Pathologist salary levels are competitive with other roles in the medical field. This job involves studying various samples to find an abnormality or to diagnose an illness, writing reports on findings and taking part in investigations. The pathologist may also take part in autopsies, supervise staff and use a wide variety of laboratory and computer technology. To be successful, the student will need to have excellent problem solving skills, good attention to detail and complete extensive training at the college level.
Training for this field involves coursework in biology, medicine, dentistry, computer technology and laboratory methods and instruments. Chemistry is a large part of the training, which is required to be able to analyze microscopic samples for disease identification. Knowledge of business practices, management and safety procedures is also required, especially when doing laboratory work or taking part in investigative tasks. The pathologist also has to pursue continual training as new advances are made in the field.
This field earned a mean yearly salary of $180,870 and an hourly wage of $86.96 in 2010, according to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics. The highest paying field for a pathologist salary was in dentist offices, which offered $230,340 per year, with an hourly wage of $100.74. Medical and diagnostic laboratories offered the second highest pay of $210,020 a year and $100.97 per hour in the same year. Physician offices paid the third highest mean annual rate of $208,230 a year and $100.11 per hour. Those earning in the 90th percentile were at or above a yearly pay of $166,400, while those in the lowest 10 percent earned at or below %53,510 per year.
With such a strong pathologist salary, various medical establishments are in need of these professionals. This field, along with physicians and surgeons, are expected to have an increase of 22 percent in the amount of job openings by 2018. Those entering this field will need to pursue advanced education at the masters, Ph.D., M.D. or law degree level to work. This field offers competitive pay and a unique mental challenge for those who want a rewarding career in medicine.