As of May 01, 2026, the average salary for a Pathologist in the United States is $327,600 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $158.
However, a Pathologist's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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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 | $319,742 |
| Intermediate Level Pathologist | $321,197 |
| Senior Level Pathologist | $322,652 |
| Specialist Level Pathologist | $324,690 |
| Expert Level Pathologist | $330,152 |
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
|
$353,808 |
8%
|
|
Customer Service
|
$350,532 |
7%
|
|
Medical Services
|
$350,532 |
7%
|
|
Commitment
|
$350,532 |
7%
|
|
Communication Skills
|
$347,256 |
6%
|
|
Verbal Communication
|
$343,980 |
5%
|
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 May 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 |
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|
| 2023 | $139,340 |
| 2024 | $137,907 |
| 2025 | $133,332 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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Compensation PlanningHere are companies hiring for Pathologist and their salaries, click below for more details.
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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.
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