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The differences between cytotechnologists and pathologist assistants can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a pathologist assistant has an average salary of $50,079, which is higher than the $49,566 average annual salary of a cytotechnologist.
The top three skills for a cytotechnologist include ASCP, patients and proficiency testing. The most important skills for a pathologist assistant are ASCP, patients, and PA.
| Cytotechnologist | Pathologist Assistant | |
| Yearly salary | $49,566 | $50,079 |
| Hourly rate | $23.83 | $24.08 |
| Growth rate | - | 16% |
| Number of jobs | 39,930 | 62,900 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 72% | Bachelor's Degree, 66% |
| Average age | 44 | 37 |
| Years of experience | - | 12 |
A Cytotechnologist evaluates specimens on glass slides using microscopes. They analyze fluid and tissue specimens for microscopic cellular abnormalities, such as bacterial and viral infections.
A pathologist assistant is responsible for helping pathologists in conducting laboratory investigations by studying human specimens and surgical biopsies for diagnosis and identify a person's cause of death. Pathologist assistants perform autopsy functions under the supervision of the pathologist, following the strict safety protocols and regulations. They must have excellent organizational skills, especially in operating various equipment to prevent potential hazards and disease contamination. A pathologist assistant creates a comprehensive report of findings for the pathologist's review before releasing the final records.
Cytotechnologists and pathologist assistants have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Cytotechnologist | Pathologist Assistant | |
| Average salary | $49,566 | $50,079 |
| Salary range | Between $25,000 And $95,000 | Between $24,000 And $101,000 |
| Highest paying City | Hicksville, NY | Boston, MA |
| Highest paying state | Alaska | Massachusetts |
| Best paying company | OSF HealthCare | Essentia Health |
| Best paying industry | - | Health Care |
There are a few differences between a cytotechnologist and a pathologist assistant in terms of educational background:
| Cytotechnologist | Pathologist Assistant | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 72% | Bachelor's Degree, 66% |
| Most common major | Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science | Biology |
| Most common college | University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill | - |
Here are the differences between cytotechnologists' and pathologist assistants' demographics:
| Cytotechnologist | Pathologist Assistant | |
| Average age | 44 | 37 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 28.7% Female, 71.3% | Male, 39.4% Female, 60.6% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 11.1% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 17.7% Asian, 11.9% White, 53.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8% | Black or African American, 9.7% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 22.6% Asian, 9.7% White, 52.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 6% |