What is the salary of a Cytogenetic Technologist?

The typical salary range is $43,323 - $86,646 per year.

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Medical & WelfareGrowing

Cytogenetic Technologist

Mid-level

Also known as: Certified Cytogenetic Technologist, Clinical Cytogeneticist Scientist (CCS), Cytogenetic Technician, Cytogenetic Technologist

Medical & WelfareBachelor's Degree

Job Description

Analyze chromosomes or chromosome segments found in biological specimens, such as amniotic fluids, bone marrow, solid tumors, and blood to aid in the study, diagnosis, classification, or treatment of inherited or acquired genetic diseases. Conduct analyses through classical cytogenetic, fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) or array comparative genome hybridization (aCGH) techniques.

CytogeneticsChromosomal AnalysisGenetic DiagnosticsMolecular BiologyClinical Laboratory ScienceHealthcareBiotechnologyPatient CareMedical Careers

A Day in the Life

You arrive at the bustling pathology lab in a major US hospital, the scent of reagents faintly in the air. After donning your lab coat and gloves, you check the daily schedule on the LIS (Laboratory Information System). Your first task involves retrieving patient samples—amniotic fluids, bone marrow, and peripheral blood—from the incubator. You carefully transfer them to a biological safety cabinet, setting up cultures for cell growth, ensuring each specimen is accurately labeled and handled to prevent contamination. Precision is key from the start.

Skills employers are looking for in 2027

Software and technologies flagged by O*NET as Hot or In-Demand for this role.

Hot technologies

Adobe Illustrator C++Microsoft Excel Microsoft Office software Microsoft Outlook Microsoft PowerPoint Microsoft Word Python

Work Environment

How this work is typically performed, based on O*NET work context data.

Email & digital communication

High

Working in a team

Moderate

Contact with others

Moderate

Freedom to make decisions

High

Time pressure

High

Time spent sitting

High

Working outdoors

Low

Indoor, climate-controlled

High

Dealing with customers

Low

Level of competition

Moderate

Source: O*NET Work Context (v31.0)

Future Perspective

Growing Job Market

The job outlook for Cytogenetic Technologists is growing through 2035. You can gain initial experience in roles like a Medical Laboratory Assistant. With experience, you might advance to become a Clinical Laboratory Manager, specialize as a Molecular Diagnostics Specialist, or pursue further education to become a Genetic Counselor.

Career ladder

Often before this role

Medical Laboratory Assistant
Phlebotomist
Biotechnology Laboratory Technician

Cytogenetic Technologist

Where it can lead

Clinical Laboratory Manager
Genetic Counselor
Molecular Diagnostics Specialist

Impact of AI on this Job

AI is expected to significantly impact cytogenetic technologists by automating image analysis for chromosome anomalies, speeding up diagnosis, and improving accuracy. It will assist in data interpretation and pattern recognition, allowing technologists to focus on complex cases and direct patient care. While AI streamlines repetitive tasks, human expertise remains vital for nuanced interpretations and ethical oversight.

Salary

$43,323 - $86,646 per year

Estimated for US-wide average

Required Education

Bachelor's Degree

Minimum educational requirement for this position