What is a cytologist and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
2 min read
ScoreCytologistUS Average
Salary
4.2

Avg. Salary $53,483

Avg. Salary $59,228

Diversity
9.1
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.78%

Asian 12.68%

Black or African American 10.23%

Hispanic or Latino 11.90%

Unknown 4.83%

White 59.58%

Gender

female 77.78%

male 22.22%

Age - 44
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 44
Stress Level
6.9

Stress level is high

7.1 - high

Complexity Level
8.6

Complexity Level is advanced

7 - challenging

Work Life Balance
5.9

Work Life balance is fair

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become a cytologist

  1. Explore cytologist education requirements

    Most common cytologist degrees

    Bachelor's

    64.5 %

    Master's

    12.9 %

    Associate

    9.7 %
  2. Start to develop specific cytologist skills

    Skills
    ascdesc
    Percentages
    ascdesc
    ASCP77.57%
    QC11.77%
    Non-Gyn4.05%
    Laboratory Operations2.67%
    Microbiology2.10%
  3. Complete relevant cytologist training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 6-12 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New cytologists learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a cytologist based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real cytologist resumes.
  4. Research cytologist duties and responsibilities

    • Manage curriculum development, authore and publish lab manuals in physiology and ecology.
    • Stain process development in accordance with FDA regulation specific to milk.
    • Support laboratory quality control and safety initiatives and provide direct support to the microbiology, processing and emergency departments as needed.
    • Initiate and assign TIQ appropriately.
  5. Prepare your cytologist resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your cytologist resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a cytologist resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose From 10+ Customizable Cytologist Resume templates

    Build a professional Cytologist resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your Cytologist resume.
    Cytologist Resume
    Cytologist Resume
    Cytologist Resume
    Cytologist Resume
    Cytologist Resume
    Cytologist Resume
    Cytologist Resume
    Cytologist Resume
    Cytologist Resume
  6. Apply for cytologist jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a cytologist job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How Did You Land Your First Cytologist Job

Zippi

Are you a Cytologist?

Share your story for a free salary report.

Average cytologist salary

The average Cytologist salary in the United States is $53,483 per year or $26 per hour. Cytologist salaries range between $37,000 and $75,000 per year.

Average Cytologist Salary
$53,483 Yearly
$25.71 hourly

What Am I Worth?

Loading...
Loading...
salary-calculator

How do cytologists rate their job?

Working as a Cytologist? Share your experience anonymously.
Overall Rating*
Career Growth
Work/Life balance
Pay/Salary

Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

Browse healthcare practitioner and technical jobs