How to become a Pathologist

Identifies the cause and processes of disease and illness by examining changes in body tissue and in blood and other body fluids, and conducts tests on samples of tissues, blood and body secretions.

Main tasks

• Analyses specimens of tissues, blood and other body fluids to diagnose diseases and conditions, and advises on treatment options
• Collaborates with other Health Professionals to interpret test results and develop treatment plans, and monitors patient progress
• Performs autopsies to determine the cause of death and provide information for legal and medical purposes
• Advises clinicians on appropriate tests for the investigation of clinical problems, and provides clinical guidance to other Health Professionals

Ways in

• University: Medicine & Dentistry degrees, Offered by 34 universities in Australia
• TAFE and VET: Certificate III in Pathology Assistance (HLT37415)
• Licence or registration: Registration or licensing is required.

Pay · Outlook · AI and this job

• Typical full-time pay: $260,676 a year
• About 21,700 people work in this job group now, and about 28,900 are projected by 2035. (+33%)
• AI is more likely to help with parts of this job than to do it. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as low.

Related jobs

• Radiation Oncologist
• Dermatologist
• Emergency Medicine Specialist
• Obstetrician and Gynaecologist
• Ophthalmologist
• Radiologist

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Questions people ask

How do I become a Pathologist?

Ways in include: Medicine & Dentistry degrees; Certificate III in Pathology Assistance.

How much does a Pathologist earn in Australia?

Median full-time pay is $260,676 a year (Jobs and Skills Australia).

Is a Pathologist a growing career in Australia?

Yes. Employment is projected to grow 33% by 2035, from about 21,700 to about 28,900 people (Jobs and Skills Australia).

Do you need a degree to become a Pathologist?

Usually. 70% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Will AI change the work of a Pathologist?

AI is more likely to help with parts of this job than to do it. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as low.

Sources

• Jobs and Skills Australia: Occupation data (ANZSCO), from ABS Labour Force and Census (February 2026), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Jobs and Skills Australia: Generative AI Capacity Study, interactive table data (September 2025), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Jobs and Skills Australia: Employment Projections (Victoria University) (May 2025 to May 2035), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Australian Taxation Office: Taxation Statistics, Individuals Table 15A (2023-24), CC BY 2.5 AU, retrieved 2026-10-04

Updated 2026-10-04