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Pathologist salary: How pathologist pay compares with the national average

The ABS does not publish a median weekly earnings figure for pathologists (a 6-digit occupation). However, award rates for medical specialists under the Medical Practitioners Award indicate pathologist salaries are likely above the national full-time average of $108,352 a year.

This sits on the Australian full-time average.

Week, hour, and a tax sketch

$2,084 a week · $54.83 an hour if spread over 38 hours

About $83,159 after resident income tax and a 2% Medicare levy.

2026–27 resident rates and a 2% Medicare levy. Not a tax assessment.Open the full line

Pathologist salary overview

Pathologists are medical specialists who diagnose diseases. The Australian Bureau of Statistics does not publish a median weekly earnings figure for pathologists because it is a 6-digit occupation. The national full-time adult ordinary-time average is $2,083.70 a week ($108,352 a year) according to ABS Average Weekly Earnings, May 2026. The national full-time median is $90,532 a year (ABS Employee Earnings, August 2025).

How pathologist pay sits against the average

Because the ABS does not publish a median for pathologist salary, we rely on award rates for medical specialists. The Fair Work Medical Practitioners Award sets a minimum weekly rate for a specialist at $2,570.93. This is above the national full-time average. Pathologists are likely to earn above the average. The national minimum wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 an hour, $1,004.90 a week, about $52,255 a year on 38 hours.

Factors that move pathologist pay above or below the average

  • Experience and seniority: Award rates increase with seniority. A senior specialist pay point 4 is $3,149.16 a week, well above the average.
  • Location: State full-time averages vary. For example, New South Wales $109,658, Victoria $106,137, Queensland $106,064, South Australia $102,450, Western Australia $115,825, Tasmania $96,008, Northern Territory $103,173, Australian Capital Territory $119,090.
  • Public vs private: Public hospital pathologists may be under enterprise agreements that can be higher than award.
  • Hours worked: Pathologists often work full-time (67% work full-time, average 44 hours per week). Overtime and penalty rates can increase pay.

Where to find more information

You can place a salary on the line to see how it compares with the national average. For median earnings of other occupations, see job medians.

Tax considerations

Resident tax rates for 2026–27: nil to $18,200; 15% to $45,000; 30% to $135,000; 37% to $190,000; 45% above that. Medicare levy 2% before reductions. A pathologist earning above the average would be in the 30% or 37% bracket.

Conclusion

Pathologist salary data is not published by the ABS, but award rates and state averages suggest pathologists typically earn above the national full-time average of $108,352 a year. Factors like experience, location, and seniority can move pay further above or below.

Questions

What is the average pathologist salary in Australia?

The Australian Bureau of Statistics does not publish a median weekly earnings figure for pathologists because it is a 6-digit occupation. The national full-time adult ordinary-time average is $2,083.70 a week ($108,352 a year) according to ABS Average Weekly Earnings, May 2026.

How does a pathologist salary compare with the national average?

Pathologists are medical specialists. The Fair Work Medical Practitioners Award sets a minimum weekly rate for a specialist at $2,570.93, which is above the national full-time average of $2,083.70. Actual pathologist salaries are often higher, but precise figures are not available from the ABS.

What factors affect a pathologist's pay?

Factors include years of experience, location (state averages vary from $96,008 in Tasmania to $119,090 in the ACT), public versus private sector, and whether the pathologist is a senior specialist or senior specialist. Award rates also increase with seniority.

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