Physicians, Pathologists Salary 2025: $312,400 Median, 4.2% Growth
Pathologists earn a median of $312,400 per year, according to the latest BLS data. That works out to roughly $150 an hour. The middle 80% of pathologists make between $92,540 and $449,970. Employment stands at 11,110 jobs across the country, and the field is growing faster than average.
How much Physicians, Pathologists earn
The national median salary for pathologists is $312,400. The mean annual wage is $285,420, or about $150 per hour. The top 10% earn above $449,970, while the bottom 10% make less than $92,540. These figures come from the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey and reflect salaries in 2024.
- Median salary: $312,400
- Mean salary: $285,420 ($150/hr)
- 10th percentile: $92,540
- 90th percentile: $449,970
- Total U.S. employment: 11,110
Pay by state
Where you practice has a big impact on earnings. The highest-paying state for pathologists is Pennsylvania, with an average salary of $413,370. West Virginia follows at $400,070, then Nevada ($384,350), Illinois ($381,770), and Minnesota ($362,270). At the low end, Vermont averages $188,250, California $186,300, and Wisconsin $83,610. Keep in mind that these are state-level averages; individual pay varies by experience, employer, and city.
How to become Physicians, Pathologist
Pathologists are medical doctors who diagnose disease by examining tissues and body fluids. The path to this career is long but straightforward.
- Earn a bachelor's degree with pre-med coursework (biology, chemistry, physics, math).
- Take the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) and apply to medical school (4 years).
- Graduate with an M.D. or D.O. degree and pass the first two steps of the USMLE (or COMLEX for D.O.s).
- Complete a residency in anatomic and clinical pathology (typically 4 years).
- Obtain a state medical license and board certification from the American Board of Pathology.
- Optional: complete a fellowship in a subspecialty (e.g., hematopathology, forensic pathology) for higher pay or specialized roles.
Job outlook
Employment of pathologists is projected to grow 4.2% from 2024 to 2034, which is faster than the average for all occupations. That translates to about 400 new openings each year over the decade, mostly due to retirements and an aging population that requires more diagnostic services. The number of residency positions has been stable, so competition may remain moderate.
Frequently asked questions
What is the average salary of a pathologist?
The national median salary is $312,400. The average (mean) is $285,420, or about $150 per hour.
How long does it take to become a pathologist?
Typically 13–14 years after high school: 4 years of college, 4 years of medical school, and 4–5 years of residency (and possibly a 1–2 year fellowship).
Is pathology a growing field?
Yes, the BLS projects 4.2% growth from 2024 to 2034, faster than the average for all occupations. About 400 job openings are expected each year.
Salary figures are U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates (OEWS / Employment Projections). For informational purposes only; not career or financial advice. See the full Physicians, Pathologists data.