Career profile · 29-2011
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.
What the work can involve
- 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.
Selected core tasks from O*NET 31.0. Responsibilities vary by employer, specialization and experience.
Preparation and entry routes
This O*NET group commonly calls for substantial preparation, often including a bachelor’s degree or considerable relevant experience. An introductory vocational course alone may not provide an entry route.
Check the route for the specific occupation where you plan to work. Education, employer experience requirements, occupational licensing and industry certification can be separate steps.
Understand the different credentials →Skills used in this occupation
- Reading Comprehension
- Critical Thinking
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Writing
Selected from the highest importance ratings available in O*NET 31.0. These describe the occupation, not a particular school's curriculum.
Knowledge to build
- Biology
- Chemistry
- English Language
- Education and Training
- Computers and Electronics
Selected from the highest importance ratings available in O*NET 31.0. These describe the occupation, not a particular school's curriculum.
Common work activities
- Documenting/Recording Information
- Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards
- Working with Computers
- Processing Information
- Analyzing Data or Information
Selected from the highest importance ratings available in O*NET 31.0. These describe the occupation, not a particular school's curriculum.
Training subjects to investigate
The federal education-to-occupation crosswalk connects this role to the subjects below. These links do not endorse a school or guarantee that any particular award qualifies a graduate for the job.
Working conditions to consider
These are the most common published responses to selected O*NET work-setting questions. They describe occupation-level survey findings, not every employer or a particular job.
| Work-setting question | Most common response | Share giving that response |
|---|---|---|
| Contact With Others | Contact with others most of the time | 40.0%08/2026 · sample 20 |
| Exposed to Contaminants | Never | 35.0%08/2026 · sample 20 |
| Exposed to Disease or Infections | Every day | 80.0%08/2026 · sample 20 |
| Exposed to Hazardous Conditions | Every day | 55.0%08/2026 · sample 20 |
| Spend Time Sitting | More than half the time | 45.0%08/2026 · sample 20 |
| Spend Time Standing | Less than half the time | 55.0%08/2026 · sample 20 |
| Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls | More than half the time | 45.0%08/2026 · sample 20 |
| Time Pressure | Every day | 65.0%08/2026 · sample 20 |
| Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets | Every day | 84.2%08/2026 · sample 19 |
| Work Schedules | Regular (established routine, set schedule) | 90.0%08/2026 · sample 20 |
O*NET 31.0 Work Context, selected topics. Only unsuppressed source responses with sample size at least 10 are shown. A most-common response need not be a majority. Sampling uncertainty applies; source dates vary. Ask employers about actual schedules, accessibility, protective equipment and working conditions.
Software used in the workplace
Use these O*NET examples to ask how a course builds practical digital skills. They are workplace examples, not a required shopping list or confirmation of a school’s curriculum.
- Analytical or scientific software: Cell Bioscience Automated Image Capture, Digital karyotyping software, Genetix CytoVision, Geniel Genetics iGene
- Data base user interface and query software: Genial Genetics Shire, Genial Genetics iPassport QMS
- Electronic mail software: Microsoft Outlook
- Graphics or photo imaging software: Adobe Illustrator
- Object or component oriented development software: C++, Python
- Office suite software: Microsoft Office software
- Presentation software: Microsoft PowerPoint
- Spreadsheet software: Microsoft Excel
- Word processing software: Microsoft Word
Selected categories and examples from O*NET 31.0 Software Skills. Products and employer requirements change. These examples are not endorsements; check the complete official occupation profile.
Pay & employment outlook
Salary estimates for cytogenetic technologists
The median divides workers into two equally sized groups by pay. It is not a starting salary, a school’s graduate outcome or a promise of employment. Lower percentiles are not automatically new graduates.
National outlook: 2025–2035
- Typical education for entry
- Bachelor's degree
- Related work experience
- None
- Typical on-the-job training
- None
BLS national employment projections, 2025–2035. Openings include people leaving occupations or the labor force; these are not advertised vacancies. Education categories describe typical entry, not legal eligibility or a guarantee that any specific program is sufficient.
