Cytogenetic Technologists earn a median of $62,930 per year ($30.26/hr) (BLS OEWS, May 2025). Employment is projected to grow 2.7% through 2035, with about 20,800 openings a year (BLS EP, 2025–2035). Typical entry-level education: Bachelor's degree.
- SOC 29-2011
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical
- Last updated October 15, 2026
At a glance
Cytogenetic Technologist in four numbers
- Median pay
- $62,930a year, or $30.26/hrBLS OEWS, May 2025Lowest 10% $39KTop 10% $101K
US median, all jobs: $50,980
- Projected growth
- +2.7%About as fast as averageBLS EP, 2025–2035This career+2.7%All jobs+3.5%
Projected employment change, 2025–2035 Item Value This career +2.7% All jobs +3.5% - Openings a year
- 20,800343,000 jobs todayBLS EP, 2025–2035
- Jobs in 2025343K
- Projected 2035352.4K
Employment, 2025–2035 Item Value Jobs in 2025 343K Projected 2035 352.4K - Typical education
- Bachelor'sneeded to enterBLS EP, 2025–2035; mix: O*NET
Also advertised as: Certified Cytogenetic Technologist, Clinical Cytogeneticist Scientist (CCS), Cytogenetics Clinical Laboratory Specialist (CG CLSp), Cytogenetics Specialist, Cytogenetics Technical Specialist, Lab Technologist (Laboratory Technologist).
Pay
How much do cytogenetic technologists make?
Cytogenetic Technologists earn a median of $62,930 a year ($30.26 an hour, or about $5,240 a month); the lowest-paid 10% earn less than $38,910 and the top 10% more than $100,990 (BLS OEWS, May 2025).
The best-paying state is New York, with a median of $97,280. See Cytogenetic technologist salary in New York and every other state. By city, pay is highest around San Jose ($97,200 average): salary in every city.
Every cytogenetic technologist in the US, by percentile of annual wage
Median
$62,930
Middle half earn $47,650 to $81,450
- 10th
- $38,910
- 25th
- $47,650
- 75th
- $81,450
- 90th
- $100,990
All US occupations: $50,980
| Percentile | Value |
|---|---|
| 10th | $38,910 |
| 25th | $47,650 |
| Median | $62,930 |
| 75th | $81,450 |
| 90th | $100,990 |
| All US occupations | $50,980 |
Source: BLS OEWS, May 2025
- Median annual wage
- $62,930
- Median hourly wage
- $30.26/hr
- Mean annual wage
- $67,350
- People employed
- 332,940
Versus all US occupations
At $62,930, Cytogenetic Technologists earn 23% above the $50,980 median across all US occupations, a difference of $11,950 a year.
Versus healthcare practitioners and technical occupations
Inside the Healthcare Practitioners and Technical group, where the middle occupation pays $102,760, this is 39% below the group median.
Pay range
The top 10% earn $100,990 or more while the bottom 10% earn $38,910, a gap of 2.6×. That is a typical spread for a US occupation.
Rank in the bank
This median pays more than 37% of the 1,741 occupations in the NueCareer career bank.
Highest-paying state
New York pays the most at $97,280, and still leads at $90,140 once local prices are taken into account.
Pay by state
Which states pay cytogenetic technologists the most?
State medians come from the same OEWS release as the national figures. The cost-of-living column divides each state median by that state's BEA Regional Price Parity, restating pay in national-average dollars so a high-cost state and a low-cost one can be compared directly.
| State | Median | COL-adjusted | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1New York | $97,280 | $90,140 | 16,460 |
| 2Oregon | $83,010 | $80,311 | 2,660 |
| 3New Hampshire | $81,020 | $77,780 | 800 |
| 4Massachusetts | $79,120 | $74,813 | 10,850 |
| 5Vermont | $78,680 | $80,320 | 460 |
| 6District of Columbia | $76,560 | $69,663 | 960 |
| 7California | $76,010 | $68,651 | 29,210 |
| 8Rhode Island | $75,780 | $74,091 | 1,060 |
| 9Minnesota | $74,440 | $75,481 | 7,190 |
| 10Washington | $72,760 | $67,992 | 7,430 |
Job outlook
Is cytogenetic technologist a growing career?
Employment change over 2025–2035, against every US occupation
About as fast as average. +2.7% projected growth vs 3.5% for all occupations.
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Cytogenetic Technologists | +2.7% |
| All US occupations | +3.5% |
Source: BLS EP, 2025–2035
About as fast as average
BLS projects employment of Cytogenetic Technologists to change 2.7% over 2025–2035, against 3.5% projected for all occupations. That is 9,400 more jobs.
