Pathologist Salary

According to a survey conducted by the College of American Pathologists, the median income of pathologists of all age groups is about USD 220,000.

According to the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC), the salary range of medical pathologists with a Doctor of Medicine degree was between USD 239,000 and USD 331,842 in 2011. At present, the salary of a medical pathologist in the United States falls between USD 239,000 and USD 330,000. Coming to forensic pathologist salary, those who have an experience of 10 years or more are likely to earn USD 200,000 or more annually. Other benefits provided to pathologists are paid holidays (for a certain number of days), retirement plans, and health insurance. The median salary in most states is above USD 200,000.

Pathologists who work for office-based, single-specialty groups draw a larger salary than office-based solo practitioners, as well as those who work in outpatient clinics. Those who work in government positions are likely to earn less. Although the job profile is highly respectable, lecturers and professors who are engaged in academia are paid a slightly lower income. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, those who taught health specialties in the universities earned a median (annual) salary of USD 85,030 in 2013. However, the salary range can vary considerably, depending on certain factors. It must be noted that self-employed physicians earn more than those who are employed.

Similar to other medical jobs, the job outlook for pathologists is quite good. With the expansion of healthcare industry, the demand for expert pathologists will be higher. Besides working in hospitals and public sectors, they are employed in private companies that deal with the production of therapeutic drugs and plant insecticides. Those employed in private clinics and diagnostic laboratories with sophisticated equipment are paid a higher income. Last but not the least, one can open his/her own clinic after gaining experience in the relative field. In such cases, the earning potential depends on the number of hours invested on a daily basis.

The following table provides the median salary of pathologists in different states:

On a concluding note, the job of a medical pathologist is satisfying, as well as financially rewarding. However, opt for this profession, only if you can see yourself spending hours examining microscopic samples of tissue, cells, or fluids.