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Also called certified cytotechnologist, cytologist, cytology applications specialist and cytology coordinator.
$62,930
Median pay a year
332,940
People do this work
6
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Pay and headcount are from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lines are written from what the US Department of Labor records about this work.
An example
A Cytotechnologist resume, filled in
Every line below comes from the same public record as the rest of this page. The greyed parts are the ones only you can answer.
Cytotechnologist
Summary
Cytotechnologist examining cell samples to detect cancer and other abnormalities, preparing specimens, and supporting pathologists with clinical data and findings in a laboratory setting
Experience
Cytotechnologist
Where you worked
Month Year to Month Year
Examined cell samples to detect abnormalities in the color, shape, or size of cellular components and patterns
Documented specimens by verifying patients' and specimens' information
Submitted slides with abnormal cell structures to pathologists for further examination
Prepared and analyzed samples, such as Papanicolaou (PAP) smear body fluids and fine needle aspirations (FNAs), to detect abnormal conditions
Maintained effective laboratory operations by adhering to standards of specimen collection, preparation, or laboratory safety
Provided patient clinical data or microscopic findings to assist pathologists in the preparation of pathology reports
Adjusted, maintained, or repaired laboratory equipment, such as microscopes
Skills
Core Skills
Analyzing laboratory specimens, Preparing biological specimens, Verifying medical activities or operations, Verifying patient information accuracy, Following healthcare protocols, Maintaining medical knowledge, Adjusting medical settings or positions, Maintaining medical lab equipment, Repairing medical equipment
Checking & Planning
Testing biological specimens
Education
Doctorate (PhD) Your university, Year
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What to put on a Cytotechnologist resume
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What did you do each day?
Choose what fits, or say your own.
Examined cell samples for abnormalitiesDocumented specimens by verifying patient informationSubmitted slides with abnormal cell structuresPrepared and analyzed samples for abnormalitiesMaintained effective laboratory operations and safetyProvided clinical data to assist pathologists
becomes
On your resume
Examined cell samples for abnormalities in color, shape, and size to assist in accurate diagnoses
Examined cell samples to identify abnormal structures and ensure accurate diagnosis
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Add how often you examined samples for abnormalities.
The line
Examined several cell samples each day for abnormalities in color, shape, and size to assist in accurate diagnoses
Add how often you examined samples for abnormalities.
Pick one that fits
Several samples each dayDozens of samples weeklyMost samples during each shift
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Added to your resume
Show what improved in diagnosis accuracy because you identified abnormalities.
The line
Examined cell samples to identify abnormal structures and ensure accurate diagnosis
Show what improved in diagnosis accuracy because you identified abnormalities.
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What it is made of
Skills for a Cytotechnologist resume
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What are you good at?
Analyzing laboratory specimens
Preparing biological specimens
Verifying medical activities or operations
Testing biological specimens
Verifying patient information accuracy
Following healthcare protocols
Maintaining medical knowledge
Adjusting medical settings or positions
Maintaining medical lab equipment
Repairing medical equipment
Assisting healthcare practitioners
The work itself
What a Cytotechnologist does
The public record of what this job is, in one paragraph.
Stain, mount, and study cells to detect evidence of cancer, hormonal abnormalities, and other pathological conditions following established standards and practices.
What it pays
How much does a Cytotechnologist make?
Annual pay across the United States. The middle figure is the median: half earn less than that, and half earn more.
25th percentile
$47,650
Median
$62,930
75th percentile
$81,450
These figures cover this work together with Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technician, which is how they are published.
About 332,940 people do this work and Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technician in the United States, counted together.
This page is about the occupation Cytotechnologists. What this job involves and what it is made of come from O*NET 30.3, the US Department of Labor's occupation database, refreshed July 2026; Rung writes those records into the plain sentences you see. Pay comes from the Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS release for 2025. Rung is an independent service and is not affiliated with or endorsed by either agency. How Rung handles accuracy is on the accuracy page, and the full data credits are on the credits page.