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Cytogenetic Technologists

Typical education: Bachelor's degreeModerate pressure

What they 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.

Kinds of work

  • Investigative: Science, research, figuring out how things work and solving complex problems.
  • Realistic: Hands-on work with tools, machines, plants or animals, often outdoors.
  • Conventional: Organizing information, following clear procedures and working with data and details.

Moderate pressure: How much pressure workers in this job report: deadlines, conflict, dealing with upset people, the cost of mistakes, responsibility for others' safety, competition and long hours. It varies a lot from one employer to the next. Source: U.S. Department of Labor worker surveys.

Pay, tasks and more

Salary

United States $62,930 Median per year · $30.26/hr Most earn $38,910–$100,990

BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, 2025.

What you might do

  • Harvest cell cultures using substances such as mitotic arrestants, cell releasing agents, and cell fixatives.
  • Prepare slides of cell cultures following standard procedures.
  • Arrange and attach chromosomes in numbered pairs on karyotype charts, using standard genetics laboratory practices and nomenclature, to identify normal or abnormal chromosomes.
  • Recognize and report abnormalities in the color, size, shape, composition, or pattern of cells.
  • Communicate test results or technical information to patients, physicians, family members, or researchers.
  • Evaluate appropriateness of received specimens for requested tests.

Job outlook

United States
3% more jobs by 2035, about as fast as average · about 20,800 openings a year

Openings include new jobs and jobs left by workers who retire or change careers. Projections: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. "Bright Outlook": U.S. Department of Labor.

Where they work

The Bureau of Labor Statistics doesn't break this career out by industry.

Experience before this job: None

Career path

How people usually get into this career, from school to their first job and beyond.

Typical education: Bachelor's degreeExperience before this job: NoneEntry-level

Cytogenetic Technologist is an entry-level job for people with a bachelor's degree, and workers usually don't need prior work experience to start. Most people reach it about 4 years after high school, through a bachelor's degree and then a first job in a lab.

  1. Bachelor's degree in biology, genetics, chemistry, or a related science

    4 years

    Coursework in genetics, cell biology, and chemistry builds the knowledge you need to read chromosomes and understand the tests you will run.

  2. Cytogenetic Technologist

    Ongoing career

    You analyze chromosomes from patient samples using classical cytogenetics, FISH, and array comparative genome hybridization to help doctors diagnose and treat genetic diseases.

Where it can lead

  1. Lead Cytogenetic Technologist

    2-4 years of experience first

    You take on more complex cases, train newer staff, and check the work of others, which usually requires strong technical skills and reliable accuracy.

  2. Cytogenetics Laboratory Supervisor

    3-5 years of experience first

    You manage staff schedules, quality control, and lab equipment, which usually requires experience and good communication and planning skills.

What you can do now

Ideas for high school and college students.

In high school

  • Take biology, chemistry, and mathThese classes give you the science and math foundation you will need for a bachelor's degree in a lab science.
  • Join a science club or science fairWorking on a project teaches you how to plan experiments, follow procedures, and record results carefully.
  • Volunteer at a hospital or health clinicSeeing how a clinical lab fits into patient care can show you whether this kind of work interests you.
  • Get a starter job that builds reliabilityA part-time job, such as at a store or restaurant, helps you learn responsibility and following detailed steps.
  • Explore genetics on your ownReading accessible articles or watching videos about DNA and chromosomes can help you decide if this career is a good fit.

In college

  • Major in biology, genetics, or chemistryA strong science major gives you the core knowledge that cytogenetic work depends on, and many of these programs include lab courses.
  • Work or volunteer in a campus research labHands-on lab experience with techniques like microscopy or DNA work builds skills employers look for in lab technologists.
  • Take a genetics or cell biology electiveSpecialized courses in chromosomes and heredity show you the exact science behind this job.
  • Seek a summer internship or lab jobA summer position in a clinical or research lab lets you practice real lab routines and learn the workplace before you graduate.
  • Build a habit of careful record-keepingKeeping organized lab notebooks and double-checking your results prepares you for the accuracy this career requires.

Tips for getting started

  • Take as many lab-based and genetics courses as you can, and ask instructors how lab work is done in real clinical settings.
  • Look for a campus job or research position in a biology or chemistry lab, since hands-on lab experience helps your applications stand out.
  • Pay close attention to detail and practice writing clear lab notes, because accuracy and careful record-keeping matter a lot in this work.

Related jobs a step up

Education, experience and related careers: U.S. Department of Labor. The step-by-step path, where it can lead and what you can do now were written by AI as typical examples; many people take other ways.

College majors that lead here

Majors: U.S. Department of Education and BLS (CIP–SOC crosswalk). Earnings and debt: College Scorecard, typical across U.S. colleges.

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