Overview of Pathology Careers and Salaries
Pathology is a broad field of medicine that encompasses the diagnosis and treatment of diseases. Pathologists often work closely with other doctors, such as oncologists, to identify and treat diseases. As a subspecialty of medicine, pathology has a wide range of job opportunities and salaries. Let’s take a closer look at the field of pathology, the types of jobs available and the average salary of a pathologist.
Definition of Pathology
Pathology is the study of disease processes, including the identification of diseases and their causes, treatments and cures. It also involves the classification of diseases and their effects on the body. Pathologists are medical professionals who specialize in the diagnosis of diseases through laboratory tests, such as biopsies and tissue samples. They interpret these results to determine the cause and nature of a patient’s illness.
Types of Pathology Jobs
Pathologists may specialize in one particular area of pathology or cover multiple areas. Common specialties include anatomic pathology, clinical pathology, hematopathology, forensic pathology and molecular pathology. Anatomic pathologists diagnose diseases using microscopic slides of tissue samples. Clinical pathologists diagnose diseases using laboratory tests. Hematopathologists diagnose blood disorders. Forensic pathologists investigate unexplained deaths. Molecular pathologists identify genetic diseases.
Average Salary of a Pathologist
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for all medical and clinical laboratory technologists and technicians was $51,770 in May 2019. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less.
Examining the Average Salary of a Pathologist
The BLS does not have an exact figure for the average salary of a pathologist, but estimates place the average salary between $90,000 and $200,000 per year. This range reflects the different types of jobs and specializations within the field of pathology. For example, a pathologist specializing in hematopathology may make more than a general pathologist.
National Average Salary
The national average salary for a pathologist is estimated to be around $131,000 per year. This figure is based on the median salaries of various pathology specialties, including anatomic pathology ($148,000), clinical pathology ($134,000) and hematopathology ($150,000).
Regional Variations in Salaries
Salaries for pathologists vary by region. According to PayScale, a website that tracks salaries across the U.S., the highest average salaries for pathologists are found in California ($166,000), New York ($164,000) and Massachusetts ($160,000). The lowest average salaries are in South Carolina ($79,000), Arkansas ($81,000) and New Mexico ($82,000).
Investigating the Range of Salaries for Pathologists
The range of salaries for pathologists can be quite large. According to PayScale, the highest-paid 10 percent of pathologists earn more than $260,000 per year, while the lowest-paid 10 percent earn less than $66,000 per year. The highest-paying jobs tend to be in academic and research settings, while the lower-paying jobs are typically in private practice.
Highest Paying Pathology Jobs
The highest-paying pathology jobs are typically found in academic and research settings, such as universities and hospitals. These jobs usually involve teaching and conducting research in addition to diagnosing diseases. According to a 2017 survey of pathology faculty, the average salary for a professor of pathology was $235,000, while the average salary for an assistant professor was $202,000.
Lowest Paying Pathology Jobs
The lowest-paying pathology jobs are typically in private practice or in smaller hospital settings. According to a 2017 survey, the average salary for a pathologist in private practice was $200,000, while the average salary for a pathologist in a community hospital was $177,000. These salaries are still quite high compared to other professions, but they are significantly lower than those of pathologists in academic and research settings.
Factors That Influence Pathologist Pay
When considering a career in pathology, it is important to understand the factors that influence pathologist pay. These factors include education level, experience and location.
Education Level
Pathology is an advanced specialty that requires a significant amount of education and training. Most pathologists complete four years of college, four years of medical school and three to four years of residency before becoming certified. Those who pursue additional subspecialties, such as hematopathology, may require additional training. As a result, pathologists with more education and experience tend to earn higher salaries.
Experience
Experience is another factor that influences pathologist pay. Pathologists who have been practicing for many years tend to earn higher salaries than those who are just starting out. Experience also plays a role in the type of job a pathologist is able to get. For example, a pathologist with five years of experience may be more likely to get a job in an academic setting than a pathologist with only one year of experience.
Location
Location is also a key factor in determining pathologist pay. Pathologists in certain regions may earn more than those in other regions due to the cost of living and the demand for pathology services. For example, pathologists in California may earn more than those in South Carolina because the cost of living is higher in California.
How Education, Experience and Location Impact Pathologist Salaries
Education, experience and location all play a role in determining pathologist salaries. Pathologists with more education and experience tend to earn higher salaries, as do those who practice in certain regions. Additionally, those who specialize in certain areas, such as hematopathology, may earn higher salaries.
What Benefits Do Pathologists Receive?
In addition to their salaries, pathologists may receive a variety of benefits, depending on where they work. These benefits may include health insurance, retirement plans and paid time off. Many employers also offer tuition reimbursement for continuing education, which can be beneficial for pathologists who want to pursue additional specialties or certifications.
A Look at the Future of Pathology Salaries
The demand for pathologists is expected to increase in the coming years. According to the BLS, employment of medical and clinical laboratory technologists and technicians is projected to grow 11 percent from 2018 to 2028, faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is due in part to an aging population and advances in medical technology.
As the demand for pathology services increases, salaries for pathologists are also expected to rise. However, salaries may vary by region and specialty. Those who specialize in certain areas, such as hematopathology, may be better positioned to take advantage of the increased demand for pathology services.
In addition to higher salaries, pathologists may also have more opportunities for advancement. With an aging population, there will be an increased need for pathology services, which could lead to more job openings and promotions. For those looking to advance their careers, this could be a great opportunity.
Conclusion
Pathologists are highly skilled medical professionals who specialize in diagnosing diseases. Their average salary is estimated to be around $131,000 per year, though it can vary by region and specialty. Factors such as education level, experience and location can also influence pathologist pay. In addition to their salaries, pathologists may receive a variety of benefits, including health insurance, retirement plans and paid time off. As the demand for pathology services increases, so too is the potential for higher salaries and more opportunities for advancement.
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