Physicians, pathologists
SOC Code: 29-1222
Physicians, pathologists carries a 27% AI exposure score (Medium automation risk) and +4.2% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 12,600 workers. Full task breakdown, skills, and employer data are below.
Proportion of tasks susceptible to AI automation (O*NET analysis)
AI Exposure vs Industry Growth
Total occupations tracked
832
Covering all SOC major groups
Data currency
2024
BLS Employment Projections
AI exposure avg
40%
Fleet-wide median across all roles
Composite score weighing O*NET task data completeness, BLS projection methodology, and cross-validation with employer risk grades.
Employment Projections
Occupation Insight
Physicians, pathologists (SOC 29-1222) carries an AI exposure score of 27%, placing it in the Medium automation-risk tier. This score is computed from O*NET Database 30.0 task-level analysis, where each task an occupation performs is evaluated against current generative AI, robotic process automation, and machine-learning capabilities. A score below 40% reflects tasks anchored in physical dexterity, unstructured environments, or high-touch human interaction that current AI cannot reliably replicate.
The economic context matters alongside the risk score. BLS counted approximately 12,600 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a +4.2% change through 2034 — modest growth that keeps the occupation viable even as tasks evolve. Entry typically requires Doctoral or professional degree, plus None of related experience.
For career planners, this profile should be read alongside the task, skill, and knowledge breakdowns below and the list of employers whose workforce composition includes Physicians, pathologists. Adjacent occupations shown further down offer lateral moves that preserve industry knowledge while potentially reducing exposure. Pair the AI exposure score with the BLS employment projection and wage percentiles above for a complete career assessment.
Education & Entry Requirements
Top Tasks (O*NET)
- 1. Examine microscopic samples to identify diseases or other abnormalities.
- 2. Diagnose diseases or study medical conditions, using techniques such as gross pathology, histology, cytology, cytopathology, clinical chemistry, immunology, flow cytometry, or molecular biology.
- 3. Write pathology reports summarizing analyses, results, and conclusions.
- 4. Communicate pathologic findings to surgeons or other physicians.
- 5. Identify the etiology, pathogenesis, morphological change, and clinical significance of diseases.
- 6. Read current literature, talk with colleagues, or participate in professional organizations or conferences to keep abreast of developments in pathology.
- 7. Consult with physicians about ordering and interpreting tests or providing treatments.
- 8. Analyze and interpret results from tests, such as microbial or parasite tests, urine analyses, hormonal assays, fine needle aspirations (FNAs), and polymerase chain reactions (PCRs).
- 9. Review cases by analyzing autopsies, laboratory findings, or case investigation reports.
- 10. Manage medical laboratories.
Key Skills Required
- Reading Comprehension
- Writing
- Critical Thinking
- Active Listening
- Science
- Active Learning
- Complex Problem Solving
- Speaking
- Judgment and Decision Making
- Monitoring
Knowledge Areas
- Medicine and Dentistry
- Biology
- English Language
- Education and Training
- Customer and Personal Service
- Chemistry
- Administration and Management
- Computers and Electronics
- Administrative
- Personnel and Human Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Physicians, pathologists?
Physicians, pathologists has an AI exposure score of 27%, indicating a medium level of automation risk. The majority of tasks in this role require human judgment, creativity, or physical presence that AI cannot easily replicate.
What is the job outlook for Physicians, pathologists?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Physicians, pathologists is projected to grow by 4.2% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 12,600 workers.
What skills are needed for Physicians, pathologists?
Key skills for Physicians, pathologists include Reading Comprehension, Writing, Critical Thinking, and others. Typical entry-level education is Doctoral or professional degree.
How much do Physicians, pathologists earn?
Wage data for Physicians, pathologists varies by region, experience, and employer. The Bureau of Labor Statistics publishes median wage estimates in its Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program.
What education is required for Physicians, pathologists?
The typical entry-level education for Physicians, pathologists is Doctoral or professional degree. Employers generally expect None of related work experience. On-the-job training typically involves Internship/residency. Requirements can vary by employer and specialization.
Which companies employ Physicians, pathologists?
Physicians, pathologists roles exist across many industries and employers. Workforce composition is estimated from BLS industry-occupation employment distributions matched to SEC-registered public companies.
AI Exposure Rating
Medium automation risk based on 10 analyzed tasks. Most tasks require human judgment and are resistant to automation.
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Data sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2024–2034 and O*NET Database 30.0. Employment figures are rounded. Wage data from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics (OES).