Physicians, Pathologists

SOC code 29-1222 · O*NET-SOC 29-1222.00 · Extensive preparation needed · Healthcare

Physicians, Pathologists pay

U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number

Median pay

$312,400

a year

Hourly

$150.19

per hour

10th$92,540Median$312,40090th$449,970

The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.

Average pay

$285,420

$137.22 per hour

Middle 50%

$186,300 – $372,780

25th to 75th percentile

Full spread

$92,540 – $449,970

10th to 90th percentile

People employed

11,110

nationwide

National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.

10th percentile: $92,540; $44.49/hr
25th percentile: $186,300; $89.57/hr
Median percentile: $312,400; $150.19/hr
75th percentile: $372,780; $179.22/hr
90th percentile: $449,970; $216.33/hr

What do physicians, pathologists do?

Diagnose diseases and conduct lab tests using organs, body tissues, and fluids. Includes medical examiners.

The tasks that matter most day to day

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).

How to qualify for this work

Most people in this role hold post-doctoral training — 62% of workers surveyed reported it as their level of education.

Preparation level: zone 5 — Extensive preparation needed

Education: Most of these occupations require graduate school. For example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a Ph.D., M.D., or J.D. (law degree).
Experience: Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience are needed for these occupations. Many require more than five years of experience. For example, surgeons must complete four years of college and an additional five to seven years of specialized medical training to be able to do their job.
Training: Employees may need some on-the-job training, but most of these occupations assume that the person will already have the required skills, knowledge, work-related experience, and/or training.

See all zone 5 occupations →

Education reported by people doing this job

Post-Doctoral Training62%
Doctoral Degree29%
Master's Degree6%
First Professional Degree - awarded for completion of a program that: requires at least 2 years of college work before entrance into the program, includes a total of at least 6 academic years of work to complete, and provides all remaining academic requirements to begin practice in a profession.3%

Common questions

How much does a physicians, pathologists earn?

The national median is $312,400 a year. The full range runs from $92,540 at the 10th percentile to $449,970 at the 90th — entry pay sits closer to the lower figure, and experience, licensing and specialisation move you up the range.

Can you become a physicians, pathologists without a degree?

Not usually — this occupation sits in preparation zone 5, where the typical entry route is most of these occupations require graduate school. For example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a Ph.D., M.D., or J.D. (law degree). The education breakdown above shows what people in the role actually reported.

Skills and knowledge you need

Core skills

Reading Comprehension4.3/5
Writing4.1/5
Critical Thinking4.1/5
Active Listening4.0/5
Science4.0/5
Active Learning4.0/5
Speaking3.9/5
Monitoring3.5/5

Knowledge areas

Medicine and Dentistry4.8/5
Biology4.5/5
English Language4.3/5
Education and Training3.4/5
Customer and Personal Service3.4/5
Chemistry3.2/5
Administration and Management3.1/5
Computers and Electronics3.1/5

Transferable strengths: Complex Problem Solving, Judgment and Decision Making.