These are the job offers I have encountered for someone who has 1-2 years of experience after residency/fellowship:
Private practice/MSG - $150K base for 1 year, then conversion to 40% collections. 401k, health care, at least. Road to partnership. You should expect this from a practice that wants you to contribute and succeed.
Hospital system - $225 base for 2 years then conversion based on RVUs.
Some hospitals have shareholder track. Some have pension plan.
VA - ~200K+ (depends on location) with incremental increase annually. Benefits. Pension plan.
Yes there are jobs available that have a low base (80-100K), but more concerning are jobs with no road to partnership. You can use this is a temporary placeholder, but gain experience and work your way up to a position that offers long term benefits.
There are many jobs that compensate well and have room for ownership out there if desired. You need to have the right combination of talent, smarts, and ability to network to encounter these opportunities.
That’s why it’s so important to go to a residency training program that has good mentorship and connections, in addition to the pathology and cases. The right position for you to make an impact is out there, whether you want to devote time to being a clinician, academic, researcher, teacher, entrepreneur, consultant. I’m 3 years out from residency and I am more passionate about this profession than ever.
If you’re looking into this profession, you need to talk to the right people.