Pathology Locum Compensation Benchmarks
Based on BLS OEWS public data and CMS geographic adjustment factors, processed through a locum-adjusted model, calibrated and validated against publicly posted rates and observations.
Pathology — National Benchmark
Locum market rates, 2026.
P25
$302/hr
Median
$357/hr
P75
$423/hr
P90
$488/hr
Regional Estimates
| Region | Setting | P25 | Median | P75 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Northeast | Urban Hospital | $307/hr | $363/hr | $429/hr |
| Rural Critical Access Rural / CAH | $267/hr | $316/hr | $374/hr | |
| Midwest | Urban Hospital | $320/hr | $378/hr | $448/hr |
| Rural Critical Access Rural / CAH | $279/hr | $329/hr | $390/hr | |
| South | Urban Hospital | $314/hr | $371/hr | $439/hr |
| Rural Critical Access Rural / CAH | $273/hr | $323/hr | $382/hr | |
| Southeast | Urban Hospital | $301/hr | $355/hr | $420/hr |
| Rural Critical Access Rural / CAH | $262/hr | $309/hr | $366/hr | |
| West | Urban Hospital | $298/hr | $352/hr | $417/hr |
| Rural Critical Access Rural / CAH | $259/hr | $307/hr | $363/hr | |
| Southwest | Urban Hospital | $320/hr | $378/hr | $448/hr |
| Rural Critical Access Rural / CAH | $279/hr | $329/hr | $390/hr |
Rate Evaluator
Compare your offer to market data
Specialty
Loading…
State
All States
Facility Setting
$
Loading rate data…
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.
- Telepathology has enabled remote sign-out at most sites — location flexibility is unmatched
- Subspecialty expertise (GI, GYN, hematopathology) commands 20–30% above general path rates
- ROSE (rapid on-site evaluation) capability opens IR partnership assignments at academic centers
- On-site frozen section coverage commands the highest locum pathology premiums at surgical hospitals
Get the full Pathology negotiation toolkit — 50-state rate tables,
word-for-word recruiter scripts, and contract red flag checklist.
Get the Toolkit — $99 →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
Word-for-word scripts for every recruiter objection, 50-state rate tables at P25/50/75/90,
leverage points by credential and shift type, and a contract red flag checklist.
$99 one-time.
Get the Toolkit — $99 →Browse Other Specialties
AnesthesiologyCardiologyDermatologyEmergency MedicineFamily MedicineGastroenterologyGeneral SurgeryHematology-OncologyHospitalistInternal MedicineNeonatologyNeurologyObstetrics & GynecologyOrthopedic SurgeryOtolaryngology (ENT)Pain ManagementPediatricsPhysical Medicine & RehabilitationPsychiatryRadiologyUrology