Assistant Pathologist Salary in the United States

How much does an Assistant Pathologist make in the United States?

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:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $115,307
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $66,900 to $98,100
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $55,701

Key Factors That Influence Assistant Pathologist Salaries

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.

How Experience Level Affects Assistant Pathologist Salaries?

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:

  • Entry-Level (less than 1 year): $76,997
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $79,764
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $87,663
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $88,509
  • Expert (over 8 years): $89,073
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

Top Paying Cities for Assistant Pathologists

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • San Jose: $99,900
  • San Francisco: $98,800
  • Oakland: $96,800

What Skills Can Increase an Assistant Pathologist's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Teamwork (Mentioned in 4.25% Job Postings): Teamwork is a skill consist of interrelated abilities that let you work effectively in an organized group. Teamwork skills are vital to employers, as teams are a basic organizational unit within many companies.
  • Audiology (Mentioned in 2.12% Job Postings): Audiology is the study of hearing - as the inner ear is also required for balance, this is also included in the study. In medical terms it is the branch of science dedicated to the study of hearing, balance and their associated disorders.
  • Diversity and Inclusion (Mentioned in 0.97% Job Postings): Developing and promoting acquaintance, empowerment, and integration of each unique individual to create a productive and safe working environment.
Skills Demand Percentage
Teamwork 4.25%
Audiology 2.12%
Diversity and Inclusion 0.97%

What skills can make your compensation higher?

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.

  • Instructing: Can increase your salary by up to 46%.
  • Home Care: Can increase your salary by up to 40%.
  • Pathology: Can increase your salary by up to 25%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Instructing $115,632
46%
Home Care $110,880
40%
Pathology $99,000
25%

Assistant Pathologist Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

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.

Assistant Pathologist Salary by Company Size

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

Assistant Pathologist Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Assistant Pathologist roles, the industry you choose can impact your earning potential by as much as 20% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the highest-paying industry, Healthcare, offers compensation 10% above the average. Conversely, Assistant Pathologist positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Assistant Pathologist as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industry for an Assistant Pathologist

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Healthcare$87,120$42.010%

How Education impacts an Assistant Pathologist's Salary?

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).

Assistant Pathologist Salaries by Degree Level

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%

Assistant Pathologist Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

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.

Last Updated on September 01, 2026
$66,900
Average $79,200/year
$98,100
$5,575
Average $6,600/month
$8,175
$1,287
Average $1,523/week
$1,887
$32
Average $38/hour
$47
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

Most common benefits for Assistant Pathologist

  • Social Security
  • 401 (k)
  • Disability
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Time Off (days)

Common company salaries for Assistant Pathologist

Here are companies hiring for Assistant Pathologist and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Assistant Pathologist

1. What industry pays the highest salary for Assistant Pathologist?

The Healthcare industry offers the highest average compensation for Assistant Pathologist roles, with salaries approximately 10% above the market median.

2. How long do you have to go to school to be a pathologist assistant?

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.

3. Do pathologist assistants go to med school?

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.

4. How much does it cost to be a pathologist assistant?

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.

5. How long is medical school for pathology?

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.

6. Is becoming a pathologist assistant hard?

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.

7. Are pathologist assistants in demand?

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.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.

We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)

With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.

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