ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Veterinary Pathologist Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

UC Davis Health

Pathology Physician

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$210K - $409K/yr

... Pathologist at the Assistant, Associate or Full Professor rank, in the Clinical (X) or Health ... Veterinary Medicine and the California National Primate Center. Additional academic ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsVeterinary Pathologist JobsVeterinary Pathologist Jobs in California

Veterinary Pathologist information

See California salary details

$44.9K

$245.7K

$381.9K

How much do veterinary pathologist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for veterinary 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 a veterinary pathologist?

A veterinary pathologist is a specialized veterinarian who studies diseases in animals by examining tissues, organs, bodily fluids, and laboratory test results. They play a crucial role in diagnosing illnesses, understanding disease processes, and supporting animal health by working in laboratories, research institutions, universities, or diagnostic centers. Veterinary pathologists use their expertise to assist in disease surveillance, support public health, and contribute to advancements in both animal and human medicine. Their work can involve both clinical pathology (analyzing blood and other bodily fluids) and anatomical pathology (examining tissues and organs).

What does a veterinary pathologist do?

As a veterinary pathologist, your duties are slightly different depending on whether you work in small or large animal veterinary medicine and whether you run a practice that deals mainly with pets or a business that involves consulting and research services for a rancher or other livestock operation. As a small animal or family practice pathologist, your responsibilities are to diagnose diseases in animals. You study tissue samples from organs and body fluid to reach a diagnosis. In livestock veterinary pathology, a veterinary pathologist studies herds for communicable diseases that may affect production. Some veterinary pathologists work for the FDA or other federal programs to investigate outbreaks.

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

To thrive as a Veterinary Pathologist, you need a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree, board certification (such as from the ACVP), and expertise in animal disease diagnosis. Familiarity with laboratory diagnostic tools, histopathology techniques, and digital pathology systems is typically required. Strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and effective communication are vital for collaborating with veterinarians and researchers. These skills and qualifications are essential for ensuring accurate disease identification, advancing animal health research, and supporting effective treatment decisions.

What are some common challenges faced by veterinary pathologists in their daily work?

Veterinary pathologists often encounter the challenge of diagnosing complex cases where clinical signs and laboratory findings may be ambiguous or overlap between different diseases. Additionally, they must stay current with rapidly advancing diagnostic techniques and emerging animal diseases. Balancing casework, research, and collaboration with clinicians or other scientists can also be demanding. Effective communication is essential, as pathologists frequently explain findings and recommendations to veterinarians, researchers, and sometimes animal owners.

What is the difference between Veterinary Pathologist vs Veterinary Laboratory Technician?

AspectVeterinary PathologistVeterinary Laboratory Technician
Required CredentialsDoctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) or equivalent, specialized training in pathologyAssociate's or Bachelor's degree in veterinary technology or related field
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, diagnostic laboratories, universities, or veterinary hospitalsVeterinary clinics, diagnostic labs, research facilities
Industry UsageFocuses on diagnosing diseases through tissue analysis and researchPerforms laboratory tests, prepares samples, and assists in diagnostics

While both roles work within veterinary diagnostics, Veterinary Pathologists specialize in disease diagnosis through tissue examination and research, requiring advanced degrees. Veterinary Laboratory Technicians support diagnostic processes by performing tests and preparing samples, often with less formal education. Understanding these differences helps clarify career paths and job expectations in veterinary diagnostics.

How long does it take to be a veterinary pathologist?

Becoming a veterinary pathologist typically requires completing a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree, which takes about four years, followed by a pathology residency program that lasts an additional three to four years. Certification by the American College of Veterinary Pathologists (ACVP) is also necessary and involves passing a rigorous exam after completing training.

How much does a veterinary pathologist make in the US?

Veterinary pathologists in the US typically earn a median annual salary of around $80,000 to $120,000, depending on experience, location, and employer. Advanced training and certification can lead to higher compensation, especially in research or academic settings.
More about Veterinary Pathologist jobs

What are popular job titles related to Veterinary Pathologist jobs in California?

For Veterinary Pathologist jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Veterinary Pathologist jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Veterinary Pathologist jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Veterinary Pathologist jobs?

Cities in California with the most Veterinary Pathologist job openings:

Veterinary Pathologist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Veterinary Pathologist job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, and 9% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $245,740 per year, or $118.1 per hour.

Poultry diagnostician position in Turlock, California

European Society of Veterinary Pathology

Turlock, CA • On-site

$120 - $180/hr

Other

Posted 8 days ago

Job description

Poultry diagnostician position in Turlock, California

California Animal Health & Food Safety Laboratory System
School of Veterinary Medicine
University of California, Davis

Salary

Dependent on qualifications and experience.

Qualifications

DVM or equivalent with advanced training in avian diseases required. Board certification or eligibility by the American College of Poultry Veterinarians required; American College of Veterinary Pathologists desired. Demonstrated ability in gross and microscopic pathology required. Knowledge of poultry production required. Demonstrated interest, aptitude, and capability in avian diagnostic disciplines, disease investigation and experience in diagnostic interpretation required. Ph.D. degree in veterinary pathology or related field preferred. Knowledge of quality assurance, food safety practices, molecular diagnostics and bacteriology desired. The successful candidate will have: i) excellent interpersonal and communication skills to effectively communicate with veterinarians, producers and government agencies; ii) a client‑focused, service‑oriented approach to diagnostics; iii) demonstrated ability to work with others in a collegial team atmosphere; and iv) demonstrated (or potential) accomplishment in areas contributing to diversity and inclusion. UC Davis is committed to supporting a diverse community of scholars with an emphasis on recruiting faculty who will contribute substantively to diversity.

Responsibilities

Diagnostic Service: The candidate will function as an avian diagnostician in a primarily poultry regional diagnostic laboratory in Turlock, CA. Interaction with veterinarians and livestock and poultry producers is required. Emphasis will be placed on diagnosis of diseases affecting poultry and other avian species. The candidate will provide consultation service to veterinarians and poultry producers. The ability to work productively and collaboratively in a multi‑disciplinary setting is essential. It is expected that the candidate will be asked to take on a leadership role within CAHFS.

Research: Creative use of diagnostic case material including publication of results in appropriate journals is essential.

Teaching: The incumbent will have limited teaching responsibilities to veterinary and graduate students; and contribute significantly to resident training.

Service: University and public service through committee work, participation in professional organizations, continuing education and other appropriate activities is required.

Legal Statement

The University of California, Davis is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer with a strong institutional commitment to the achievement of diversity among its faculty and staff.

#J-18808-Ljbffr

Apply