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Veterinary Pathologist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM or equivalent) plus post graduate training in veterinary pathology. * Board Certification in Veterinary Anatomic Pathology (ACVP or equivalent) strongly preferred.

New

DVM or VMD degree or other Veterinary degree * Board certified by the American College of Veterinary Pathologists or European College of Veterinary Pathologists. Preferred Qualifications: * 1 or more ...

DVM or VMD degree or other Veterinary degree * Board certified by the American College of Veterinary Pathologists or European College of Veterinary Pathologists. Preferred Qualifications: * 1 or more ...

Director of Clinical Medicine

Denver, CO · On-site

$82K - $112K/yr

Duties include supervision of the Clinical Veterinarians and Veterinary Pathologist, development of clinical policies and processes in partnership with the Director of Veterinary Operations, and ...

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Veterinary Pathologist information

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$45.5K

$249K

$387K

How much do veterinary pathologist jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for veterinary pathologist in the United States is $249,001.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $203,500.00 and $301,000.00 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 cities are hiring for Veterinary Pathologist jobs?

Cities with the most Veterinary Pathologist job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Veterinary Pathologist jobs?

The most popular types of Veterinary Pathologist jobs are:

Who are the top companies hiring for Veterinary Pathologist jobs?

The top employers for Veterinary Pathologist jobs are:

What states have the most Veterinary Pathologist jobs?

States with the most job openings for Veterinary Pathologist jobs include:

Infographic showing various Veterinary Pathologist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 21% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $249,001 per year, or $119.7 per hour.

Senior Veterinary Pathologist, Animal Health Lab

State of Maryland

Salisbury, MD • On-site

$80 - $120/hr

Other

Re-posted 2 days ago


State Of Maryland rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 127 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

26th of 50 rated states


Job description

The State of Maryland seeks a Necropsy Director for the Salisbury Animal Health Laboratory. This role involves managing resources, providing pathology services for livestock and poultry, and ensuring accurate diagnostic services. Essential for safeguarding animal health, the position requires a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine and substantial experience in veterinary diagnostics.

As part of a committed team, the Necropsy Director plays a key role in public health and agriculture, contributing to Maryland's agricultural integrity. The position includes collaboration with the University of Maryland Veterinary School.

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