Pathology Laboratory Assistant Salary in the United States

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

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Pathology Laboratory Assistant in the United States is $75,610 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $36.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $106,907
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $62,486 to $91,992
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $50,537

Key Factors That Influence Pathology Laboratory Assistant Salaries

A Pathology Laboratory 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 Laboratory Assistant Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Pathology Laboratory 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): $76,157
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $78,902
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $86,700
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $87,536
  • Expert (over 8 years): $88,093
Levels Salary
Entry Level Pathology Laboratory Assistant$76,157
Intermediate Level Pathology Laboratory Assistant$78,902
Senior Level Pathology Laboratory Assistant$86,700
Specialist Level Pathology Laboratory Assistant$87,536
Expert Level Pathology Laboratory Assistant$88,093

How Do Pathology Laboratory Assistant 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 Laboratory Assistants. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $83,716.
  • California: $83,398.
  • Massachusetts: $82,287.

Top Paying Cities for Pathology Laboratory Assistants

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: $95,367
  • San Francisco: $94,323
  • Oakland: $92,335

What Skills Can Increase a Pathology Laboratory 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 Laboratory 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 $110,391
46%
Home Care $105,855
40%
Pathology $94,513
25%

Pathology Laboratory Assistant Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

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

The top paying industry for a Pathology Laboratory Assistant

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Healthcare$83,171$40.010%

How Education impacts a Pathology Laboratory Assistant's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Pathology Laboratory Assistants 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 a Pathology Laboratory Assistant with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate is between $80,136 and $96,693).

Pathology Laboratory Assistant Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Pathology Laboratory 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 Laboratory Assistant Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Pathology Laboratory 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 September 01, 2026
$62,486
Average $75,610/year
$91,992
$5,207
Average $6,301/month
$7,666
$1,202
Average $1,454/week
$1,769
$30
Average $36/hour
$44
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $91,992 $7,666 $1,769 $44
Average $75,610 $6,301 $1,454 $36
25th Percentile $62,486 $5,207 $1,202 $30

Most common benefits for Pathology Laboratory Assistant

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

Common company salaries for Pathology Laboratory Assistant

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

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FAQ about Pathology Laboratory Assistant

1. What industry pays the highest salary for Pathology Laboratory Assistant?

The Healthcare industry offers the highest average compensation for Pathology Laboratory 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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