Annual openings
About 20,800 openings are projected each year, 6.1% of the 343,000 jobs that existed in 2025. Most come from workers leaving the occupation, not from growth alone.
Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
An increase in the population of older adults is expected to lead to a greater need for diagnosing medical conditions, such as cancer or type 2 diabetes, through laboratory procedures. Genetic testing also is being increasingly used to aid the diagnosis and treatment of disease. Clinical laboratory technologists and technicians will be in demand to perform these laboratory tests and procedures. However, the increasing automation of laboratory workflows may dampen employment demand.
AI exposure: moderate
BLS places this occupation in its moderate relative AI exposure category, below the middle of the pack: some of the work overlaps with what AI can do, much of it does not.
Getting in
How to become a cytogenetic technologist
Clinical laboratory technologists and technicians typically need a bachelor’s degree to enter the occupation. Technicians sometimes qualify for jobs with an associate’s degree. Some states require technologists and technicians to be licensed. Employers may prefer to hire candidates who have certification.
- 1
Typical entry-level education
Bachelor's degree
- 2
Work experience in a related occupation
None
- 3
Typical on-the-job training
None
- 4
Preparation needed (O*NET job zone)
Considerable preparation
BLS Employment Projections, 2025–2035; job zone from O*NET 31.0 Database.
Full BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook entryThe work
What does a cytogenetic technologist do?
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.
Clinical laboratory technologists (also known as medical laboratory scientists) and clinical laboratory technicians (also known as medical laboratory technicians) perform medical laboratory tests for the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease.
Day-to-day tasks
- Arrange and attach chromosomes in numbered pairs on karyotype charts, using standard genetics laboratory practices and nomenclature, to identify normal or abnormal chromosomes.
- Analyze chromosomes found in biological specimens to aid diagnoses and treatments for genetic diseases such as congenital disabilities, fertility problems, and hematological disorders.
- Prepare biological specimens such as amniotic fluids, bone marrow, tumors, chorionic villi, and blood, for chromosome examinations.
- Harvest cell cultures using substances such as mitotic arrestants, cell releasing agents, and cell fixatives.
- Examine chromosomes found in biological specimens to detect abnormalities.
- Prepare slides of cell cultures following standard procedures.
- Input details of specimen processing, analysis, and technical issues into logs or laboratory information systems (LIS).
- Evaluate appropriateness of received specimens for requested tests.
O*NET core tasks, ordered by reported importance.
Working conditions and hours
Most clinical laboratory technologists and technicians work full time. Because they may work in medical facilities that are always open, such as hospitals, they may have shifts that include nights, weekends, or holidays.
Where the work happens
Indoors, climate-controlled
NeverEvery dayIndoors, in a climate-controlled space, every day.
Outdoors in all weather
NeverEvery dayAlmost never works outdoors.
Physical demands
Sitting
NeverAlmost all the timeStanding
NeverAlmost all the timeBending or twisting
NeverAlmost all the time
Working with people
Contact with other people
NoneConstantFace-to-face discussions
NeverEvery dayFace-to-face discussions every day.
Dealing with the public
Not importantExtremely importantLittle or no dealing with customers or the public.
Pressure and stakes
Strict deadlines
NeverEvery dayMeeting strict deadlines at least weekly.
Conflict situations
NeverEvery dayCost of a mistake
Not seriousExtremely serious
Autonomy
Freedom to decide
NoneA lotA lot of freedom to make decisions without checking first.
Schedules: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2025–2035 edition. Conditions: O*NET Work Context survey. Each item has its own scale, so each dot is read against the two answers that end its own line.
