Cytogenetic Technologists
Health ScienceO*NET 29-2011.01United States
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.
- Median annual earnings
- $62,842
- Projected change
- +6.1%
- Typical education
- Bachelor's degree
- Employment
- 346.09K jobs
50th percentile, United States
2025 to 2035
100% of the workforce
Growing to 367.16K by 2035
Explore this career by location
Compare nationwide estimates with state or county job-market data.
Showing United States
Loading available locations…
Build the skills
ASU learning related to this career
These courses and certificates are connected through catalog career relationships and Lightcast skill tags.
Loading related ASU learning
The work
What cytogenetic technologists do
Tasks reported for this occupation, ordered by how often they come up in the role.
- Count numbers of chromosomes and identify the structural abnormalities by viewing culture slides through microscopes, light microscopes, or photomicroscopes.
- Arrange and attach chromosomes in numbered pairs on karyotype charts, using standard genetics laboratory practices and nomenclature, to identify normal or abnormal chromosomes.
- Apply prepared specimen and control to appropriate grid, run instrumentation, and produce analyzable results.
- Examine chromosomes found in biological specimens to detect abnormalities.
- Select appropriate culturing system or procedure based on specimen type and reason for referral.
- Harvest cell cultures using substances such as mitotic arrestants, cell releasing agents, and cell fixatives.
- Analyze chromosomes found in biological specimens to aid diagnoses and treatments for genetic diseases such as congenital disabilities, fertility problems, and hematological disorders.
- Summarize test results and report to appropriate authorities.
- Prepare biological specimens such as amniotic fluids, bone marrow, tumors, chorionic villi, and blood, for chromosome examinations.
- Select or prepare specimens and media for cell cultures using aseptic techniques, knowledge of medium components, or cell nutritional requirements.
- Input details of specimen processing, analysis, and technical issues into logs or laboratory information systems (LIS).
- Prepare slides of cell cultures following standard procedures.
- Input details of specimens into logs or computer systems.
- Select appropriate methods of preparation and storage of media to maintain potential of hydrogen (pH), sterility, or ability to support growth.
- Describe chromosome, FISH and aCGH analysis results in International System of Cytogenetic Nomenclature (ISCN) language.
- Develop, implement, and monitor quality control and quality assurance programs to ensure accurate and precise test performance and reports.
- Evaluate appropriateness of received specimens for requested tests.
- Stain slides to make chromosomes visible for microscopy.
- Create chromosome images using computer imaging systems.
- Determine optimal time sequences and methods for manual or robotic cell harvests.
- Recognize and report abnormalities in the color, size, shape, composition, or pattern of cells.
- Communicate to responsible parties unacceptable specimens and suggest remediation for future submissions.
- Select banding methods to permit identification of chromosome pairs.
- Maintain laboratory equipment such as photomicroscopes, inverted microscopes, and standard darkroom equipment.
- Identify appropriate methods of specimen collection, preservation, or transport.
- Archive case documentation and study materials as required by regulations and laws.
- Supervise subordinate laboratory staff.
- Develop and implement training programs for trainees, medical students, resident physicians or post-doctoral fellows.
Pay and outlook
What the job pays and where it is heading
Annual earnings range
Reported earnings by percentile, United States
- 10th percentile
- $38,718
- 25th percentile
- $47,478
- 50th percentile
- $62,842
- 75th percentile
- $81,611
- 90th percentile
- $101,595
The gold marker shows the median. Half earn more than $62,842 and half earn less.
Employment outlook
2025 to 2035 projection
+6.1%faster than average
2025346,085 jobs
2035 projected367,162 jobs
21,077 more positions over the decade, before replacement hiring.
Preparation
Education levels
What people currently working in the career hold. These are not entry requirements.
- Bachelor's degree
- 100%
Skills
Skills employers ask for
Technical skills appearing most often in job postings for this occupation.
How the work gets done
Core competencies
Broad capabilities associated with strong performance in this occupation.
- Reading Comprehension
- Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
- Critical Thinking
- Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
- Writing
- Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
- Speaking
- Talking to others to convey information effectively.
- Active Listening
- Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
- Judgment and Decision Making
- Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
- Complex Problem Solving
- Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
- Science
- Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
- Active Learning
- Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
- Monitoring
- Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
- Time Management
- Managing one's own time and the time of others.
- Systems Analysis
- Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.
- Coordination
- Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
- Social Perceptiveness
- Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
- Mathematics
- Using mathematics to solve problems.
- Instructing
- Teaching others how to do something.
- Learning Strategies
- Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
- Systems Evaluation
- Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed to improve or correct performance, relative to the goals of the system.
- Quality Control Analysis
- Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
- Operations Monitoring
- Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
In the market
Job titles and employers
Recent job postings in United StatesCommon job titles
- 01Medical Laboratory Scientists436 postings
- 02Laboratory Assistants213 postings
- 03Cytogenetic Technologists159 postings
- 04Polysomnographers150 postings
- 05Medical Laboratory Technicians143 postings
- 06Technologists117 postings
- 07Medical Technologists/Medical Laboratory Technicians112 postings
- 08Microbiology Technologists101 postings
- 09Neurodiagnostic Technicians89 postings
- 10Health Screeners82 postings
- 11Travel Technicians80 postings
- 12Laboratory Technologists64 postings
- 13Laboratory Technicians54 postings
- 14Molecular Technologists54 postings
- 15Clinical Reviewers53 postings
- 16Medical Technicians53 postings
- 17Cytogenetic Technicians51 postings
- 18Nurses/Health Screeners49 postings
- 19Travel Cardiovascular Operating Room Technologists48 postings
- 20Laboratory Scientists47 postings
Top employers
- 01Aya Healthcare573 postings
- 02K&A Recruiting254 postings
- 03Quest Diagnostics173 postings
- 04HCA Healthcare103 postings
- 05Labcorp98 postings
- 06Vanderbilt Univ Medical Center60 postings
- 07Evolent52 postings
- 08CompHealth50 postings
- 09NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital49 postings
- 10Actalent47 postings
- 11AMN Healthcare46 postings
- 12US Oncology Network46 postings
- 13Gqr42 postings
- 14Sonic Healthcare USA40 postings
- 15SSM Health Care39 postings
- 16Ardor Health Solutions33 postings
- 17Neogenomics Laboratories32 postings
- 18Titan Medical31 postings
- 19Piedmont Healthcare29 postings
- 20Vanderbilt Health27 postings
Keep looking