Average Pathologist Salary in California
As of August 29, 2025, a Pathologist in California earns approximately $405,000 per year ($33,750 monthly). Based on an average 44-hour work week, this translates to about $212 per hour. Looking for a broader view? See the Pathologist salary overview or compare nearby states like Arizona, Nevada, and Oregon.
How Much Do Pathologists Make in California?
From 4 verified physician salary submissions in California, SalaryDr is seeing total compensation ranging from $391,000 to $750,000, with top performers (90th percentile) earning up to $750,000 annually. Compared to the national median of $405,000, Pathologist salaries in California are in line with the national median.
Bonuses, Hours Worked, and Job Satisfaction
In California, the salary progression for pathologist physicians shows significant growth potential. Entry-level positions start at $385,000, while those with more than 10 years of experience earn a typical salary of $515,333 - a 34% increase.
Local Practice Settings and Employers
On average, base salary accounts for 90% of total compensation—about $436,250—with the remaining amount coming from bonuses, profit sharing, and incentives.
Work-Life Balance in California
Local pathologist physicians report 4.5/5 career satisfaction, with 100% of those surveyed saying they would choose this specialty again.
Salary Distribution
Distribution based on 4 verified physician salary submissions.
Median Salary: $405,000
Physician Satisfaction in Pathology
Satisfaction Rating
Average satisfaction rating reported by Pathology physicians (1-5 scale).
Would Choose Again
Percentage of Pathology physicians who would choose this specialty again.
Career Satisfaction
Physicians cite the variety of cases and patient relationships as most rewarding aspects of this specialty.
Primary Challenges
On-call demands, administrative burden, and work-life balance are cited as the top challenges.
Salary Comparison
Location Statistics
Average Salary
$482,750
Median Salary
$405,000
Salary Range
$391,000 - $750,000
National Comparison
National Average
$482,750
Difference
+0% vs National Average
Sample Size
4 local / 4 national reports
Salary by Practice Type
| Practice Type | Average Salary | Sample Size |
|---|---|---|
| Hospital-employed | $577,500 | 2 submissions |
| Academic | $391,000 | 1 submissions |
| Private Practice | $385,000 | 1 submissions |
* Practice types with fewer than 3 submissions may be omitted for privacy.
Salary by Experience Level
| Years of Experience | Average Salary | Sample Size |
|---|---|---|
| 6-10 years | $508,667 | 3 submissions |
| 11-15 years | $405,000 | 1 submissions |
* Experience levels with fewer than 3 submissions may be omitted for privacy.
Take-Home Pay Calculator
Subspecialty Comparison
Dermatopathology
Hematopathology
Surgical
Molecular
| Subspecialty | Average Salary | Sample Size | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dermatopathology | $541,333 | 3 submissions | Focuses on specialized dermatopathology procedures and treatments within pathology, providing expert care in this specific area. |
| Hematopathology | $394,917 | 6 submissions | Focuses on specialized hematopathology procedures and treatments within pathology, providing expert care in this specific area. |
| Surgical | $368,750 | 8 submissions | Focuses on specialized surgical procedures and treatments within pathology, providing expert care in this specific area. |
| Molecular | $359,500 | 4 submissions | Focuses on specialized molecular procedures and treatments within pathology, providing expert care in this specific area. |
* Subspecialties with fewer than 3 submissions may be omitted for privacy.
* Data is aggregated from verified physician submissions.
Popular Locations
New York City, NY
Average Salary: $400,000
Based on 150 reports
Los Angeles, CA
Average Salary: $380,000
Based on 120 reports
Chicago, IL
Average Salary: $350,000
Based on 100 reports
Houston, TX
Average Salary: $340,000
Based on 90 reports
Miami, FL
Average Salary: $360,000
Based on 80 reports
Boston, MA
Average Salary: $370,000
Based on 70 reports
* Showing locations with the most reported salaries.
* Some locations may be omitted if they have fewer than 3 reports.
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About Our Data
Our salary data is based on anonymous submissions from practicing physicians across the United States. We verify and clean the data to ensure accuracy and remove outliers.
Last updated: August 29, 2025