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Veterinary Pathologist Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Pathology Sr. Director

Washington, DC ยท On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

The ideal pathologist candidate will have experience managing and interpreting pathology datasets ... DVM, Board Certification in Veterinary Anatomic Pathology (DACVP or comparable credentialing body ...

Post Doctoral Associate

College Park, MD ยท On-site

$55K - $67K/yr

The Department of Veterinary Medicine at UMD is home to numerous excellent scientists in the field ... Hands-on experience with animal models to study pathogenesis and host immune responses.

The Department of Veterinary Medicine at UMD is home to numerous excellent scientists in the field ... Hands-on experience with animal models to study pathogenesis and host immune responses.

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Veterinary Pathologist information

See Washington salary details

$51.5K

$282K

$438.3K

How much do veterinary pathologist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for veterinary pathologist in Washington is $282,018.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $230,500.00 and $340,900.00 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.

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

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

What cities in Washington are hiring for Veterinary Pathologist jobs?

Cities in Washington with the most Veterinary Pathologist job openings:

Infographic showing various Veterinary Pathologist job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 72% Full Time, and 28% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $282,018 per year, or $135.6 per hour.

Physician (Pathology) Dermatopathology

DHA

Silver Spring, MD โ€ข On-site

Other

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 2 days ago

New


Job description

Staff Pathologist In Dermatopathology

This position is located at the Joint Pathology Center, Silver Spring, MD.

The JPC provides cost-effective, centralized, pathology subspecialty expertise for the Department of War, the Department of Veterans Affairs and other federal agencies. The institution has and maintains stewardship over a tissue repository unparalleled in size, age and diversity. It houses the sole veterinary pathology training source for the US military. The institution partners with Walter Reed Military Medical Center, Uniformed Services University, Murtha Cancer Center, National Institutes of Health, and other US academic and scientific institutions to advance pathology research and education.

Working for the Department of War comes with an abundance of benefits and perks to include competitive compensation packages, paid time off, medical benefits, student loan repayments, and a retirement package with Thrift Savings Plan to include matching employer contributions.

Medical malpractice liability insurance is not required for federal civilian healthcare providers as they are covered by the Federal Tort Claims Act (28 U.S.C. ยง 1346(b)) while acting within the scope of their employment.

A recruitment or relocation incentive may be authorized. Salary negotiation may be available for those candidates who are new to Federal service. Student Loan repayment may be authorized. Non-Federal work experience may be creditable for leave purposes. US Citizenship required.

Responsibilities

As a Staff Pathologist in Dermatopathology, you will:

  • Provide expert second opinion consultation on complex skin and superficial soft tissue including neoplastic and non-neoplastic skin disorders, inflammatory dermatoses and direct immunofluorescence pathology cases while contributing to the world's largest pathology repository and advancing research in cutaneous diseases.
  • Work in a consultative-only practice focusing on challenging diagnostic cases from military, veteran, and other federal healthcare systems.
  • Opportunities exist for participation in one of the largest digital pathology initiatives, with scanning of approximately 6 million slides to date, as well as contribute to cutting-edge research in skin pathology and AI/digital pathology initiatives.
Qualifications

US Citizenship required.

To qualify, you must be a US Citizenship and meet the education and experience requirements described below. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student; social). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Your resume must clearly describe your relevant experience; if qualifying based on education, your transcripts will be required as part of your application. Additional information about transcripts is in this document.

Basic Requirement for Physician (Pathology):

Degree: Doctor of Medicine, Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine, or equivalent from a school in the United States or Canada. This degree must have been accredited by the Council on Medical Education of the American Medical Association; Association of American Medical Colleges; Liaison Committee on Medical Education; Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation of the American Osteopathic Association, or an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education at the time the degree was obtained. A Doctor of Medicine or equivalent degree from a foreign medical school must have provided education and medical knowledge equivalent to accredited schools in the United States. Evidence of equivalency to accredited schools in the United States is demonstrated by permanent certification by the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates, a fifth pathway certificate for Americans who completed premedical education in the United States and graduate education in a foreign country, or successful completion of the U.S. Medical Licensing Examination.

Postgraduate Training: Applicants must have successfully completed the required accredited residency training in Dermatology or Anatomic Pathology (with or without Clinical Pathology) and fellowship training in dermatopathology. Experience may not be substituted for residency or fellowship training that is required for the specialty identified.

Licensure and Certifications: Applicants must possess a current, active, full, and unrestricted license or registration as a Physician from a State, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, or a territory of the United States. Must be Board Certified in Anatomic Pathology or Anatomic Pathology / Clinical Pathology or Dermatology AND Dermatopathology.

Management Prefer:

  • Fellowship trained candidates in Dermatopathology with experience in a large consultation practice preferred.
  • If certified in Anatomic Pathology, be able to cross cover another subspecialty in Anatomical Pathology.