As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for an Assistant Pathologist in the United States is $79,200 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $38.
However, an Assistant Pathologist's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
Assistant Pathologist Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $98,100 | $8,175 | $1,887 | $47 |
| Average | $79,200 | $6,600 | $1,523 | $38 |
| 25th Percentile | $66,900 | $5,575 | $1,287 | $32 |
An Assistant Pathologist's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of an Assistant Pathologist's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Assistant Pathologist | $76,997 |
| Intermediate Level Assistant Pathologist | $79,764 |
| Senior Level Assistant Pathologist | $87,663 |
| Specialist Level Assistant Pathologist | $88,509 |
| Expert Level Assistant Pathologist | $89,073 |
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Teamwork | 4.25% |
| Audiology | 2.12% |
| Diversity and Inclusion | 0.97% |
Mastering certain specialized skills can lead to a significant increase in pay. Here are examples of skills and the potential impact they can have on an Assistant Pathologist's salary.
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
| Instructing | $115,632 | |
| Home Care | $110,880 | |
| Pathology | $99,000 |
Assistant Pathologist salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $84,062. While startup companies pay approximate $71,586.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $71,586 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $75,586 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $81,295 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $84,062 |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Assistant Pathologists enter the field with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for an Assistant Pathologist with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate is between $79,828 and $96,333).
| Typical Education for Assistant Pathologist | |
|---|---|
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
| No Diploma | 5.1% |
| High School | 5.1% |
| Associates | 6.3% |
| Bachelors | 41.8% |
| Masters | 40.5% |
| Doctorate | 6.3% |
Understanding how an Assistant Pathologist's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $98,100 | $8,175 | $1,887 | $47 |
| Average | $79,200 | $6,600 | $1,523 | $38 |
| 25th Percentile | $66,900 | $5,575 | $1,287 | $32 |
Salaries for an Assistant Pathologist can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $76,278 in 2023 to around $73,842 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Assistant Pathologist salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 | View More |
| 2023 | $76,278 |
| 2024 | $74,865 |
| 2025 | $73,842 |
| 2026 |
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|
| 2027 |
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The Healthcare industry offers the highest average compensation for Assistant Pathologist roles, with salaries approximately 10% above the market median.
To become a pathologist assistant, you typically need to complete a master's degree program, which takes about 22-24 months. After finishing your clinical training, you must pass the national certification exam to become licensed. The salary for an Assistant Pathologist ranges from $83,100 to $122,200, with a median salary of $106,900.
Pathologists' assistants do not attend medical school. Instead, they typically hold a bachelor's degree in a life science, such as biology or chemistry, followed by a two-year master's program in a pathologists' assistant program. The salary for this role ranges from $83,100 to $122,200, with a median salary of $106,900.
The salary for an Assistant Pathologist ranges from $83,100 to $122,200, with a median salary of $106,900. Tuition for Pathology Assistant programs averages $9,360 for in-state public colleges and $56,595 for out-of-state private colleges. Most programs are offered by public institutions with a 4-year or above degree.
To become a pathologist, you need a minimum of 11 years of education: four years of undergraduate studies, four years of medical school, and three to four years of residency. As an Assistant Pathologist, you can expect a salary ranging from $83,100 to $122,200, with a median salary of $106,900.
Becoming a pathologist assistant involves rigorous training and specialized skills, which can be challenging. However, the effort can lead to a rewarding career with a competitive salary range from $83,100 to $122,200. This profession offers numerous opportunities for growth and advancement, making it a worthwhile pursuit for those dedicated to the field.
Yes, pathologist assistants are in demand. The AAPA highlights a growing need for qualified professionals, driven by the need to reduce healthcare costs and improve budget efficiency in healthcare organizations. With salaries ranging from $83,100 to $122,200, hiring a pathologist assistant can significantly enhance a lab's effectiveness and cost efficiency.
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