Salary and Outlook

According to the US Department of Labor, there are 12,100 people employed as physicians, all other; and ophthalmologists, except pediatric in the United States. The median annual salary is $208,000. Entry level employees earn approximately $63,340 per year and senior employees earn approximately $208,000 (or more) per year.

Estimates do not include other potential benefits such as health insurance, overtime pay, or retirement benefits that may be offered by employers.

Job Duties

• Examine microscopic samples to identify diseases or other abnormalities.
• Diagnose diseases or study medical conditions, using techniques such as gross pathology, histology, cytology, cytopathology, clinical chemistry, immunology, flow cytometry, or molecular biology.
• Write pathology reports summarizing analyses, results, and conclusions.
• Communicate pathologic findings to surgeons or other physicians.
• Identify the etiology, pathogenesis, morphological change, and clinical significance of diseases.
• Read current literature, talk with colleagues, or participate in professional organizations or conferences to keep abreast of developments in pathology.
• Consult with physicians about ordering and interpreting tests or providing treatments.
• 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).
• Review cases by analyzing autopsies, laboratory findings, or case investigation reports.
• Manage medical laboratories.
• Develop or adopt new tests or instruments to improve diagnosis of diseases.
• Educate physicians, students, and other personnel in medical laboratory professions, such as medical technology, cytotechnology, or histotechnology.
• Plan and supervise the work of the pathology staff, residents, or visiting pathologists.
• Perform autopsies to determine causes of deaths.
• Diagnose infections, such as Hepatitis B and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS), by conducting tests to detect the antibodies that patients' immune systems make to fight such infections.
• Obtain specimens by performing procedures, such as biopsies or fine needle aspirations (FNAs) of superficial nodules.
• Conduct genetic analyses of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) or chromosomes to diagnose small biopsies and cell samples.
• Conduct research and present scientific findings.
• Testify in depositions or trials as an expert witness.

Career List