Diagnose diseases and conduct lab tests using organs, body tissues, and fluids. Includes medical examiners.
Physicians, Pathologists
SOC: 29-1222 O*NET: 29-1222.00
Median Salary
N/A
per year
Job Growth
📈 4.2%
Faster (2024-2034)
Annual Openings
0.4
projected jobs/year
Education Level
Bachelor's degree plus work experience, or graduate degree
Job Zone 5
Diagnose diseases and conduct lab tests using organs, body tissues, and fluids. Includes medical examiners.
What does a Physicians, Pathologists do?
How much can you earn?
Entry Level
$83,930
10th percentile
Early Career
$165,940
25th percentile
Median
$0
50th percentile
Experienced
$0
75th percentile
Top Earners
$0
90th percentile
National Salary Distribution
10th
$83,930
25th
$165,940
Middle 50%
MEDIAN
$0
Mean: $266,020
75th
$0
90th
$0
Middle 50% of earners
Median salary
Mean (average)
Key Insights
- •Salary range spans -$83,930 from entry level to top earners
- •Middle 50% earn between $165,940 and $0
- •Salary spread is 0.0% around the median, showing low variation
- •Total national employment: 11,800 professionals
What's the job outlook?
Job Market Intelligence
Medium Demand
Market demand
Medium Risk
Automation risk
Current Employment
National Employment:12,600
Top Industries
Ambulatory Health Care Services66.2%
Medical and Diagnostic Laboratories33.2%
Offices of Physicians32.3%
10-Year Outlook
Growth Rate:+4.2%
Annual Openings:400
Employment Projections
2024 (Current)12,600
Current
2034 (Projected)13,100
+4.2%
+500
Employment Change
+4.2%
Growth Rate
10
Year Projection
Growth Category: As fast as average
Geographic Salary & Employment Data
Explore where Physicians, Pathologists professionals work across the United States
Showing 15 of 34 locations
California
2,180 jobs$165,9401.58x
Texas
1,100 jobs$01.04x
New York
940 jobs$215,7401.29x
Ohio
660 jobs$01.55x
Missouri
660 jobs$213,4302.95x
Florida
450 jobs$00.60x
Arizona
440 jobs$01.82x
Illinois
400 jobs$00.87x
Indiana
380 jobs$01.56x
Pennsylvania
300 jobs$00.65x
Washington
280 jobs$01.02x
Massachusetts
270 jobs$00.98x
Michigan
230 jobs$00.69x
Oregon
230 jobs$01.54x
Wisconsin
200 jobs$00.87x
Understanding the Data
Location Quotient (LQ):
- • LQ > 1.0: More jobs than national average
- • LQ = 1.0: Same as national average
- • LQ < 1.0: Fewer jobs than national average
Data Source:
Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024
Key Growth Factors
- •Average growth expected
What skills do you need?
Top 10 Most Important Skills
#1
Reading Comprehension
100%
#2
Critical Thinking
94%
#3
Writing
86%
#4
Active Listening
80%
#5
Complex Problem Solving
74%
#6
Science
66%
#7
Active Learning
60%
#8
Speaking
54%
#9
Judgment and Decision Making
46%
#10
Monitoring
40%
Skills Overview
Reading Comprehension
advanced5.0
100%
Critical Thinking
advanced4.7
94%
Writing
intermediate4.3
86%
Active Listening
intermediate4.0
80%
Complex Problem Solving
advanced3.7
74%
Science
intermediate3.3
66%
Active Learning
intermediate3.0
60%
Speaking
basic2.7
54%
Skills are rated on a scale of 0-5, with 5 being the most important. The complexity level indicates how advanced the skill typically needs to be.
Filter:
Sort by:
Reading Comprehension
advancedImportance100%
abilities
5.0/5.0
Critical Thinking
advancedImportance94%
abilities
4.7/5.0
Writing
intermediateImportance86%
skills
4.3/5.0
Active Listening
intermediateImportance80%
skills
4.0/5.0
Complex Problem Solving
advancedImportance74%
abilities
3.7/5.0
Science
intermediateImportance66%
abilities
3.3/5.0
Active Learning
intermediateImportance60%
abilities
3.0/5.0
Speaking
basicImportance54%
skills
2.7/5.0
Judgment and Decision Making
basicImportance46%
abilities
2.3/5.0
Monitoring
basicImportance40%
skills
2.0/5.0
Highly Transferable Skills
These skills are valuable across multiple career paths, making career transitions easier:
Animal Scientists100%
5 shared skills
Biological Technicians100%
5 shared skills
Forensic Science Technicians100%
5 shared skills
Administrative Law Judges, Adjudicators, and Hearing Officers82%
5 shared skills
Precision Agriculture Technicians82%
5 shared skills
Urologists82%
5 shared skills
Skills by Career Stage
Entry Level
Must Have:
- ✓Writing
- ✓Active Listening
Learn on the Job:
- →Speaking
- →Science
- →Active Learning
Mid Career
Expected:
- ✓Writing
- ✓Active Listening
- ✓Reading Comprehension
- ✓Critical Thinking
Senior Level
Mastery Required:
- ★Writing
- ★Active Listening
- ★Reading Comprehension
- ★Critical Thinking
- ★Complex Problem Solving
Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on developing the top 5 skills first - they have the highest impact on career success
- •Transferable skills open doors to related careers and provide flexibility
- •Balance technical skills with soft skills for well-rounded professional development
- •Entry-level positions prioritize foundational skills that can be built upon over time
What technology will you use?