Where cytogenetic technologists work
Share of jobs by employer type
- General medical and surgical hospitals; private36%
- Medical and diagnostic laboratories19%
- Offices of physicians10%
- Educational services; state, local, and private4%
- Other ambulatory healthcare services4%
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| General medical and surgical hospitals; private | 36% |
| Medical and diagnostic laboratories | 19% |
| Offices of physicians | 10% |
| Educational services; state, local, and private | 4% |
| Other ambulatory healthcare services | 4% |
Source: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2025–2035 edition
Core skills
O*NET importance, 1 to 5
- Reading Comprehension4.0
- Critical Thinking3.9
- Active Listening3.8
- Speaking3.8
- Writing3.6
- Science3.5
- Active Learning3.3
- Monitoring3.3
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Reading Comprehension | 4.0 |
| Critical Thinking | 3.9 |
| Active Listening | 3.8 |
| Speaking | 3.8 |
| Writing | 3.6 |
| Science | 3.5 |
| Active Learning | 3.3 |
| Monitoring | 3.3 |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
Transferable skills
O*NET importance, 1 to 5
- Judgment and Decision Making3.4
- Complex Problem Solving3.3
- Systems Analysis3.0
- Time Management3.0
- Social Perceptiveness2.9
- Coordination2.9
- Instructing2.9
- Systems Evaluation2.8
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Judgment and Decision Making | 3.4 |
| Complex Problem Solving | 3.3 |
| Systems Analysis | 3.0 |
| Time Management | 3.0 |
| Social Perceptiveness | 2.9 |
| Coordination | 2.9 |
| Instructing | 2.9 |
| Systems Evaluation | 2.8 |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
Tools and software
- Electronic mail software · in demand
- Graphics or photo imaging software · in demand
- Object or component oriented development software · in demand
- Office suite software · in demand
- Presentation software · in demand
- Spreadsheet software · in demand
- Word processing software · in demand
- Analytical or scientific software
- Data base user interface and query software
“In demand” marks an O*NET Employer-Based Hot Technology, software named in real job postings for this occupation.
The workforce
Who works as a cytogenetic technologist?
Women make up 67.2% of cytogenetic technologists, against 47.1% of all employed people: more women than in the workforce as a whole.
22.0% are 55 or older, close to the 23.2% across all jobs.
The median worker is 39.9 years old (all workers: 42.1).
- Women
- 67.2%All workers 47.1% · BLS CPS, 2025
- Median age
- 39.9All workers 42.1 · BLS CPS, 2025
- Aged 55+
- 22.0%All workers 23.2% · BLS CPS, 2025
- Employed (CPS)
- 313,000Clinical laboratory technologists and technicians · BLS CPS, 2025
| Group | Share of cytogenetic technologists | All employed people |
|---|---|---|
| Women | 67.2% | 47.1% |
| White | 68.1% | 75.7% |
| Black or African American | 16.0% | 12.7% |
| Asian | 12.7% | 7.5% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 16.2% | 20.0% |
| Aged 55 and over | 22.0% | 23.2% |
| Aged 16 to 24 | 10.2% | 12.2% |
Current Population Survey annual averages, 2025 (BLS tables 11 and 11b). Race groups can overlap with Hispanic or Latino ethnicity, so they do not sum to 100%. CPS reports this occupation only within the wider Census group “Clinical laboratory technologists and technicians”, so these figures are for that group.
Personality fit
What personality type suits a cytogenetic technologist?
O*NET Occupational Interests (RIASEC), scored 1 to 7
| Axis | Cytogenetic Technologist |
|---|---|
| Realistic | 5 |
| Investigative | 6 |
| Artistic | 1 |
| Social | 2 |
| Enterprising | 2 |
| Conventional | 5 |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
What the work is built around
Day to day this is work built around investigating, analysing and solving problems with ideas and data, combined with hands-on, practical work with tools, machines or the outdoors.
- Investigative5.9
- Realistic5.3
- Conventional5.0
- Social1.9
- Enterprising1.6
- Artistic1.5
Closest MBTI types
NueCareer fit scores: cosine similarity between each MBTI type's interest vector and this occupation's O*NET interest profile. Not a BLS or O*NET figure; the method is documented on our methodology page.
Explore further
Careers related to Cytogenetic Technologist
O*NET related occupations
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist
$62,930median a year
Most earn $39K to $101K
+2.7%Bachelor's - Healthcare Practitioners and Technical
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technician
$62,930median a year
Most earn $39K to $101K
+2.7%Bachelor's - Healthcare Practitioners and Technical
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical
More healthcare practitioners and technical careers
Median annual pay, with cytogenetic technologists highlighted
- Anesthesiologist$391,490
- Physician Assistant$135,880
- Nurse Practitioner$132,300
- Physical Therapist$102,760
- Dental Hygienist$98,100
- Diagnostic Medical Sonographer$96,590
- Radiologic Technologist and Technician$80,110
- Surgical Technologist$64,650
- Cytogenetic Technologist$62,930
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Anesthesiologist | $391,490 |
| Physician Assistant | $135,880 |
| Nurse Practitioner | $132,300 |
| Physical Therapist | $102,760 |
| Dental Hygienist | $98,100 |
| Diagnostic Medical Sonographer | $96,590 |
| Radiologic Technologist and Technician | $80,110 |
| Surgical Technologist | $64,650 |
| Cytogenetic Technologist | $62,930 |
Source: BLS OEWS, May 2025
Lists Cytogenetic Technologist appears on
Questions
Cytogenetic Technologist: frequently asked questions
How much do cytogenetic technologists make?
