic Pathology / Cytology Lab | Microscope-intensive | Fast-paced, high-accuracy work | Requires adherence to strict hygiene and safety protocols Qualifications * Bachelor ...

... 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 ...

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 ...

Maintains quality control and maintenance records within the cytology lab section under direction of the Section Leader and/or Manager. * Evaluates all GYN, Non GYN, and FNA cytologic slides ...

Work Environment Anatomic Pathology / Cytology Lab | Microscope-intensive | Fast-paced, high-accuracy work | Requires adherence to strict hygiene and safety protocols Qualifications * Bachelor ...

Cytotechnologist

Jasper, IN · On-site

$30.38 - $45.57/hr

Join our lab team as a Cytotechnologist performing microscopic evaluation and diagnostic screening of patient specimens. This role is ideal for experienced professionals with expertise in cytology ...

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Cytology Lab information

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How much do cytology lab jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 9, 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 September 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 12% 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.

Histology/Cytology Technician - Cytology - First Shift

Durham, NC • On-site

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

Full-time

Posted 10 days ago


Duke University rating

6.7

Company rating: 6.7 out of 10

Based on 55 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

491st of 631 rated colleges and universities


Job description

At Duke Health, we're driven by a commitment to compassionate care that changes the lives of patients, their loved ones, and the greater community. No matter where your talents lie, join us and discover how we can advance health together.

Duke University Health System Clinical Laboratories

Pursue your passion for caring and innovation as a team member in the state-of-the-art Duke Health laboratories. Duke Health laboratories are College of American Pathologists accredited and Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments certified. The multidisciplinary team is committed to serving the rare and complex testing needs of Duke Health patients by providing timely and accurate results, educating the next generation of laboratorians, scientists and physicians, and researching and developing the cutting-edge diagnostics of tomorrow.

Histology/Cytology Technician in the Cytology Lab at Duke University Hospital. Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. General Description 

Perform routine histopathologic tests and/or cytopathology specimen processing in a clinical laboratory for use in the treatment and diagnosis of disease.

Duties and Responsibilities 

HISTOLOGY

Perform routine paraffin sections of surgical and autopsy tissue for microscopic examination in the diagnosis and treatment of disease.

Perform frozen cryostat sectioning.

Prepare specimens and reagents for processing; perform routine and special staining techniques. Label, file, discard and maintain records of slides and blocks.

CYTOPATHOLOGY

Check specimen container for completeness regarding demographic information to include specimen source against requisition/order.

Receive & accession specimens to include gross description & any notes as needed.

Evaluate specimen for correct preparation protocol.

Prepare specimen according to appropriate specimen protocol SOP (Standard Operating Procedures) to include staining/cover slipping, & labeling.

Troubleshoot specimen preparation issues as they arise alerting appropriate cytology staff, as necessary.

COMMON TASKS

Reconcile labels with finished products and provide specimens for microscopic examination and diagnosis by the pathologist.

Order appropriate tests on the computer.

Perform various Quality Control procedures to maintain compliance with internal and external regulations. Utilize various hospital information systems and software.

May demonstrate/teach preparatory techniques/instrument use to residents, fellows, medical students, & visiting students.

Required Qualifications Education

High School Diploma required. Associate Degree in Science preferred.

Minimal educational or experience requirements may be modified on a case-by-case basis at the discretion of the CLIA (Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendment) director if minimal CLIA requirements are met by the employee for the tasks being performed.

Experience

None required.

Degrees, Licensure, and/or Certification

None required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Able to listen, read, understand and perform assigned laboratories.

Manual dexterity skills adequate for fine detail work.


Duke is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual's age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy and pregnancy related conditions), sexual orientation or military status.


Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideas-an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values.


Essential Physical Job Functions:

Certain jobs at Duke University and Duke University Health System may include essential job functions that require specific physical and/or mental abilities. Additional information and provision for requests for reasonable accommodation will be provided by each hiring department.



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About Duke University

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Duke is regarded as one of America's leading research universities. Located in Durham, North Carolina, Duke is positioned in the heart of the Research Triangle, which is ranked annually as one of the best places in the country to work and live. Duke has more than 15,000 students who study and conduct research in its 10 undergraduate, graduate, and professional schools. With about 40,000 employees, Duke is the third largest private employer in North Carolina, and it now has international programs in more than 150 countries.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools and hospitals

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Durham, NC, US