Pathologist Salary in New Zealand (2025): Scope, Pay Scale & Career Outlook

Are you considering a career as a pathologist in New Zealand or planning to relocate for medical opportunities abroad? Understanding the pathologist’s salary in New Zealand is crucial before stepping into this highly specialised and respected medical field. In 2025, pathologists continue to be among the top earners in the healthcare sector, thanks to their vital role in disease diagnosis, research, and laboratory analysis.

This detailed guide covers everything you need to know—from average annual salaries, regional differences, and salary progression to factors influencing pay and job demand across the country. Whether you’re a local medical graduate, an international healthcare professional, or a student planning to study medicine in New Zealand, this article will provide clear insights into what to expect in terms of earnings and career growth as a pathologist.

How Much Does a Pathologist Earn in New Zealand? 

Pathologists in New Zealand command an average annual salary of 241,000 NZD, which translates to an average monthly income of 20,083 NZD. However, salary levels can vary considerably depending on factors such as experience, specialisation, and location. At the lower end of the spectrum, pathologists may earn an annual salary of 130,500 NZD (10,875 NZD per month), while highly experienced and specialised pathologists can earn up to 365,400 NZD per year (30,450 NZD per month). It’s important to note that these figures represent average salaries, and individual earnings may differ.

Here you can check how to Work Part-Time in New Zealand 2024

Pathologist  Salary in New Zealand Based On Experience Level 

As of 2025, pathologist salaries in New Zealand show a clear upward trend with increasing years of experience. Entry-level pathologists with less than two years of experience typically earn around NZD 153,800 per year. As professionals gain more experience, their earning potential rises significantly. For instance, those with 2 to 5 years of experience can expect an average salary of approximately NZD 192,600, reflecting a 25% increase from entry-level earnings. At the mid-career stage (5 to 10 years), salaries climb to about NZD 252,500, a 31% jump from the previous level.

Pathologists with 10 to 15 years of experience earn roughly NZD 296,400, followed by an average of NZD 327,200 for those in the 15 to 20-year range. The highest average salaries, around NZD 349,200, are reserved for senior professionals with 20+ years of experience, marking an overall growth of 127% from the entry-level range. These figures highlight the strong correlation between professional experience and salary growth in New Zealand’s medical pathology field.

Pathologist salaries in New Zealand generally increase with experience. Here’s a breakdown of how salary might vary based on experience level:

Experience Level	Average Salary Per Year
0-2 Years	NZD 153,800
2-5 Years	NZD 192,600
5-10 Years	NZD  252,500
10-15 Years	NZD 296,400
15-20 Years	NZD 327,200
20+ Years	NZD 349,200

Pathologist  Salary in New Zealand Based On Education Level 

Moving from a Bachelor’s to a Master’s degree can more than triple your income, while earning a PhD or completing medical fellowships adds an additional 23% to your salary.

PhDs or fellowships (e.g., through the Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia – RCPA) are essential for independent practice, research roles, or leadership positions. Pathologists with advanced degrees are often employed in teaching hospitals, private diagnostic labs, or research institutions, where salaries and bonuses tend to be higher.

Pathologist salaries in New Zealand are generally influenced by their educational qualifications. Here’s a breakdown of how education level can impact earnings:

Education Level	Average Salary Per Year
Bachelor’s Degree	NZD 40,500
Master’s Degree	NZD 122,000
PhD	NZD 150,000

Explore the list of some Highest Paying Jobs in New Zealand in 2024

Pathologist  Salary in New Zealand Based On Organisation 

Pathologists working in the private sector can earn 25% to 50% more than those in equivalent public roles, especially at senior levels. However, public sector positions often come with better job security and benefits.

Leading private pathology firms and diagnostic labs (e.g., Southern Community Laboratories, PathLab, Medlab) offer NZD 220,000 to over 374,000 depending on specialization and experience.

Pathologist salaries in New Zealand can vary depending on the type of organisation they work for. Here are some common organisations and their associated salary ranges:

Organization	Average Salary Per Year
PathLab	NZD 210,000- NZD 250,00
New Zealand Ministry of Education	NZD 59,000- NZD 97,000
TalkLink Trust	NZD 69,000- NZD 89,000
Sunflower Speech	NZD 67,000- NZD 73,000
Health New Zealand	NZD 94,000- NZD 103,000
Clinical Pathology Laboratories	NZD 62,000- NZD 70,000
St. Vincent’s Hospital	NZD 70,000- NZD 89,000
Sullivan Nicolaides	NZD 58,000- NZD 90,000
QML Pathology	NZD 90,000- NZD 100,000
Medlab Pathology	NZD 110,000 – NZD 120,000
Hawkesbury District Health Services	NZD 85,000- NZD 110,000

Pathologist  Salary in New Zealand Based On Cities 

In 2025, the city or region in which a pathologist practices in New Zealand has a noticeable impact on their annual income. This is largely due to factors such as cost of living, regional demand for healthcare specialists, and availability of private pathology labs. Below is a breakdown of average pathologist salaries by major cities, along with percentage differences compared to the national average.

Pathologist salaries in New Zealand can vary depending on the city or region where they work. Generally, major cities with larger populations and higher costs of living tend to offer higher salaries. Here are some examples of how pathologist salaries might differ based on city:

Cities	Average Salary Per Year
Auckland	NZD 276,200
Rotorua	NZD 229,600
Christchurch	NZD 257,500
Hamilton	NZD 250,600
Wellington	NZD 245,600
New Plymouth	NZD 120,500

Pathologist  Salary in New Zealand Based On Positions 

Pathologist salaries in New Zealand can vary depending on the specific position they hold. Here are some common positions and their associated salary ranges:

Positions	Average Salary Per Year
Speech Therapist	NZD 100,000
Pathologist	NZD 220,000
Junior Pathologist	NZD 240,000
Consultant Pathologist	NZD 250,000
Chief Pathologist	NZD 260,000
Caregiver	NZD 51,000
Certified Medical Assistant	NZD 57,800
Clinic Assistant	NZD 64,5000

All You Need to Know About Internships in New Zealand for International Students 

FAQs 

 This was all about the average pathologist salary in New Zealand, and I want to explore more such interesting professions with their salary range. Follow Leverage Edu and our main page, Jobs Abroad, for more updates. 

Related Read

Get Insight Into D Pharmacy Salary In New Zealand	Ophthalmologist Salary in New Zealand: A Guide 2025
Doctor Salary in New Zealand	A Detailed Guide to Electrician Salary in New Zealand 2025
What is the Registered Nurse Average Salary in New Zealand	Anesthesiologist Salary in New Zealand for 2025