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Pathologist vs oncologist

The differences between pathologists and oncologists can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, an oncologist has an average salary of $298,009, which is higher than the $61,808 average annual salary of a pathologist.

The top three skills for a pathologist include patients, patient care and diagnosis. The most important skills for an oncologist are patients, oncology, and patient care.

Pathologist vs oncologist overview

PathologistOncologist
Yearly salary$61,808$298,009
Hourly rate$29.72$143.27
Growth rate7%7%
Number of jobs20,3403,801
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 40%Bachelor's Degree, 37%
Average age4848
Years of experience6-

What does a pathologist do?

Pathologists are medical healthcare professionals who are responsible for conducting examinations of bodies and body tissues. These pathologists must perform laboratory tests of body fluids and tissues to help primary care doctors make a diagnosis about the health of patients who are with chronic conditions. They specialize in genetic testing that will examine a tissue biopsy to determine whether a tumor is benign or cancerous. Pathologists must also perform autopsies to inform family members of the deceased about the cause of death and help them take preventive action for their own health.

What does an oncologist do?

Oncologists are doctors that are specialized in treating cancer and give medical care for a person diagnosed with the illness. They direct a patient's care during the progression of the disease, which begins with the diagnosis. Their roles include describing the cancer diagnosis and stage as well as discussing the treatment options and his/her or her desired alternative. Also, they provide compassionate and quality care. Additionally, they assist the patient control the symptoms and side effects of cancer and cancer medication.

Pathologist vs oncologist salary

Pathologists and oncologists have different pay scales, as shown below.

PathologistOncologist
Average salary$61,808$298,009
Salary rangeBetween $25,000 And $148,000Between $132,000 And $672,000
Highest paying CityAnchorage, AKFargo, ND
Highest paying stateAlaskaAlaska
Best paying companyUT Medical Group, Inc.Billings Clinic
Best paying industry-Health Care

Differences between pathologist and oncologist education

There are a few differences between a pathologist and an oncologist in terms of educational background:

PathologistOncologist
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 40%Bachelor's Degree, 37%
Most common majorPhysiology And AnatomyNursing
Most common collegeStanford UniversityUniversity of Virginia

Pathologist vs oncologist demographics

Here are the differences between pathologists' and oncologists' demographics:

PathologistOncologist
Average age4848
Gender ratioMale, 40.7% Female, 59.3%Male, 42.4% Female, 57.6%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 5.2% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 9.9% Asian, 20.4% White, 59.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2%Black or African American, 5.0% Unknown, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino, 9.4% Asian, 18.7% White, 62.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2%
LGBT Percentage13%13%

Differences between pathologist and oncologist duties and responsibilities

Pathologist example responsibilities.

  • Supervise and manage pathology, microbiology and biochemistry laboratory.
  • Provide consultations to care providers and interpret laboratory findings and diagnosis to patients.
  • Screen by ELISA & immunoblots.
  • Result in answering an FDA concern regarding device.
  • Participate in FDA submissions, plan 510k and PMA submissions.
  • Perform oncology markers and hormonal assays by Elisa and Delfia system.
  • Show more

Oncologist example responsibilities.

  • Develop skills in managing diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and hypertension.
  • Scan all patient data in to EMR
  • Operate EKG and other equipment to administer diagnostic tests.
  • Treat many skin, lung, breast and prostate cancers as well.
  • Operate electrocardiogram (EKG), or other equipment to administer routine diagnostic tests.
  • Prepare chemotherapy medications in the infusion center.
  • Show more

Pathologist vs oncologist skills

Common pathologist skills
  • Patients, 31%
  • Patient Care, 11%
  • Diagnosis, 8%
  • GI, 4%
  • GYN, 4%
  • Frozen Sections, 3%
Common oncologist skills
  • Patients, 32%
  • Oncology, 29%
  • Patient Care, 11%
  • Hematology Oncology, 10%
  • Surgery, 5%
  • Chemotherapy, 3%

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