A pathologist diagnoses disease by examining tissue samples, body fluids, and blood under a microscope. It requires a doctoral degree and extensive training. Here is what the work involves, what it takes, and how to get in.
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Pathologists examine specimens and analyze findings to diagnose disease and guide treatment decisions. You spend time processing information from lab work, documenting results, and making critical decisions based on what you observe. You stay current with medical knowledge and communicate findings to other physicians. The work demands strong reading comprehension, writing skills, and the ability to think critically about complex cases. You monitor quality and identify subtle changes in tissue and fluid samples that matter for patient care.
Core work activities
Career video courtesy of CareerOneStop.
Physicians, Pathologists earn a median of $312,400 a year, based on 2025 data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and location.
The outlook is steady. Employment is projected to grow 4 percent from 2024 to 2034, about as fast as average for all occupations, with about 400 openings a year.
Top skills
Knowledge areas
You need a doctoral degree in medicine or osteopathic medicine, followed by several years of specialized training in pathology. During medical school, you build knowledge in biology, chemistry, and medicine while developing your science and critical thinking skills. After earning your degree, you complete a residency program in pathology where you gain hands-on experience under supervision. This extensive preparation typically takes many years but prepares you for independent practice and board certification in your specialty.
The path to pathology runs through medical school and residency training, which is a significant commitment. If you are exploring whether this career fits your timeline and goals, Pathly can map the physician, pathologist path that fits you and work through it with your counselor to understand what each stage involves.
Many physician, pathologists must be licensed, and professional certifications can strengthen your resume.
Common certifications
Licensing is handled at the state level and the requirements vary, so check the licensing board in your state. Pathly shows your state's specific steps inside your roadmap.
You are drawn to investigative work that involves analyzing evidence, solving complex problems, and using scientific reasoning to uncover answers and guide decisions.
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Last updated July 1, 2026.
Data sources. Career details from the O*NET 30.3 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under CC BY 4.0. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. Salary and outlook figures from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2025 wages; 2024–2034 projections), delivered via the CareerOneStop API. Certification, licensing, wage, and outlook data from CareerOneStop, sponsored by USDOL/ETA and the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED).