Analysis of 2023 cytologists employment survey

To provide clinical cytopathology laboratories and educational cytology programs with a snapshot of the current state of the cytology profession, including wages, anticipated retirement statistics and scope of practice in the field.

This survey was a collaborative initiative disseminated to the membership of the American Society for Cytotechnologists (ASCT) and the American Society for Clinical Pathology cytologists. Data collected from respondents via SurveyMonkey was collated and analyzed by the ASCT and the American Society for Clinical Pathology.

Five hundred and seven responses were received and tabulated based on ASCT region and states. Position titles, salaries, employment demographics, years employed, anticipated retirement rates and reasons for leaving the profession were evaluated. Information regarding scope of practice and/or ancillary duties received from the ASCT and American Society for Clinical Pathology cytologists was also collated.

While anticipated retirement rates are comparable to those reported over the past several years, staffing shortages will be exacerbated due to cytologists leaving the field for a variety of reasons. Cytologists continue to evolve with the field of diagnostic cytology and qualitative feedback suggests that learning opportunities to facilitate career advancement and mitigate burnout would be valuable.