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Medical Pathologist Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

SURGICAL PATHOLOGIST The Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center invites applications for a Board Certified/Eligible Anatomic Pathologist with multiple ...

Surgical Pathologist The Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center invites applications for a Board Certified/Eligible Anatomic Pathologist with multiple ...

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Medical Pathologist information

See California salary details

$44.9K

$245.7K

$381.9K

How much do medical pathologist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for medical pathologist in California is $245,740.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $200,800.00 and $297,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Medical Pathologist vs Clinical Laboratory Scientist?

AspectMedical PathologistClinical Laboratory Scientist
CredentialsMedical degree (MD or DO), pathology residency, board certificationBachelor's degree in medical technology or related field, certification (e.g., ASCP)
Work EnvironmentHospitals, diagnostic labs, academic institutionsClinical laboratories, hospitals, research facilities
Role & ResponsibilitiesDiagnose diseases by examining tissues, cells, and bodily fluids; interpret lab resultsPerform laboratory tests, prepare specimens, operate lab equipment

Medical Pathologists and Clinical Laboratory Scientists both work in diagnostic labs, but Medical Pathologists have medical degrees and focus on diagnosing diseases through tissue and fluid analysis. Clinical Laboratory Scientists perform routine tests and support diagnosis but do not interpret complex cases. Their roles complement each other within healthcare settings.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a medical pathologist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Medical Pathologist, you need an advanced medical degree (MD or DO), board certification in pathology, and a deep understanding of disease mechanisms and laboratory medicine. Familiarity with laboratory information systems (LIS), microscopy, and diagnostic imaging tools is essential, along with potential subspecialty certifications. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication skills distinguish top performers in this field. These skills are crucial for accurately diagnosing diseases, guiding treatment decisions, and ensuring high-quality patient care within multidisciplinary teams.

What is a medical pathologist?

Medical pathologists are specialized physicians who diagnose diseases by examining tissues, cells, and bodily fluids in a laboratory setting. They play a crucial role in patient care by analyzing biopsies, blood samples, and other specimens to help determine the cause and progression of illnesses. Pathologists often work closely with other doctors to provide accurate diagnoses that guide treatment decisions. Their expertise is essential in areas such as cancer detection, infection identification, and monitoring chronic diseases.

What are some common challenges medical pathologists face when working within multidisciplinary healthcare teams?

Medical pathologists often collaborate with clinicians, surgeons, and laboratory staff to provide accurate diagnoses. A common challenge is ensuring effective communication, as pathologists usually work behind the scenes and must clearly convey complex findings to non-specialists. Additionally, balancing a high volume of cases while maintaining meticulous attention to detail can be demanding. Staying updated on rapidly evolving diagnostic technologies and integrating new methods into practice are also ongoing challenges in this role.
What are popular job titles related to Medical Pathologist jobs in California? For Medical Pathologist jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Medical Pathologist jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Medical Pathologist jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Medical Pathologist jobs? Cities in California with the most Medical Pathologist job openings:
Infographic showing various Medical Pathologist job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $245,740 per year, or $118.1 per hour.

AP/CP Pathologist

Yosemite Pathology Medical Group

Bakersfield, CA โ€ข On-site

$300K - $360K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 9 days ago


Job description

Yosemite Pathology Medical Group, a private, independent, pathologist-owned and operated surgical pathology and cytology laboratory, is urgently seeking board-certified AP/CP Pathologists. This role offers an excellent opportunity to join a respected and thriving group that values collaboration, quality, and work-life balance, with immediate openings in Bakersfield, California. The position involves supporting a high-volume, multi-hospital practice in a family-friendly city with an affordable cost of living and access to outdoor activities.

Practice Info

  • Private, independent, pathologist-owned and operated surgical pathology and cytology laboratory
  • Immediate openings in Bakersfield, with additional opportunities in Modesto and Stockton, California
  • Well-established pathology team in Bakersfield, CA
  • Providing pathology services across four local hospitals
  • Based in a professional laboratory setting
  • Collaborate daily with five collegial and experienced pathologists

Responsibilities

  • Provide expert consultation and communicate the medical significance of laboratory findings to referring physicians
  • Deliver accurate, timely evaluations and diagnoses across a diverse range of anatomic pathology specimens
  • Actively engage in a collaborative, team-based approach to patient care
  • Contribute to the ongoing improvement of pathology services while maintaining a collegial workplace culture

Compensation

  • $300,000-$360,000 per year
  • Exempt paid semi-monthly
  • Base + Bonus
  • Competitive compensation

Benefits

  • Comprehensive benefits package
  • Robust health plans including dental, vision, life, and mental health support
  • 401(k)
  • Generous annual vacation and sick time
  • 10 paid holidays

Shift & Schedule

  • Full Time
  • Eight (8) hour per day, forty (40) hour per week

Requirements

  • Board certification in Anatomic Pathology (AP) and Clinical Pathology (CP) required
  • Active California medical license (or eligibility to obtain one) required
  • Applicants with 2-4 years' experience in a practice setting are a plus
  • Fellowship training in surgical pathology subspecialties (cytopathology, breast, GI, gynecologic, etc.) highly desirable
  • Strong diagnostic, communication, and collaboration skills essential