Technology & Digital Skills
Essential technology proficiencies for Physicians, Pathologists
Technology Intensity
Very High
Digital Literacy Requirements
This career requires expert digital literacy
1
Basic
2
Intermediate
3
Advanced
4
Expert
Key Digital Competencies:
Advanced software proficiencySystem architecture understandingAutomation and scriptingEmerging technology adaptationTechnical problem-solving
🔥
Hot Technologies in Demand
These technologies are currently trending and highly sought after in this field
Microsoft Access
🔥 Hot TechSAP software
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Office software
🔥 Hot TechTechnology Stack
Technology Stack Overview
Key technologies used in this career
Microsoft Access
SAP software
Microsoft Office software
📚 Technology Learning Resources
Recommended Certifications
- •Vendor-specific software certifications
- •Industry-recognized technology credentials
- •Professional development courses
Online Learning Platforms
- •LinkedIn Learning - Comprehensive technology courses
- •Coursera - University-level programs
- •Udemy - Practical skills training
💡 Technology Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on mastering hot technologies first - they're currently most in-demand
- •Build a portfolio demonstrating your proficiency with key tools and software
- •Stay current through continuous learning - technology evolves rapidly
- •Consider vendor certifications to validate your skills to employers
What's the work environment like?
🏢
Location
MOSTLY INDOOR
💪
Physical Demand
MODERATE
👥
Team Orientation
MOSTLY TEAM
🤝
Customer Interaction
OCCASIONAL
💡Is This Work Environment Right for You?
Consider these factors when evaluating if you'll thrive in this work environment:
- •Are you comfortable working in mostly indoor environments?
- •Can you meet moderate physical demands?
- •Do you enjoy mostly team team environments?
- •Are you comfortable working with safety protocols and protective equipment?
What are the key tasks?
Tasks & Responsibilities
19
Core Tasks
8
Daily Tasks
20
Work Activities
0
Emerging Tasks
Filter:
Sort by:
General Responsibilities (10)Analysis & Evaluation (2)Management & Supervision (1)Planning & Development (3)Operations & Execution (2)Communication & Coordination (1)
1
Testify in depositions or trials as an expert witness.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities100% perform100%
2
Review cases by analyzing autopsies, laboratory findings, or case investigation reports.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Analysis & Evaluation97% perform98%
3
Manage medical laboratories.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Management & Supervision94% perform96%
4
Read current literature, talk with colleagues, or participate in professional organizations or conferences to keep abreast of developments in pathology.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Planning & Development91% perform94%
5
Develop or adopt new tests or instruments to improve diagnosis of diseases.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Planning & Development88% perform92%
6
Educate physicians, students, and other personnel in medical laboratory professions, such as medical technology, cytotechnology, or histotechnology.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities85% perform90%
7
Conduct research and present scientific findings.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities82% perform88%
8
Perform autopsies to determine causes of deaths.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Operations & Execution79% perform86%
9
Plan and supervise the work of the pathology staff, residents, or visiting pathologists.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
Planning & Development76% perform84%
10
Obtain specimens by performing procedures, such as biopsies or fine needle aspirations (FNAs) of superficial nodules.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
Operations & Execution73% perform82%
💡 Key Takeaways
- •Daily tasks focus primarily on general responsibilities activities
- •37% of tasks are performed by most workers in this occupation
- •Career advancement brings increased leadership and strategic responsibilities
What career paths are available?
Career Pathways
0
Advancement Opportunities
0
Lateral Move Options
0%
Avg. Salary Increase
Advancement Opportunities
Typical career progression paths from Physicians, Pathologists
💡 Career Planning Tips
- •Most successful advancement happens after 3-5 years of experience
- •Lateral moves can provide valuable cross-functional experience for future leadership roles
- •Focus on developing skills that are transferable across multiple career paths
- •Consider industry trends when planning long-term career moves
Is this career right for you?
Personality & Values Fit
Is This Career Right for You?
Physicians, Pathologists professionals typically have a IRC Holland code and highly value achievement
IInvestigative
RRealistic
CConventional
Important Personality Traits
Work styles that contribute to success as a Physicians, Pathologists
Attention to Detail
CriticalAttention to Detail
Importance Level4.92
Dependability
CriticalDependability
Importance Level4.72
Integrity
CriticalIntegrity
Importance Level4.70
Achievement/Effort
Very ImportantAchievement/Effort
Importance Level4.44
Stress Tolerance
Very ImportantStress Tolerance
Importance Level4.43
Persistence
Very ImportantPersistence
Importance Level4.32
Complete Work Styles Profile
Attention to Detail
4.9
Dependability
4.7
Integrity
4.7
Achievement/Effort
4.4
Stress Tolerance
4.4
Persistence
4.3
Cooperation
4.3
Analytical Thinking
4.3
Independence
4.2
Self-Control
4.2
💡 Tips for Career Fit Success
- •While personality fit is important, skills can be developed with practice and training
- •Consider informational interviews to better understand the day-to-day personality requirements
- •Work environments vary by employer - research specific companies for cultural fit
- •Your interests and values may evolve - reassess periodically throughout your career
What education is required?
Education Level
Bachelor's degree plus work experience, or graduate degree
Typical duration: 4 years
Preparation Level
Job Zone 5
Extensive Preparation Needed
Experience Needed
Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience needed
📚 Education Requirement
Required Level:Bachelor's degree plus work experience, or graduate degree
Most of these occupations require graduate school. These may include master's, doctoral, or professional degrees.
Training:
Extensive training and work experience required
💼 Experience Requirement
Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience needed
Common pathways to gain experience:
- • Master's or doctoral degree
- • Extensive work experience in the field
- • State licensure or professional certification
5
Job Zone Five: Extensive Preparation Needed
Most of these occupations require graduate school. These may include master's, doctoral, or professional degrees.
Master's or doctoral degreeExtensive work experience in the fieldState licensure or professional certification
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