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Healthcare

Physicians, Pathologists

Diagnose diseases and conduct lab tests using organs, body tissues, and fluids. Includes medical examiners.

Visual summary of pay, outlook, skills, interests, and preparation for Physicians, Pathologists
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Median pay

≥$239,200
Median annual pay for Physicians, Pathologists.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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10-year growth

4.2%
Projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Annual openings

400
Projected annual openings, including growth and replacement demand.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Employment

12,600
Estimated U.S. employment for Physicians, Pathologists in 2024.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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Jobs added or lost

+500
Projected numeric employment change from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Entry preparation

Doctoral or professional degree
Typical additional preparation: Internship/residency.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024 profile
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O*NET occupation profile

What the work involves

Strongest O*NET signals first.

Essential skills

  1. 1Reading Comprehension
  2. 2Critical Thinking
  3. 3Writing
  4. 4Active Learning
  5. 5Active Listening
  6. 6Science

Knowledge areas

  1. 1Medicine and Dentistry
  2. 2Biology
  3. 3English Language
  4. 4Education and Training
  5. 5Customer and Personal Service
  6. 6Chemistry

Abilities

  1. 1Inductive Reasoning
  2. 2Problem Sensitivity
  3. 3Oral Comprehension
  4. 4Written Expression
  5. 5Deductive Reasoning
  6. 6Oral Expression

Career interests

  1. 1Investigative
  2. 2Realistic
  3. 3Conventional
  4. 4Social
  5. 5Enterprising
  6. 6Artistic

Work styles

  1. 1Attention to Detail
  2. 2Intellectual Curiosity
  3. 3Dependability
  4. 4Integrity
  5. 5Cautiousness
  6. 6Achievement Orientation

Work activities

  1. 1Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
  2. 2Processing Information
  3. 3Documenting/Recording Information
  4. 4Getting Information
  5. 5Making Decisions and Solving Problems
  6. 6Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events

Work context

  1. 1Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
  2. 2E-Mail
  3. 3Time Pressure
  4. 4Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
  5. 5Telephone Conversations
  6. 6Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results

Representative tasks

  • 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).

Software and tools

SAP software · hot technologyMicrosoft Access · hot technologyMicrosoft Excel · hot technologyMicrosoft Office software · hot technologyMicrosoft PowerPoint · hot technologyAccounts receivables system softwarePathLogixOrchard Software Orchard PathologyOrchard Software Orchard Harvest LISOmnitech OMNILABNovovision NovoPathNiceware International LabelClinic CT

Sources

BLS provides national pay, employment, and projections. O*NET provides skills, interests, preparation, tasks, work context, and tools.

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