How to become physicians, pathologistseducation, training, experience and the steps to enter
Median annual pay
$312,400
25th–75th pct. $186,300–$372,780
Top pay (est.)
$585,000
Top 10% $449,970
Pay in 5 years
$360,800est.
2031
Pay in 10 years
$416,600est.
$358,300–$483,700
Outlook score
59/100
★★★☆☆ Average
AI replacement risk
54%
Moderate
Job growth (10 yr)
+4.8%
300 openings / yr
How to become physicians, pathologists
Typical education
Doctoral or professional degree
BLS
Related experience
None
On-the-job training
Internship/residency
A step-by-step guide for this occupation is being prepared. The education, training and experience data above show the typical path.
Skills, education and requirements for Physicians, Pathologists
Key skills
O*NET skill level ratings (0–7).
Key knowledge areas
What the work involves
Updating and Using Relevant KnowledgeGetting InformationProcessing InformationMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsIdentifying Objects, Actions, and EventsMonitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsDocumenting/Recording InformationCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
Important abilities
Inductive ReasoningProblem SensitivityOral ComprehensionOral ExpressionDeductive ReasoningWritten Comprehension
Education of workers
Training before entry
Related work experience
Job Zone 5 — extensive preparation needed (O*NET)
Difficulty of entry: ★★★★☆ Demanding (from education, training, experience and Job Zone)
Career path and how to earn more as physicians, pathologists
Career-path guidance is being prepared. Pay by percentile is shown in the Pay section.
Pay and employment figures are national statistics. Projected pay, outlook scores and AI replacement risk are estimates from the Shigoto Zukan model, not guarantees. To request a correction, use the contact form. How to read the data
Sources: BLS OEWS May 2025; BLS Employment Projections 2025–35; O*NET 31.0 Database by USDOL/ETA (CC BY 4.0), modified by Shigoto Zukan. Pay ranges, projections and scores are Shigoto Zukan estimates.