Pathology Assistant Salary in the United States

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

As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Pathology Assistant in the United States is $79,177 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $38.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $115,168
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $66,822 to $98,016
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $55,573

Key Factors That Influence Pathology Assistant Salaries

A Pathology Assistant'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 Pathology Assistant Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Pathology Assistant'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): $76,964
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $79,739
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $87,612
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $88,456
  • Expert (over 8 years): $89,018
Levels Salary
Entry Level Pathology Assistant$76,964
Intermediate Level Pathology Assistant$79,739
Senior Level Pathology Assistant$87,612
Specialist Level Pathology Assistant$88,456
Expert Level Pathology Assistant$89,018

Top Paying Cities for Pathology Assistant

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: $99,866
  • San Francisco: $98,773
  • Oakland: $96,691

What Skills Can Increase a Pathology Assistant'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 a Pathology Assistant'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 $115,598
46%
Home Care $110,848
40%
Pathology $98,971
25%

Pathology Assistant Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Pathology Assistant salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $83,985. While startup companies pay approximate $71,567.

Pathology Assistant Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $71,567
Growth Stage 51~500 $75,549
Established 501~5000 $81,238
Enterprise 5000+ $83,985

Pathology Assistant Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

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

The top paying industry for a Pathology Assistant

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Healthcare$87,095$42.010%

How Education impacts an Pathology Assistant's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Pathology Assistant enter the field with a Bachelor's 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 Pathology Assistant with a Bachelor's Degree is between $82,884 and $98,134.

Pathology Assistant Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Pathology Assistant
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%

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

Understanding how a Pathology Assistant'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, 2026
$66,822
Average $79,177/year
$98,016
$5,569
Average $6,598/month
$8,168
$1,285
Average $1,523/week
$1,885
$32
Average $38/hour
$47
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $98,016 $8,168 $1,885 $47
Average $79,177 $6,598 $1,523 $38
25th Percentile $66,822 $5,569 $1,285 $32

Most common benefits for Pathology Assistant

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

Common company salaries for Pathology Assistant

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

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FAQ about Pathology Assistant

1. Where can a Pathology Assistant earn the most?

A Pathology Assistant's earning potential can vary widely depending on several factors, including location, industry, experience, education, and the specific employer. According to the latest salary data by Salary.com, a Pathology Assistant earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Pathology Assistant is $99,866.

2. What is the highest pay for Pathology Assistant?

The highest pay for Pathology Assistant is $115,168.

3. What is the lowest pay for Pathology Assistant?

The lowest pay for Pathology Assistant is $55,573.

4. What are the responsibilities of Pathology Assistant?

Under the supervision of a pathologist, assists with preparing and dissecting biological specimens. Prepares and selects tissue samples for analysis. Records findings and assists with determining the diagnosis. May assist the pathologist in performing autopsies. Requires a bachelor's degree. Typically requires certification as a pathologist assistant. Typically reports to a pathologist. Occasionally directed in several aspects of the work. Gaining exposure to some of the complex tasks within the job function. Typically requires 2-4 years of related experience.

5. What industry pays the highest salary for Pathology Assistant?

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

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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