What Do Pathologist Do?
Example of Pathologist Job Diagnose presence and stage of diseases using laboratory techniques and patient specimens. Study the nature, cause, and development of diseases. May perform autopsies.
What Do Pathologists Do On a Daily Basis?
- Examine microscopic samples to identify diseases or other abnormalities.
- Write pathology reports summarizing analyses, results, and conclusions.
- Conduct genetic analyses of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) or chromosomes to diagnose small biopsies and cell samples.
- 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).
- Communicate pathologic findings to surgeons or other physicians.
- Read current literature, talk with colleagues, or participate in professional organizations or conferences to keep abreast of developments in pathology.
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Pathologist Needed Skills
When polled, Pathologists say the following skills are most frequently used in their jobs:
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Writing: Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Science: Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
Types of Pathologist
- Histopathologist
- Associate Pathologist
- Neuropathologist
- Molecular Genetic Pathologist
- Veterinary Pathologist
Are There Job Opportunities for Pathologists?
There were about 372,400 jobs for Pathologist in 2016 (in the United States). New jobs are being produced at a rate of 11.4% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 42,300 new jobs for Pathologist by 2026. The BLS estimates 14,300 yearly job openings in this field.

The states with the most job growth for Pathologist are Arizona, Alaska, and Utah. Watch out if you plan on working in Connecticut, Rhode Island, or Illinois. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
Pathologist Salary
The typical yearly salary for Pathologists is somewhere between $60,280 and $208,000.

Pathologists who work in Alaska, Arizona, or Colorado, make the highest salaries.
How much do Pathologists make in different U.S. states?
State | Annual Mean Salary |
---|---|
Alabama | $183,510 |
Alaska | $244,220 |
Arizona | $229,090 |
Arkansas | $165,290 |
California | $208,740 |
Colorado | $219,310 |
Connecticut | $221,870 |
Delaware | $216,600 |
District of Columbia | $182,910 |
Florida | $205,020 |
Georgia | $235,060 |
Hawaii | $228,470 |
Idaho | $241,670 |
Illinois | $183,780 |
Indiana | $237,470 |
Iowa | $219,300 |
Kansas | $191,430 |
Kentucky | $223,770 |
Louisiana | $183,920 |
Maine | $257,550 |
Maryland | $196,210 |
Massachusetts | $207,990 |
Michigan | $181,760 |
Minnesota | $245,040 |
Mississippi | $174,340 |
Missouri | $203,440 |
Montana | $247,260 |
Nebraska | $161,880 |
Nevada | $227,500 |
New Hampshire | $275,840 |
New Jersey | $208,820 |
New Mexico | $229,100 |
New York | $171,060 |
North Carolina | $198,040 |
North Dakota | $266,510 |
Ohio | $212,160 |
Oklahoma | $155,130 |
Oregon | $202,750 |
Pennsylvania | $195,810 |
Rhode Island | $209,580 |
South Carolina | $185,210 |
South Dakota | $227,710 |
Tennessee | $231,960 |
Texas | $199,370 |
Utah | $218,210 |
Vermont | $176,520 |
Virginia | $199,080 |
Washington | $239,080 |
West Virginia | $222,270 |
Wisconsin | $239,610 |
Wyoming | $234,610 |
Tools & Technologies Used by Pathologists
Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Pathologists may use on a daily basis:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office
- Laboratory information system LIS
- Sunquest Information Systems Sunquest Laboratory
- STARLIMS
- CPSI CPSI System
- Orchard Software Orchard Harvest LIS
- Healthvision TDSynergy LIS
- Clinical Software Solutions CLIN1 Suite
- Comp Pro Med Polytech
- Custom Software Systems StarLab
- Elekta Impac Software IntelliLab
- EpicLab Laboratory Information System
- Fletcher-Flora Health Care Systems FFlex eSuite LIS
- Fletcher-Flora Health Care Systems LabPak LIS
- GE Healthcare Centricity Laboratory
- HEX Laboratory Systems LAB/HEX
- ClinLab LIS
- Iatric Systems MobiLab
- LabSoft LabNet
How to Become a Pathologist
Learn what Pathologist education requirements there are.

How Long Does it Take to Become a Pathologist?

Where Pathologists Work

The table below shows some of the most common industries where those employed in this career field work.

Similar Careers
Those thinking about becoming a Pathologist might also be interested in the following careers:
Those who work as a Pathologist sometimes switch careers to one of these choices:
References:
More about our data sources and methodologies.
Featured Schools
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