Cytogenetic Technologists earn a median of $62,930 a year (BLS OEWS, May 2025), 23% above the $50,980 US median across all occupations. That works out at $30.26/hr. The middle half earn between $47,650 and $81,450. The top 10% earn $100,990 or more.
How much do cytogenetic technologists make an hour?
The median hourly wage for cytogenetic technologists is $30.26 (BLS OEWS, May 2025). On a full-year basis the $62,930 annual median works out to about $5,240 a month before tax.
What is the starting salary for a cytogenetic technologist?
BLS does not publish a starting salary. The nearest measure is the low end of the pay range: the lowest-paid 10% of cytogenetic technologists earn less than $38,910 a year and the bottom quarter less than $47,650 (BLS OEWS, May 2025). New workers often start near that end, but where a particular job starts depends on the employer, the state and the credentials you bring, so read these as the bottom of the range rather than a guaranteed entry wage.
Do cytogenetic technologists make $100k?
A minority do. $100,000 sits between the 75th percentile ($81,450) and the 90th ($100,990), so roughly 10% to 25% of cytogenetic technologists earn more than that (BLS OEWS, May 2025). No state's median reaches $100,000; the highest is New York at $97,280.
Which states pay cytogenetic technologists the most?
The highest state medians for Cytogenetic Technologists are New York ($97,280), Oregon ($83,010), New Hampshire ($81,020) (BLS OEWS, May 2025).
What kind of cytogenetic technologist earns the most?
BLS does not split cytogenetic technologists' pay by specialty or employer, but its range shows how far the top end runs: the highest-paid 10% earn more than $100,990, against a median of $62,930 (BLS OEWS, May 2025). Location moves pay the most in the published data: the best-paying states are New York ($97,280), Oregon ($83,010), New Hampshire ($81,020).
Do you need a degree to become a cytogenetic technologist?
Yes. BLS reports a bachelor's degree as the typical entry-level education for Cytogenetic Technologists, and O*NET rates the preparation needed as considerable preparation.
How long does it take to become a cytogenetic technologist?
BLS does not publish a fixed length; it depends on the route. What it does publish: the typical way in for cytogenetic technologists is a bachelor's degree. O*NET classes the work as needing considerable preparation.
Is cytogenetic technologist a growing career?
It is stable rather than fast-growing: employment is projected to change 2.7% over 2025–2035, about the same as the 3.5% projected across all occupations (BLS EP, 2025–2035). BLS still projects about 20,800 openings a year, mostly from workers retiring or moving to other work.
What does a cytogenetic technologist do?
Clinical laboratory technologists (also known as medical laboratory scientists) and clinical laboratory technicians (also known as medical laboratory technicians) perform medical laboratory tests for the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease. A core O*NET task: arrange and attach chromosomes in numbered pairs on karyotype charts, using standard genetics laboratory practices and nomenclature, to identify normal or abnormal chromosomes. Employers most often ask for Electronic mail software, Graphics or photo imaging software, Object or component oriented development software.
Do cytogenetic technologists work 40 hours a week?
Yes, for most. In O*NET's survey of people in the job, 20% of cytogenetic technologists usually work more than 40 hours a week, 80% work exactly 40 and 0% work fewer. 90% say their schedule is regular and 10% irregular. Source: O*NET 31.0 Database, Work Context.
What personality type suits a cytogenetic technologist?
O*NET scores Cytogenetic Technologists highest on the Investigative, Realistic and Conventional interest areas, so the work mixes investigating, analysing and solving problems with ideas and data with hands-on, practical work with tools, machines or the outdoors. On NueCareer's MBTI-to-interest mapping that lines up most closely with ISTJ personalities. Personality is a fit signal, not a gate. The free NueCareer quiz scores your own profile against all 1,731 careers in the bank.
What percentage of cytogenetic technologists are women?
Women make up 67.2% of cytogenetic technologists, against 47.1% of all employed people: more women than in the workforce as a whole. 22.0% are 55 or older, close to the 23.2% across all jobs. The median worker is 39.9 years old (all workers: 42.1). Source: BLS Current Population Survey, 2025 annual averages, for the Census group "Clinical laboratory technologists and technicians".