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Veterinary Pathologist Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

City of Chicago

VETERINARIAN

Chicago, IL · On-site

$119K/yr

Prepares reports detailing veterinary activities and interpreting pathology results * Enters and ensures medical records, electronic and/or written, are accurate and complete in the departmental ...

City of Chicago

VETERINARIAN

Chicago, IL · On-site

$119K/yr

... veterinary activities and interpreting pathology results • Enters and ensures medical records, electronic and/or written, are accurate and complete in the departmental database • Supervise ...

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All JobsVeterinary Pathologist JobsVeterinary Pathologist Jobs in Illinois

Veterinary Pathologist information

See Illinois salary details

$44.1K

$241.3K

$375K

How much do veterinary pathologist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for veterinary pathologist in Illinois is $241,288.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $197,200.00 and $291,700.00 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 the most commonly searched types of Veterinary Pathologist jobs in Illinois?

The most popular types of Veterinary Pathologist jobs in Illinois are:

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

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

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

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

What cities in Illinois are hiring for Veterinary Pathologist jobs?

Cities in Illinois with the most Veterinary Pathologist job openings:

Veterinary Pathologist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Veterinary Pathologist job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 2% Temporary. Highlights an 93% In-person, 5% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $241,288 per year, or $116 per hour.

Veterinary Assistant - LAC After Hours

University of Illinois

Urbana, IL

$15.75 - $20/hr

Full-time

Posted 13 days ago

Job description

Duties & Responsibilities

Provide basic patient care in a professional and courteous manner under the supervision of a veterinarian or veterinary technician:

  • Work as a team with veterinary technicians, students, interns, residents and faculty to provide care for patients which may include, but is not limited to post-surgical, chronic conditions, and isolation, which may include zoonotic diseases.
  • Use problem solving skills to assist with patient care in emergent and non-emergent situations.
  • Directly monitor patient status, under veterinary supervision, including those hospitalized and recovering from anesthesia.
  • Recognize and report physical abnormalities such as, but not limited to; respiratory difficulty and distress, change in mentation, abnormal physical exam findings, dystocia and signs of shock.
  • Recognize and report pulmonary or cardiopulmonary arrest.
  • Restrain patients using appropriate restraint techniques.
  • Operate hydraulic, manual chutes and gate systems to facilitate safe movement when unloading, loading, and moving animals within the ward.
  • Assist in walk-by observations and administer treatments as directed on the patient's care plan under the supervision of the veterinarian and/or veterinary technician. Report abnormal findings when something is not within the set call parameters.
  • Report issues and assist veterinary technicians, veterinarians, and veterinary students with the set up and maintenance of intravenous catheters, feeding tubes, nasal oxygen, and fluid pumps.
  • Assist with set up of IV fluids, and other medications as directed by the veterinarian.
  • Provide support to veterinary technicians and veterinarians in the administration of oral fluids via stomach tubing, nasoesophageal feedings, and bottle feedings.
  • Assist with set up for patient treatments and procedures under the direct or written orders of the veterinarian.

Facilities Maintenance:

  • Maintain the cleanliness of animal and work areas, instruments and equipment based on set infection control protocols and hospital standards, as well as complete daily, weekly and monthly cleaning assignments.
  • Bed and clean patient stalls as needed.
  • Clean, sterilize, and package instruments. Operate instrument sterilizers as necessary.
  • Stock and maintain clinical supplies and maintain inventory records.
  • Assist with documenting and troubleshooting issues with equipment.
  • Maintain patient logs and inpatient daily charges.

Clinical service and facilities support:

  • Record treatments, procedures, supplies, and thorough notes on patient's medical record.
  • Record and enter charges for supplies and procedures into the Electronic Medical Record (EMR).
  • Register and discharge patients, including taking payment.
  • Perform electronic submission of samples to clinical pathology and the diagnostic laboratory.
  • Facilitate processing of laboratory samples such as venous and arterial blood gases, packed cell volume (PCV)/total solids (TS), blood glucose (BG), lactate, ketostick etc.

Other duties as assigned:

Work Schedule

The work schedule for this position will be Monday through Thursday overnights with hours To Be Determined.

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About University of Illinois

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The University of Illinois, located in Urbana, Illinois, US, is a prominent entity in the higher education sector. Operating its official functions through its website uillinois.edu, the institution provides a range of educational programs and services. The University was founded in 1867 and has since grown dramatically both in size and reputation. Its core values are embodied in its mission to enhance the lives of its students and citizens in the state, nation, and world through leadership in learning, discovery, engagement, and economic development. The university boasts several notable achievements including producing Nobel laureates and Pulitzer prize winners. It is renowned for its research programs and is known for significant advancements across various fields including engineering, science, and humanities.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Urbana, IL, US

Year founded

1974

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