Is Pathology a Good Career in 2026?
Diagnosing disease through laboratory analysis of tissue, blood, and body fluids.
Based on BLS employment data and national physician surveys
SalaryDr Career Intelligence
Based on BLS employment data and national physician surveys
* Limited data — score may shift as more physicians contribute
Score Breakdown
Demand score powered by BLS Employment Projections (2024-2034): 4.2% projected growth (as fast as average)
Pathology Compensation & Earnings
Best States for Pathologists (After Tax)
| State | BLS Median | After-Tax Income | Demand Signal |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Hampshire | $311,210 | $311,210 | Limited |
| Nebraska | $323,510 | $306,040 | Low(120 jobs) |
| Ohio | $314,130 | $303,764 | Moderate(660 jobs) |
| Indiana | $312,000 | $302,172 | Low(380 jobs) |
| Texas | $301,420 | $301,420 | High(1,100 jobs) |
Estimate Your Take-Home
Based on median Pathology salary of $266K/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 $112,440 more per year in New Hampshire vs. California — a 42.3% difference on gross income of $266,020.
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 Lifestyle
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 compensation data from verified physicians. 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 (as of March 2026), the Physician Career Score for Pathology is 57/100. Median total compensation is $266,020. The BLS reports 12,600 practicing Pathologists nationally with 4.2% projected growth (2024-2034).