A pathology assistant works under the supervision of a pathologist to assist with the dissection and examination of human tissue, often as part of an autopsy. In the US, a pathology assistant earns more than $75,000 per year compared to about C$77,000 ($60,637 USD) in Canada and £42,000 ($50,471 USD) in the UK. Annual compensation for pathology assistants in Australia are at nearly AU$112,000 ($85,169 USD) and about NZ$94,000 ($64,834 USD) in New Zealand while incomes in South Africa and India are lower at R300,000 ($21,172 USD) and Rs582,000 ($9,035 USD), respectively. Salaries for pathology assistants vary by geographic region in addition to the level of professional experience and work setting. Additional information on the factors that influence a pathology assistant salary are found in this guide.
How Much Does a Pathology Assistant Make per Year?
This chart outlines annual and hourly wages for pathology assistants worldwide along with US dollar equivalencies.
| Pathology Assistant Salary | US | Canada | UK | Australia | New Zealand | India | South Africa |
| Hourly Wage | $36 | C$37 | £20 | AU$54 | NZ$45 | Rs280 | R144 |
| Annual Wage | $75,058 | C$76,905 ($60,637 USD) |
£42,227 ($50,471 USD) |
AU$111,606 ($85,169 USD) |
NZ$93,705 ($64,834 USD) |
Rs581,679 ($9,035 USD) |
R299,465 ($21,172 USD) |
Factors that Influence the Pathology Assistant Salary
Geographic region is a strong factor in earning potential for pathology assistants; however, there is influence from the number of years of work experience and the type of work setting. Additional information on income and working in this field are provided in this guide.
1. Geographic Area
Pathology Assistant Salary in US
In the US, the annual compensation for a pathology assistant is about $75,000 per year plus another $1,300 or more in bonus pay. Those paid an hourly wage earn about $36 per hour. The average starting salary for entry level positions is more than $53,000 per year while senior level positions garner about $93,000 in annual pay.
Pathology Assistant Salary in Canada
Pathology assistants in Canada receive about C$77,000 per year, or C$37 per hour. Bonus income opportunities can add another C$1,400 to overall earnings. When beginning their career, pathology assistants earn nearly C$55,000 per year compared to more than $95,000 in annual salary for their senior level colleagues.
Pathology Assistant Salary in UK
Pathology assistants in the UK see earnings top £42,000 per year, while hourly wages average £20 per hour. The average bonus income is light, but can boost overall earnings nearly £800. As an entry level pathology assistant, the average annual salary is about £30,000 while senior level professionals earn more than £52,000 annually.
Pathology Assistant Salary in Australia
In Australia, pathology assistants earn just under AU$112,000 per year plus another AU$2,000 in bonus income. Those paid an hourly wage earn AU$54 per hour, on average. Entry level positions garner an average annual salary of nearly AU$80,000 compared to AU$138,000 annually for senior level pay.
Pathology Assistant Salary in New Zealand
The average annual salary for pathology assistants in New Zealand is nearly NZ$94,000, or NZ$45 per hour, with another NZ$1,700 available in bonus income pay. On average, pathology assistants earn about NZ$67,000 per year when beginning their careers, increasing with experience to more than NZ$116,000 upon reaching a senior level position.
Pathology Assistant Salary in India
Pathology assistants in India see average earnings reach Rs582,000 per year and another Rs10,000 or more in bonus incentive pay. Hourly wage earners receive about Rs280 per hour. At the entry level, the average starting salary is nearly Rs421,000 per year, increasing with experience to just under Rs731,000 per year for senior level pay.
Pathology Assistant Salary in South Africa
As a pathology assistant in South Africa, the average annual compensation is nearly R300,000 per year plus another R5,400 in bonus pay. On average, hourly wage earners receive R144 per hour. Entry level positions see average annual salaries top R215,000 while senior level pay can reach R374,000 per year.
2. Experience
With additional professional experience, overall earning potential increases between 73% and 75% worldwide. In the US, where annual earnings are among the highest of the countries reviewed in this guide, senior level pathology assistants earn about $40,000 more per year compared to their entry level counterparts, representing an increase of 75%. While annual salaries in South Africa and India are on the lower end of the pay scale, the gap between senior level and entry level pay is about 74%. All other countries reviewed in this guide see earning potential expand about 73% upon reaching the senior level.
3. Industry
Pathology assistants are employed by hospitals, law enforcement agencies, and private research laboratories. Employment in the public sector or nonprofit organizations may offer lower pay and few opportunities for bonus income compared to private sector, for-profit organizations.
Working Hours
A full-time work schedule is common for many pathology assistants; however, there are part-time opportunities available. While typical work hours are during normal business hours, Monday through Friday, there may be times when evening or weekend work is necessary, particularly if working with law enforcement.
Bonuses and Benefit Packages
Pathology assistants typically receive a comprehensive benefits package that includes healthcare coverage and paid time off. Other benefits that may be available to pathology assistants include retirement plans and paid training. Some employers also offer bonus incentive pay, although these payments are typically not large. Those who are employed part-time may receive a smaller benefits package or may be ineligible for these additional benefits and bonuses.
Job Outlook
It is estimated by the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics that growth in laboratory technologists and technicians, including pathology assistants, will increase faster than average at about 13%. To work as a pathology assistant, a bachelor’s degree in biology or chemistry is needed as well as successful completion of a pathology assistant program. Certification is required for most positions and those who join a professional organization or association may be more competitive for some positions.
Conclusion
Pathology assistants earn solid incomes that are reflective of the level of education required for this career field, and benefits and bonus packages are common for full-time employees. Future growth in this career field is expected to be faster than average for all occupations, which should support income levels and provide good employment opportunities for newly trained pathology assistants.
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