Is Pathology a Good Career in 2026?
Diagnosing disease through laboratory analysis of tissue, blood, and body fluids.
Based on 56 approved physician salary reports + BLS employment projections
SalaryDr Career Intelligence
Based on 56 approved physician salary reports + BLS employment projections
Score Breakdown
Demand score powered by BLS Employment Projections (2024-2034): 4.2% projected growth (as fast as average)
Pathology Compensation & Earnings
Pathology Compensation
$391,000
$330,000 – $450,000(P25–P75)
Pathology Salary Progression
From medical school to senior attending — based on 56 approved salary reports
12 submissions
21 submissions
24 submissions
11 submissions
+25% salary growth from early career ($320,000) to mid-career ($400,000)
Best States for Pathologists (After Tax)
| State | Median Salary | After-Tax Income | Demand Signal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kentucky | $500,000(2) | $480,000 | Limited |
| Texas | $454,000(5) | $454,000 | High(1,100 jobs) |
| Arizona | $420,000(2) | $409,500 | Low(440 jobs) |
| Florida | $395,000(4) | $395,000 | Low(450 jobs) |
| Georgia | $405,000(5) | $382,766 | Very High(11,800 jobs) |
Estimate Your Take-Home
Based on median Pathology salary of $391K/yr
Select a state to see your estimated take-home pay
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 $162,428 more per year in Alaska vs. California — a 41.5% difference on gross income of $391,000.
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.
How does your compensation compare?
Benchmark yourself against 56 approved pathology salary reports — add yours in 2 minutes and see your percentile instantly.
Career Lifestyle
Career Reality: By the Numbers
Real data from 56 Pathology physician reports — not job board estimates.
Job Market & Future Outlook
Job Market Outlook
BLS Employment Projections (2024-2034) for Pathology
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections 2024-2034. Includes wage/salary and self-employed physicians.
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.
How Hard Is It to Match Into Pathology?
Pathology has moderate competitiveness with a 93.5% match rate for U.S. MD seniors. There were 0.44 applicants per position (275 applicants for 628 spots). Matched applicants had significantly higher Step 2 CK scores (247 vs 232).
Match Rate by Step 2 CK Score
What Differentiates Matched Applicants
| Metric | Matched | Unmatched |
|---|---|---|
| Step 2 CK | 247 | 232 |
| Research Experiences | 3.1 | 2.3 |
| Publications | 8 | 4 |
| AOA Members | 9% | 0% |
| Programs Ranked | 12 | 7 |
Data from Charting Outcomes in the Match, National Resident Matching Program (NRMP), 2024. U.S. MD seniors. Used with permission. All rights reserved.
Training & Getting Started
5 years of post-medical-school training, with subspecialty fellowship options
Subspecialty Fellowships
Physicians Also Consider
Explore Pathology
Take the Next Step in Your Pathology Career
Real, physician-reported compensation data. Know your market value before your next contract negotiation.
Powered by SalaryDr Career Intelligence
Career Score methodology: salarydr.com/methodology
According to SalaryDr Career Intelligence data from 56 approved reports by Pathologists (as of November 2026), the Physician Career Score for Pathology is 62/100. Median total compensation is $391,000, career satisfaction is 3.9/5, and 91% would choose the specialty again. The BLS reports 12,600 practicing Pathologists nationally with 4.2% projected growth (2024-2034).