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Veterinary Pathologist Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Oakland Zoo

Veterinarian, Veterinary Services

Oakland, CA · On-site

$107K - $120K/yr

Perform gross necropsies and prepare pathology reports * Maintain accurate, complete, and ... Mentor veterinary students, externs, volunteers, and other observers. * Participate in marketing ...

Oakland Zoo

Veterinarian, Veterinary Services

Oakland, CA · On-site

$107K - $120K/yr

Perform gross necropsies and prepare pathology reports * Maintain accurate, complete, and ... Mentor veterinary students, externs, volunteers, and other observers. * Participate in marketing ...

UC Davis Health

Pathology Physician

Sacramento, CA

$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 ...

Adobe Animal Hospital

Veterinarian

Concord, CA

$130K - $180K/yr

Diablo in Concord, CA, our veterinary clinic is known for treating pets-and their people-like ... Skilled doctors, one of which is a board-certified pathologist at Davis part time. * Flexible ...

Adobe Animal Hospital

Veterinarian

Concord, CA · On-site

$130K - $180K/yr

Diablo in Concord, CA, our veterinary clinic is known for treating pets-and their people-like ... Skilled doctors, one of which is a board-certified pathologist at Davis part time. * Flexible ...

Adobe Animal Hospital

Veterinarian

Concord, CA · On-site

$130K - $180K/yr

Diablo in Concord, CA, our veterinary clinic is known for treating pets-and their people-like ... Skilled doctors, one of which is a board-certified pathologist at Davis part time. * Flexible ...

Adobe Animal Hospital

Veterinarian

Concord, CA · On-site

$130K - $180K/yr

Diablo in Concord, CA, our veterinary clinic is known for treating pets-and their people-like ... Skilled doctors, one of which is a board-certified pathologist at Davis part time. * Flexible ...

Adobe Animal Hospital

Veterinarian

Concord, CA

$130K - $180K/yr

Diablo in Concord, CA, our veterinary clinic is known for treating pets-and their people-like ... Skilled doctors, one of which is a board-certified pathologist at Davis part time. * Flexible ...

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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 Jul 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 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.

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 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 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.
More about Veterinary Pathologist jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Veterinary Pathologist jobs in California? The most popular types of Veterinary Pathologist jobs in California are:
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 July 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% As Needed, 66% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 15% 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.

Pathology Technician I - 1 Year Temporary - San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance

sdzwa

San Diego, CA • On-site

$26.19/hr

Other

Posted 19 days ago

Job description

HOW YOU WILL IMPACT OUR MISSION
The Pathology Technician I performs assigned necropsy and histopathology laboratory duties in support of diagnostic pathology services, conservation research programs, and other initiatives. The position reports to a Veterinary Pathologist in Disease Investigations of the Conservation Science and Wildlife Health Department.
WHAT YOU WILL DO

  • Conducts post-mortem examinations (necropsies/ animal autopsies) on a wide variety of animals, collects tissue samples, and prepares detailed written reports of findings, under the supervision of a board certified veterinary pathologist. 
  • Prepares tissues for histologic processing and other procedures and assists with histology laboratory operations.
  • Organizes and maintains databases of pathology records, samples, and tissues; fulfills research sample requests; and ships samples to internal and external laboratories and researchers.
  • Maintains laboratory facilities and equipment, inventories laboratory supplies, and requisitions replacements.
  • Assists with supervision and teaching of visiting students and trainees in the necropsy and histopathology laboratories.
  • Takes and files gross photographs of tissues for review by pathologists. 

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

The Disease Investigations (DI) team is looking for a starting level veterinary pathology technician to assist all aspects of the diagnostic pathology service at the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance. This position will specifically support the existing team’s capacity to manage cases in California native wildlife received through a partnership with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. The candidate should be detail-oriented, adaptable, and have experience with data entry and sample management. They should enjoy working as part of a team of like-minded individuals committed to using diagnostic pathology to benefit wildlife health and conservation.


JOB EXPERIENCE

  • At least one year experience with ante or postmortem animal handling or examinations, animal dissections, pathology laboratory work, or other equivalent experience required
  • At least one year experience with science communication or interpretation of scientific concepts preferred

EDUCATION AND CERTIFICATIONS

  • Bachelor’s Degree in biological sciences or related field or equivalent specialized training required.

SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE

  • Able to visually identify and describe anatomic tissues using standard medical terminology and excellent writing skills.
  • Demonstrated ability to safely work with medical equipment, biohazardous materials, chemicals, and certain machinery in a laboratory environment
  • Proficient in data and record keeping.
  • Able to operate moderately complex computer software programs.
  • Able to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
  • Able to work effectively with others in a diverse environment
  • Able to attend to the needs of assigned research collections and/or community members.


SOME OF THE REWARDS YOU WILL ENJOY AS A TEAM MEMBER

  • Free admission to the San Diego Zoo and the San Diego Zoo Safari Park
  • Family Passes
  • Complimentary Tickets
  • Free Parking at the San Diego Zoo & San Diego Zoo Safari Park
  • Local and In-House Discounts
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Wellness Program

IMPORTANT DETAILS

  • Location: San Diego, CA
  • Position Type: Hourly Full-Time Non-Exempt 1 Year Temporary Position
  • Hourly Rate: $26.19

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