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Autopsy Doctor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Posterity Group LLC

Renal Pathologist

Washington, DC · On-site

$325K - $445K/yr

Perform/supervise autopsy Requirements * Degree of Doctor of Medicine or an equivalent degree resulting from a course of education in medicine or osteopathic medicine. The degree must have been ...

Posterity Group LLC

Renal Pathologist

Washington, DC · On-site

Perform/supervise autopsy Requirements: * Degree of Doctor of Medicine or an equivalent degree resulting from a course of education in medicine or osteopathic medicine. The degree must have been ...

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Posterity Group LLC

Renal Pathologist

Washington, DC · On-site

Perform/supervise autopsy Requirements * Degree of Doctor of Medicine or an equivalent degree resulting from a course of education in medicine or osteopathic medicine. The degree must have been ...

Harris County

Assistant Medical Examiner

Houston, TX

$300K/yr

Doctor of Medicine (MD), Doctor of Osteopathy (DO), or Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery ... autopsy findings, edit autopsy reports, and provide testimony as required in civil and criminal ...

Harris County

Assistant Medical Examiner

Houston, TX

$300K/yr

Doctor of Medicine (MD), Doctor of Osteopathy (DO), or Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery ... autopsy findings, edit autopsy reports, and provide testimony as required in civil and criminal ...

Harris County

Deputy Chief Medical Examiner

Houston, TX · On-site

$166K/yr

Doctor of Medicine (MD), Doctor of Osteopathy (DO), or Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery ... autopsy findings, edit autopsy reports, and provide testimony as required in civil and criminal ...

Harris County

Forensic Neuropathologist

Houston, TX

Doctor of Medicine (MD), Doctor of Osteopathy (DO), or Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery ... autopsy reports; and provide testimony as required in civil and criminal proceedings Must be able ...

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Autopsy Doctor information

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How much do autopsy doctor jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for autopsy doctor in the United States is $17.91, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.11 and $18.03 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What qualifications do you need to do autopsies?

Autopsy doctors, or forensic pathologists, typically need a medical degree (MD or DO), completion of a residency in pathology, and specialized training in forensic or anatomical pathology. Certification by a relevant medical board is also required, along with strong skills in anatomy, pathology, and attention to detail.

What is the difference between Autopsy Doctor vs Forensic Pathologist?

AspectAutopsy DoctorForensic Pathologist
CredentialsMedical degree, pathology residency, autopsy trainingMedical degree, pathology residency, forensic pathology fellowship
Work EnvironmentHospitals, medical examiner offices, morguesMedical examiner offices, crime labs, hospitals
Industry UsagePrimarily in hospitals and medical settingsLegal investigations, criminal cases, legal proceedings

Autopsy Doctors and Forensic Pathologists both perform autopsies and require medical degrees with pathology training. However, Forensic Pathologists specialize in legal investigations and work closely with law enforcement, often handling criminal cases. Autopsy Doctors may work in medical or hospital settings without a focus on legal cases. The key difference lies in their work focus and environment, with Forensic Pathologists primarily involved in legal investigations.

How to become a doctor that does autopsies?

To become an autopsy doctor, you must first complete a bachelor's degree, then attend medical school to earn a Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree. After medical school, you need to complete a residency in pathology, which includes training in forensic or anatomical pathology, and obtain licensure; board certification in pathology is also recommended for specialization in forensic autopsies.

How much do doctors who do autopsies make?

Autopsy doctors, often forensic pathologists, typically earn between $150,000 and $300,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and work setting. They require medical degrees, pathology training, and certification, and often work in hospitals, medical examiner offices, or forensic laboratories.

How long does it take to become an autopsy doctor?

Becoming an autopsy doctor, typically a forensic pathologist, requires completing a bachelor's degree, followed by four years of medical school, a residency in pathology usually lasting 3-4 years, and a fellowship in forensic or forensic pathology that takes an additional 1 year. Overall, it generally takes about 13-15 years of education and training after high school to become fully qualified for this role.

What does an autopsy doctor do?

An autopsy doctor, also known as a forensic pathologist, is a medical doctor who specializes in determining the cause of death by examining bodies. They perform autopsies to investigate sudden, unexpected, or suspicious deaths, collect medical evidence, and may testify in court about their findings. In addition to working with law enforcement, autopsy doctors also contribute to research and public health by identifying disease outbreaks or harmful substances. Their work is crucial for providing closure to families and supporting the justice system.

What are some common challenges faced by autopsy doctors in their daily work?

Autopsy doctors often encounter challenging cases that require meticulous attention to detail and strong analytical skills, especially when determining causes of death in complex situations. They may also manage emotional stress from working with deceased individuals and interacting with grieving families. Additionally, autopsy doctors must stay current with evolving forensic technology and legal standards, and they frequently collaborate with law enforcement, pathologists, and other medical professionals to ensure thorough investigations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Autopsy Doctor, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Autopsy Doctor, you need a Doctor of Medicine (MD or DO) degree, completion of a pathology residency, and board certification in forensic pathology. Familiarity with laboratory information systems, autopsy instruments, and toxicology analysis tools is typically required. Attention to detail, analytical thinking, and clear written and verbal communication are essential soft skills for accurately documenting findings and testifying in legal settings. These competencies ensure precise cause-of-death determinations, uphold legal standards, and support public health and justice.
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Autopsy Doctor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Autopsy Doctor job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 97% Full Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,259 per year, or $17.9 per hour.

Physician - Forensic Pathologist

22nd Health Care LLC

Tampa, FL

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Performs autopsies, including external and internal examination and fixed organ dissection.

  • Reviews medical records, law enforcement reports, and other reports as part of death investigation.

  • Provides testimony for depositions and at trial as an expert witness.

Job description

Job Title: Physician - Forensic Pathologist
Location: Tampa, FL 33602
Duration: 3 Months to long term
Shift: Standard First Shift
Facility: Hillsborough County
Job Responsibilities:. 
•    Performs autopsies, including external and internal examination and fixed organ dissection. Interprets histological, toxicological, chemical, hematological, and micro-biologic laboratory results.
•    Reviews medical records, law enforcement reports, and other reports as part of death investigation. Provides explanation of findings and opinions to families of deceased and other Client persons.
•    Certifies indigent natural deaths, including external examinations, review requests for cremation and out of state body shipment.
•    Provides opinions at departmental conferences or less formally, or other assistance to department members to resolve problems.
•    Reviews case photographs, autopsy reports, and other file items prior to file sign-out.
•    Provides testimony for depositions and at trial as an expert witness. Examines clothing, weapons, motor vehicles, and other items pertinent to death investigations.
•    Investigates and interprets death scenes, including photographic documentation.
•    Maintains eligibility for faculty appointment in the Department of Pathology and Cell Biology at the University of South Florida College of Medicine.
•    Performs / assists in the scientific identification of unknown decedents via comparative dental / body x-ray imaging.
Requirements:
•    MD (Doctor of Medicine) or DO (Doctor of Osteopathy)
•    Completed ACGME-accredited training in Forensic Pathology
•    Board Certified (or eligible) in Forensic Pathology
•    Valid medical license (Florida OR able to obtain within 6 months)
•    Strong experience in forensic/autopsy-based investigations

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