Pathology Locum Compensation Benchmarks
Survey data by region and facility setting. Source: BLS OEWS, AMN Healthcare, CHG Healthcare. For informational purposes only.
How does your offer compare?
Enter your rate to see where it falls against these benchmarks.
Compare to Market Data →Regional Benchmark Data
P25 / Median / P75 hourly rates in $/hr
| Region | Setting | P25 | Median | P75 | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Northeast | Urban Hospital | $220 | $262 | $308 | BLS OEWS 2024 + AMN Healthcare 2025 Survey |
| Rural Critical Access | $240 | $285 | $335 | BLS OEWS 2024 + CHG Healthcare 2025 Survey | |
| Midwest | Urban Hospital | $202 | $242 | $285 | BLS OEWS 2024 + AMN Healthcare 2025 Survey |
| Rural Critical Access | $222 | $265 | $312 | BLS OEWS 2024 + CHG Healthcare 2025 Survey | |
| South | Urban Hospital | $195 | $232 | $272 | BLS OEWS 2024 + AMN Healthcare 2025 Survey |
| Rural Critical Access | $215 | $255 | $302 | BLS OEWS 2024 + Weatherby Healthcare 2025 | |
| West | Urban Hospital | $228 | $272 | $320 | BLS OEWS 2024 + AMN Healthcare 2025 Survey |
| Rural Critical Access | $248 | $295 | $348 | BLS OEWS 2024 + CHG Healthcare 2025 Survey |
Market Overview
Pathology locum work is increasingly telepathology-compatible — digital slide scanning has enabled remote sign-out for most surgical pathology. On-site locum pathologists cover frozen sections, ROSE (rapid on-site evaluation), and autopsy. Rural hospitals without in-house pathologists are a strong locum market.
Key Leverage Points
Urban Hospital
- Subspecialty sign-out (GI, GYN, hematopathology) commands a 20–30% premium
- Molecular pathology and next-generation sequencing experience opens academic center assignments
- Frozen section speed and accuracy is a key performance metric — highlight your track record
- ROSE capability (rapid on-site evaluation) for interventional radiology expands your options
Rural Critical Access
- Any pathology coverage is premium at rural hospitals — you have full negotiating leverage
- Autopsy willingness significantly increases your attractiveness to rural facilities
- Laboratory medical director role often accompanies pathology coverage — negotiate both
- Digital pathology capability enables hybrid remote/on-site arrangements
Contract Review Checklist
Items to review carefully before signing
- Case volume not capped — high-volume community hospitals can generate unsustainable workloads
- Laboratory medical director duties embedded at pathology rate — these are separate responsibilities
- Autopsy obligation not specified — clarify whether autopsies are included and at what frequency
- Digital slide scanning not available — confirm telepathology infrastructure before accepting remote
Pathology Negotiation Toolkit
Expanded benchmark tables, sample negotiation language, contract review checklist, and state-by-state take-home comparisons. One-time purchase.
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