Cytotechnologist Salaries

By allied health world contributing writer
Published: January, 21 2010

What is the average cytotechnologist salary?

A salary survey administered by the American Society for Cytotechnology (ASCT) in October 2007 showed the average salary in the United States for cytotechnologists was $71,774. The minimum salary was $45,000 and the maximum was $125,000. Of course the salary for this field and others is very region specific. Other factors that influence the salary for this field are the years of experience and the specific job held within cytotechnology (for example, quality control cytotechs and managers earn more money than general cytotechs). The type of employment setting (such as a hospital or private lab) also has an impact on pay. According to this survey, 63.3% of the respondents were paid hourly rates and 33% were paid an annual salary. Those cytotechs who were paid hourly earned on average $30.51/hour. The lowest paid hourly employee that participated in the survey earned $12.45 and the highest paid person earned $50.

Are there advancement opportunities in cytology?

One of the main drawing points to this profession is the standard daytime 9-5 schedule, which can’t be enjoyed in many other fields of healthcare. Some cytotechnologists are comfortable screening pap test slides and have no desire to move up the professional ladder. However, for those cytotechs who want to advance, there is definitely opportunity available. One example would be the position of a Quality Control (“QC”) Cytotechnologist who double-checks the work of other cytotechs. Others move up to being the laboratory supervisor or manager. In these positions more paperwork is involved, and a lot of time is spent time handling regulatory responsibilities and gathering statistical data, rather than screening slides.

Typically in order to advance, experience in the field is the key factor. However, to move up to a position such as a lab manager, most employers require a master’s degree in business or public health.