Determine cause and manner of death and prepare final autopsy reports * Investigate deaths falling ... Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) * Licensed physician authorized ...
Determine cause and manner of death and prepare final autopsy reports * Investigate deaths falling ... Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) * Licensed physician authorized ...
Chief Medical Examiner
Murfreesboro, TN · On-site
$270 - $330/hr
Determine cause and manner of death and prepare final autopsy reports * Investigate deaths falling ... Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) * Licensed physician authorized ...
New
Chief Medical Examiner
Murfreesboro, TN · On-site
$270 - $330/hr
Determine cause and manner of death and prepare final autopsy reports * Investigate deaths falling ... Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) * Licensed physician authorized ...
New
Chief Medical Examiner
Murfreesboro, TN · On-site
$300K/yr
Determine cause and manner of death and prepare final autopsy reports * Investigate deaths falling ... Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) * Licensed physician authorized ...
Chief Medical Examiner
Murfreesboro, TN · On-site
$300K/yr
Determine cause and manner of death and prepare final autopsy reports * Investigate deaths falling ... Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) * Licensed physician authorized ...
Autopsy Doctor information
See Tennessee salary details
$13.53 - $14.52
20% of jobs
$14.68 is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$14.52 - $15.51
29% of jobs
The median wage is $15.54 / hr.
$15.51 - $16.50
35% of jobs
$16.50 - $17.49
13% of jobs
$17.49 - $18.49
1% of jobs
$18.49 - $19.48
0% of jobs
$19.48 - $20.47
0% of jobs
$20.47 - $21.46
0% of jobs
$21.46 - $22.45
1% of jobs
$22.45 - $23.44
0% of jobs
$23.44 - $24.44
1% of jobs
$13
$16
$24
How much do autopsy doctor jobs pay per hour?
As of Sep 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for autopsy doctor in Tennessee is $16.26, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.62 and $16.35 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.
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 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.
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 is the difference between Autopsy Doctor vs Forensic Pathologist?
| Aspect | Autopsy Doctor | Forensic Pathologist |
|---|---|---|
| Credentials | Medical degree, pathology residency, autopsy training | Medical degree, pathology residency, forensic pathology fellowship |
| Work Environment | Hospitals, medical examiner offices, morgues | Medical examiner offices, crime labs, hospitals |
| Industry Usage | Primarily in hospitals and medical settings | Legal 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 do you become an autopsy doctor?
To become an autopsy doctor, typically a medical degree is required, followed by completing a residency in pathology. Forensic pathologists often pursue additional training in forensic medicine and may obtain certification from relevant medical boards, working in medical examiner or coroner offices. Strong knowledge of anatomy, pathology, and forensic science is essential for this role.
What are popular job titles related to Autopsy Doctor jobs in Tennessee?
For Autopsy Doctor jobs in Tennessee, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Autopsy Doctor jobs in Tennessee look for?
The top searched job categories for Autopsy Doctor jobs in Tennessee are:
What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Autopsy Doctor jobs?
Cities in Tennessee with the most Autopsy Doctor job openings:
$300K/yr
Full-time
Re-posted 24 days ago
Job description
Annual Salary - $300,000
Lead with Expertise. Serve with Purpose.
Rutherford County is seeking an experienced and compassionate Chief Medical Examiner to lead the Office of the Medical Examiner and Regional Forensic Center. This position serves a critical role in protecting public health and supporting the justice system through medicolegal death investigations, forensic pathology, and leadership of forensic operations.
As Chief Medical Examiner, you will oversee forensic pathology staff, perform autopsies and postmortem examinations, determine cause and manner of death, preserve evidentiary integrity, collaborate with law enforcement and legal partners, and serve as an expert witness in court proceedings. This position also provides leadership during mass fatality incidents and ensures compliance with accreditation standards and state laws.
Essential Responsibilities
- Perform forensic autopsies and postmortem examinations
- Determine cause and manner of death and prepare final autopsy reports
- Investigate deaths falling under medicolegal jurisdiction
- Interpret laboratory, toxicology, microscopic, and consultative reports
- Collect, preserve, and maintain chain of custody for forensic evidence
- Complete and sign death certificates for jurisdictional cases
- Supervise, direct, mentor, and evaluate forensic pathology staff
- Work collaboratively with medicolegal death investigators and law enforcement agencies
- Testify as an expert witness in criminal and civil court proceedings
- Consult with prosecutors, defense attorneys, investigators, and medical professionals regarding case findings
- Review and approve cremation requests within the jurisdiction
- Coordinate forensic operations during mass fatality incidents with emergency response partners, hospitals, and funeral homes
- Support National Association of Medical Examiners (NAME) accreditation efforts and compliance initiatives
- Participate in Child Death Review Committee meetings and other professional activities
- Ensure adherence to safety protocols, infection control standards, and communicable disease reporting requirements
- Meet with family members to explain postmortem findings when appropriate
Minimum Qualifications
- Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.)
- Licensed physician authorized to practice medicine in the State of Tennessee
- Board Certified by the American Board of Pathology
- Certified Forensic Pathologist
- Five (5) or more years of experience in medicolegal death investigations
- Valid Tennessee driver's license
- Ability to maintain required continuing education and professional certifications
Why Join Our Team?
This is an opportunity to make a lasting impact through public service by advancing forensic excellence, supporting the justice system, mentoring the next generation of forensic professionals, and helping families and communities find answers during difficult times.
Click Here for Chief Medical Examiner Details.pdf