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Pathology Technician Salary in the United States

How much does a Pathology Technician make in the United States?

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Pathology Technician in the United States is $79,200 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $38.

However, a Pathology Technician's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $115,231
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $66,850 to $98,060
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $55,606
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Pathology Technician Salaries

A Pathology Technician'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 and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects Pathology Technician Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Pathology Technician'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): $76,988
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $79,763
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $87,645
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $88,489
  • Expert (over 8 years): $89,052
Levels Salary
Entry Level Pathology Technician$76,988
Intermediate Level Pathology Technician$79,763
Senior Level Pathology Technician$87,645
Specialist Level Pathology Technician$88,489
Expert Level Pathology Technician$89,052
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How Do Pathology Technician Salaries Vary from State to State?

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 Pathology Technicians. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $87,690.
  • California: $87,350.
  • Massachusetts: $86,190.

Top Paying Cities for Pathology Technicians

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: $99,890
  • San Francisco: $98,800
  • Oakland: $96,710

What Skills Can Increase a Pathology Technician'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%
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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 a Pathology Technician'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%
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Pathology Technician Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Pathology Technician 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.

Pathology Technician 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

Pathology Technician Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Pathology Technician 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, Pathology Technician positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Pathology Technician as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industry for a Pathology Technician

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

Pathology Technician Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Pathology Technician'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
$66,850
Average $79,200/year
$98,060
$5,571
Average $6,600/month
$8,172
$1,286
Average $1,523/week
$1,886
$32
Average $38/hour
$47
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $98,060 $8,172 $1,886 $47
Average $79,200 $6,600 $1,523 $38
25th Percentile $66,850 $5,571 $1,286 $32

Most common benefits for Pathology Technician

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

Common company salaries for Pathology Technician

Here are companies hiring for Pathology Technician and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Pathology Technician

1. What industry pays the highest salary for Pathology Technician?

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

2. How much do pathology lab technicians make in the US?

Pathology Lab Technicians in the US earn between $83,080 and $122,110 annually, with a median salary of $106,890. This translates to an hourly wage ranging from approximately $39.94 to $58.73, depending on experience and location.

3. What is the lowest paid pathologist?

The lowest paid Pathology Technician earns an annual salary of $83,080. The median salary is $106,890, while the highest salary can reach up to $122,110. This data reflects the salary range for Pathology Technicians, highlighting the potential earnings in this field.

4. Can you do pathology without med school?

Pathologists are required to have a medical degree, such as a Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO), followed by a residency in pathology. While a pathology technician can work without a medical degree, they typically earn between $83,080 and $122,110, with a median salary of $106,890.

5. What is the difference between a medical lab technician and a pathologist?

A medical lab technician (MLT) collects samples and performs tests, while a pathologist analyzes the results to diagnose diseases. MLTs play a crucial role in providing accurate data that aids doctors in understanding disorders. In terms of salary, pathology technicians earn between $83,080 and $122,110, with a median salary of $106,890.

6. What is the highest paid lab technician?

The highest paid lab technician role is the Pathology Technician, with a salary range of $83,080 to $122,110 per year. The median salary for this position is $106,890. Other high-paying roles in the field include Clinical Scientist and Clinical Laboratory Technologist, but Pathology Technicians typically earn the most within the lab technician category.

7. Can you make 300k a year in tech?

While top tech roles can exceed $300k annually, positions like Pathology Technician typically offer salaries ranging from $83,080 to $122,110. For higher earnings, consider advanced roles in tech or specialized fields. Major cities often provide better compensation, but remote opportunities are also increasing.

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.)

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