Is Pathology a Good Career in 2026?
Diagnosing disease through laboratory analysis of tissue, blood, and body fluids.
Based on 43 verified physician submissions + BLS employment projections
Pathology Compensation at a Glance
Pathology Compensation
$390,000
$320,000 – $420,000(P25–P75)
Career Score Breakdown
SalaryDr Career Intelligence
Based on 43 verified physician submissions + BLS employment projections
Score Breakdown
Demand score powered by BLS Employment Projections (2024-2034): 4.2% projected growth (as fast as average)
AI & Automation Impact
AI & Automation Impact
Computational pathology is advancing rapidly. Pathologists who pivot to molecular and precision medicine are well-positioned; those focused on routine screening face the most change.
Best States for Pathologists (After Tax)
| State | Median Salary | After-Tax Income | Demand Signal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Texas | $450,000(3) | $450,000 | High(1,100 jobs) |
| Arizona | $420,000(2) | $409,500 | Low(440 jobs) |
| Florida | $395,000(2) | $395,000 | Low(450 jobs) |
| Georgia | $405,000(5) | $382,766 | Very High(11,800 jobs) |
| Pennsylvania | $390,000(2) | $378,027 | Low(300 jobs) |
Take-Home Pay by State
How much a Pathology physician actually keeps after federal, state, and FICA taxes
Highest Take-Home States
Lowest Take-Home States
Tax impact: A Pathology physician keeps $161,802 more per year in Alaska vs. California — a 41.5% difference on gross income of $390,000.
Assumes single filer, standard deduction, W-2 employment. State rates from Tax Foundation 2025. Gross salaries from BLS OEWS May 2024. FICA includes Social Security (6.2% up to $168,600) and Medicare (1.45% + 0.9% above $200K). Actual take-home varies with deductions, filing status, and local taxes.
Career Reality: By the Numbers
Real data from 43 verified Pathology physicians — not job board estimates.
Employment Growth Trajectory
BLS projects 4.2% growth for Pathology (2024-2034), as fast as average. Approximately 500 new positions expected.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections 2024-2034. Employment includes both wage/salary and self-employed physicians.
What Physicians Actually Say
Thematic analysis of career insights from Pathology physicians. Based on 3 anonymized responses.
About the Lifestyle (2 responses)
Call Impact
50%1 physician mentioned this
“On call once a week. One day off a week.”— Private Practice, 30 yrs
Take the Next Step in Your Pathology Career
Real compensation data from verified physicians. Know your market value before your next contract negotiation.
Powered by SalaryDr Career Intelligence
Training Path
4 years of post-medical-school training, with subspecialty fellowship options
Subspecialty Fellowships
Explore Pathology
Career Score methodology: salarydr.com/methodology