← All careers

Healthcare

Cytogenetic Technologists

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 salary (BLS)

$62,930

10th–90th percentile (BLS)

$39k – $101k

Job outlook

+2% (about average)

AI exposure

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports one wage for this occupational group, which covers 3 related roles — so read the median as an approximate group figure, and the range as the truer picture for this specific title. BLS source.

Early-career check: graduates of the matching programs below typically earn $93,000 ten years after starting college — an early-career figure, vs. the all-experience BLS median above. Source: U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard.

Plan a path to Cytogenetic Technologists

Qualification costsStack incomeBest cities/statesSchool ROIJob-posting fitTailored resume

Education

Typical entry: Bachelor's degree

Plan my path to this →

Typical progression

  1. Junior Cytogenetic Technologists

    Entry / Junior

    $38,910

    ~2 yrs to advance

  2. Cytogenetic Technologists

    Established

    $62,930

    ~3 yrs to advance

  3. Senior Cytogenetic Technologists

    Senior

    $81,960

Key skills

A typical day

  • •Arrange and attach chromosomes in numbered pairs on karyotype charts, using standard genetics laboratory practices and nomenclature, to identify normal or abnormal chromosomes.
  • •Count numbers of chromosomes and identify the structural abnormalities by viewing culture slides through microscopes, light microscopes, or photomicroscopes.
  • •Examine chromosomes found in biological specimens to detect abnormalities.
  • •Apply prepared specimen and control to appropriate grid, run instrumentation, and produce analyzable results.
  • •Select appropriate culturing system or procedure based on specimen type and reason for referral.

Fields of study

Any field

Top colleges for Healthcare

Explore all

Reputation-based selection; stats shown are outcome data per school.