Compare wages across 51 state/DC estimates
| State | Annual median | Hourly median | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $49,440 | $23.77 | 7,250 |
| Alaska | $60,950 | $29.31 | 680 |
| Arizona | $62,530 | $30.06 | 6,440 |
| Arkansas | $49,670 | $23.88 | 3,180 |
| California | $76,010 | $36.54 | 29,210 |
| Colorado | $70,050 | $33.68 | 5,000 |
| Connecticut | $65,310 | $31.40 | 3,670 |
| Delaware | $68,630 | $33.00 | 690 |
| District of Columbia | $76,560 | $36.81 | 960 |
| Florida | $60,510 | $29.09 | 25,790 |
| Georgia | $62,180 | $29.89 | 11,540 |
| Hawaii | $66,020 | $31.74 | 1,090 |
| Idaho | $47,450 | $22.81 | 1,590 |
| Illinois | $71,950 | $34.59 | 10,330 |
| Indiana | $57,080 | $27.44 | 7,210 |
| Iowa | $54,260 | $26.09 | 3,240 |
| Kansas | $62,050 | $29.83 | 3,930 |
| Kentucky | $60,880 | $29.27 | 4,860 |
| Louisiana | $54,460 | $26.19 | 3,790 |
| Maine | $68,690 | $33.02 | 1,250 |
| Maryland | $63,690 | $30.62 | 6,200 |
| Massachusetts | $79,120 | $38.04 | 10,850 |
| Michigan | $61,260 | $29.45 | 10,000 |
| Minnesota | $74,440 | $35.79 | 7,190 |
| Mississippi | $50,640 | $24.35 | 3,070 |
| Missouri | $60,300 | $28.99 | 7,670 |
| Montana | $65,190 | $31.34 | 1,020 |
| Nebraska | $60,540 | $29.11 | 1,930 |
| Nevada | $57,320 | $27.56 | 2,040 |
| New Hampshire | $81,020 | $38.95 | 800 |
| New Jersey | $68,450 | $32.91 | 7,000 |
| New Mexico | $47,360 | $22.77 | 2,160 |
| New York | $97,280 | $46.77 | 16,460 |
| North Carolina | $60,650 | $29.16 | 13,710 |
| North Dakota | $62,680 | $30.14 | 1,370 |
| Ohio | $63,800 | $30.67 | 13,050 |
| Oklahoma | $53,300 | $25.63 | 4,250 |
| Oregon | $83,010 | $39.91 | 2,660 |
| Pennsylvania | $51,680 | $24.85 | 13,020 |
| Rhode Island | $75,780 | $36.44 | 1,060 |
| South Carolina | $55,280 | $26.58 | 4,380 |
| South Dakota | $60,890 | $29.28 | 1,280 |
| Tennessee | $62,070 | $29.84 | 8,410 |
| Texas | $59,290 | $28.51 | 29,530 |
| Utah | $49,090 | $23.60 | 6,370 |
| Vermont | $78,680 | $37.83 | 460 |
| Virginia | $61,050 | $29.35 | 7,150 |
| Washington | $72,760 | $34.98 | 7,430 |
| West Virginia | $61,810 | $29.72 | 1,800 |
| Wisconsin | $60,670 | $29.17 | 8,480 |
| Wyoming | $65,510 | $31.50 | 450 |
Metropolitan and nonmetropolitan wages
Search the 502 published local-area estimates for this occupation. Metropolitan areas can cross state lines; a city’s postal name is not necessarily the statistical area’s name.
Sources: BLS May 2025 OEWS public downloads and 2025–2035 employment projections, retrieved September 9, 2026. Unpublished estimates stay unavailable. “+” means BLS’s upper reporting threshold ($239,200 annually or $115 hourly). Wages exclude self-employment and nonwage benefits. How to interpret these figures.
Compare the route and prepare for work
Questions to test the fit
- What does an entry-level working day look like, and how does it differ from the experienced role described here?
- Which tasks, work environments and schedules would I enjoy or find difficult?
- What education, supervised practice and credentials do local employers actually request?
- Can I speak with someone in the occupation or arrange a suitable workplace visit?
- How does the complete training cost compare with my realistic budget and available routes?
Related occupations to compare
- Cytotechnologists→
- Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary→
- Histology Technicians→
- Histotechnologists→
- Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technicians→
- Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists→
Related through shared training-subject mappings. Entry requirements can differ substantially.
Sources and attribution
This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under CC BY 4.0. Trade School Guides selects and organizes the material and adds explanatory guidance. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed or tested these modifications. Occupation code: 29-2011.01.
Training connections: CIP 2020–SOC 2018 crosswalk. Snapshot: September 8, 2026. See the methodology.