Physicians, Pathologists
Job Zone 5 - Extensive preparation needed
Diagnose diseases and conduct lab tests using organs, body tissues, and fluids. Includes medical examiners.
Median pay: $312,400/yr (U.S. national, May 2025)
Typical range nationwide (10th–90th percentile). This is a population snapshot, not a personal prediction - actual pay varies by location, employer, and experience.
Job outlook: +4.2% projected growth, 2024–2034 — about as fast as average.
About 400 openings per year, on average, over the decade.
Typical entry-level education: Doctoral or professional degree.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS and Employment Projections.
• Examine microscopic samples to identify diseases or other abnormalities.
• Diagnose diseases or study medical conditions, using techniques such as gross pathology, histology, cytology, cytopathology, clinical chemistry, immunology, flow cytometry, or molecular biology.
• Write pathology reports summarizing analyses, results, and conclusions.
• Communicate pathologic findings to surgeons or other physicians.
• Identify the etiology, pathogenesis, morphological change, and clinical significance of diseases.
• Read current literature, talk with colleagues, or participate in professional organizations or conferences to keep abreast of developments in pathology.
• Consult with physicians about ordering and interpreting tests or providing treatments.
• Analyze and interpret results from tests, such as microbial or parasite tests, urine analyses, hormonal assays, fine needle aspirations (FNAs), and polymerase chain reactions (PCRs).
What's the median pay for Physicians, Pathologists?
The median pay for Physicians, Pathologists is $312,400 per year, per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
What's the job outlook for Physicians, Pathologists?
Employment for Physicians, Pathologists is projected to change +4.2% from 2024 to 2034 - about as fast as average.
What education is typically required for Physicians, Pathologists?
Typical entry-level education: Doctoral or professional degree.
How many job openings are there each year for Physicians, Pathologists?
About 400 openings per year, on average, over the decade.