Choosing the right state to practice pathology can influence career satisfaction, earning potential, and work–life balance. Whether you’re an early-career pathologist building a patient base or an experienced provider looking to relocate, location matters.
The list below features the top 10 states that offer the most favorable conditions for pathologists—blending salary potential, growth opportunities (clinical, stewardship, and public health roles), and supportive health care and public health infrastructure.
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Montana — Among the strongest states for physician practice conditions, with an average pathologist salary of $308,700 per year. Montana ranks #1 overall on WalletHub’s 2025 overall physician index, including #1 in opportunity and competition and #3 in medical environment, and has a cost-of-living index of 95.5, below the national baseline.
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Indiana — A high-performing state for pathologists, offering an average salary of $313,900 per year. Indiana ranks #2 overall for physicians, with #6 in opportunity and competition and #6 in medical environment and maintains a cost-of-living index of 91.0, well under the US average.
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South Dakota — A top state for pathologist compensation, with an estimated annual salary of $297,200. South Dakota ranks #3 overall and #3 in opportunity and competition, supported by a cost-of-living index of 91.9, which boosts real earnings.
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Iowa — Offers an average pathologist salary of $312,900 per year and ranks #4 overall on WalletHub’s physician analysis, including #2 in opportunity and competition. Iowa’s cost-of-living index of 89.7 is among the lowest nationwide.
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Utah — Provides an estimated pathologist salary of $313,100 per year and ranks #5 overall, standing out with a #1 ranking in medical environment for strong hospital quality and malpractice climate. Utah’s cost-of-living index of 102.2 sits only slightly above the national baseline.
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North Carolina — Pathologists earn about $310,700 per year, and the state ranks #6 overall and #2 in medical environment. North Carolina’s cost-of-living index of 97.8 remains below the national average.
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Minnesota — Among the highest-paying states for pathologists, with an average salary of $334,600 per year. Minnesota ranks #7 overall, including #12 in opportunity and competition and #8 in medical environment, and holds a below-baseline cost-of-living index of 94.6.
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North Dakota — Pathologists earn approximately $323,000 per year, and the state ranks #8 overall with #5 in opportunity and competition. A cost-of-living index of 91.4 allows earnings to stretch further than in higher-cost regions.
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Tennessee — Offers an average pathologist salary of $305,600 per year, and the state ranks #9 overall, including #11 in opportunity and competition and #9 in medical environment. Tennessee’s cost-of-living index of 90.3 is well below average and is further supported by no state tax on wage income.
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Wisconsin — Provides an average pathologist salary of $321,600 per year, with a #10 overall national ranking and #9 in opportunity and competition. Wisconsin maintains a cost-of-living index of 97.7, slightly below the US baseline.
Sources: Salary.com, WalletHub, World Population Review
