Pathologists
Overview
Introduction
Pathologists are physicians who analyze tissue specimens to identify abnormalities and diagnose diseases. Pathology is the study and diagnosis of disease and there are many specialties that an aspiring pathologist can choose from, such as forensic pathology. Pathologists have minimal patient contact, and instead, they work with other physicians.
Quick Facts
Median Salary
Employment Prospects
Minimum Education Level
Experience
Skills
Personality Traits
Earnings
Physicians who were still in their residencies earned an average of between $57,191 to $76,222 in the 2019–2020 academic year, according to a survey by the Association of American Medical Colleges.
Pathologists earned a median annual salary of $275,933 in February 2020, according to Salary.com. The lowest 10 percent earned $197,065 and the top 10 percent earned $376,308 or more. Several ...
Work Environment
The offices, hospitals, morgues, and laboratories of most pathologists are well equipped, attractive, well lighted, and well ventilated. Although pathologists do not have much direct patient contact, they do interact with physicians and clinical staff. In addition to their medical duties, pathologists who are self-employed or who are in a small group practice must focus on business aspects such...
Outlook
According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook, employment for physicians is expected to grow faster than the average for all careers through 2028. The outlook for careers in pathology is particularly good. New medical tests are constantly being developed and refined, making it possible to detect an increasing number of diseases in their early stages. The medical community depends on p...