As of August 01, 2026, the average hourly rate for a Pathologist in the United States is $158, which translates to an annual salary of about $327,900.
However, the hourly wage can vary significantly based on several factors. Here’s a detailed look at the typical pay range per hour:
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A 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 a 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 Pathologist | $320,163 |
| Intermediate Level Pathologist | $321,596 |
| Senior Level Pathologist | $323,028 |
| Specialist Level Pathologist | $325,034 |
| Expert Level Pathologist | $330,430 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Pathologists. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Leadership | 4.06% |
| Acute Care | 4.27% |
| Medical Education | 2.97% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Interpersonal Relationships
|
$354,132 |
8%
|
|
Customer Service
|
$350,853 |
7%
|
|
Medical Services
|
$350,853 |
7%
|
|
Commitment
|
$350,853 |
7%
|
|
Communication Skills
|
$347,574 |
6%
|
|
Verbal Communication
|
$344,295 |
5%
|
Pathologist salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $368,964. While startup companies pay approximate $313,385.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $313,385 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $331,086 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $356,621 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $368,964 |
For Pathologist roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 45% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Healthcare and Biotechnology sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 25% above the average. In contrast, Pathologist positions in Pharmaceuticals or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Pathologist as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Healthcare | $409,875 | $197.0 | 25% |
| Biotechnology | $360,690 | $173.0 | 10% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Pathologists enter the field with a JD, MD, PhD or Equivalent degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Pathologist with a JD, MD, PhD or Equivalent is between $299,512 and $329,273).
Pathologist Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 0.7% |
| High School | 0.7% |
| Associates | 3.4% |
| Bachelors | 4.1% |
| Masters | 3.4% |
| Doctorate | 91.9% |
Understanding how a 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 August 01, 2026Salaries for a Pathologist can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $139,340 in 2023 to around $133,332 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Pathologist salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $139,340 |
| 2024 | $137,907 |
| 2025 | $133,332 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Healthcare industry offers the highest average compensation for Pathologist roles, with salaries approximately 25% above the market median.
Pathologists are among the most in-demand physician specialties in the USA. They play a crucial role in diagnosing diseases through laboratory analysis. The salary for pathologists ranges from a minimum of $266,400 to a mid-level of $313,300, with a maximum salary reaching $373,000, reflecting their essential contributions to healthcare.
Yes, pathologists do go to medical school. They are physicians specializing in pathology, focusing on diagnosing and treating disorders of body tissues and fluids. To become a pathologist, one must earn a medical degree (MD or DO) and then complete a residency in pathology. The salary for pathologists ranges from $266,400 to $373,000, with a median salary of $313,300.
As of now, the salary for a Pathology MD in the United States ranges from a minimum of $266,400 to a maximum of $373,000, with a mid-range salary of $313,300. This translates to an hourly rate of approximately $128.85 to $179.57, or about $5,553 to $7,775 per week, and $24,000 to $33,750 per month.
The highest-paid pathologists are typically Neuropathologists, with salaries reaching up to $373,000 annually. Other high-paying roles include Anatomic Pathologists, earning between $266,400 and $373,000, and Physician Chiefs of Pathology, who also command significant salaries. Overall, salaries for pathologists range from a minimum of $266,400 to a maximum of $373,000, with a mid-salary of $313,300.
Pathologists are in high demand in the USA, with an A- employability rating from CareerExplorer. Over the next decade, the country is projected to need 43,400 pathologists. Their salaries range from a minimum of $266,400 to a mid-level of $313,300, reaching up to $373,000, reflecting the critical role they play in healthcare.
To become a pathologist, you need a minimum of 11 years of education, which includes four years of college, four years of medical school, and three to four years of residency. Pathologists earn a salary ranging from $266,400 to $373,000, with a median salary of $313,300, reflecting the extensive training and expertise required in this field.
Salary.com salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons are derived from both employer job postings and third-party data sources. We also provide multiple percentiles of salary information for your reference, click here to know Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial to Getting Pay Equity Right. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.
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