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Autopsy Doctor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Harris County

Assistant Medical Examiner

Houston, TX · On-site

$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 · On-site

$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

Forensic Neuropathologist

Houston, TX · On-site

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 ...

Harris County, TX

Forensic Neuropathologist

Houston, TX · On-site

... of autopsy examination and in subsequent more specialized examination settings; providing ... Doctor of Medicine (MD), Doctor of Osteopathy (DO), or Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery ...

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 ...

Whatcom County

Medical Examiner

Bellingham, WA · Hybrid

$29K/mo

The Medical Examiner will lead a team of Investigators, Autopsy Technicians, an Operations Manager ... Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree and be eligible for or ...

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Autopsy Doctor information

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How much do autopsy doctor jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 22, 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 laboratory procedures.

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.

What careers do autopsies have?

Autopsy doctors, also known as forensic pathologists, conduct post-mortem examinations to determine cause of death. They work in medical examiner or coroner's offices, hospitals, or forensic laboratories, often requiring medical degrees, pathology training, and certification. Their work involves detailed analysis, report writing, and sometimes testifying in court cases.

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 board certification. Forensic autopsies are often performed by forensic pathologists who work in medical examiner or coroner offices and may require additional training or certification in forensic science.

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 anatomical pathology that generally takes 1-2 years. Overall, it takes approximately 10-12 years of post-secondary education and training 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 July 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Internship, 1% As Needed, 57% Full Time, 31% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 8% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,259 per year, or $17.9 per hour.
Forensic Lab Technician - Forensic Services - 1

Forensic Lab Technician - Forensic Services - 1

Brazos County

Bryan, TX • On-site

$58K/yr

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago

Job description


General Summary:
Under direction, provides assistance to doctor(s) performing postmortem examinations and autopsies, including weighing human cadavers; removing clothing and articles of personal property from human cadavers prior to autopsy; washing human cadavers to remove excess blood; assisting doctors in opening abdominal, thoracic, and cranial cavities of human cadavers; measuring/weighing organ/fluid specimens and internal organs; closing incisions with sutures; returning human cadavers to storage cooler after completion of autopsy; exposing and developing x-rays of bodies and specimens; assisting as needed in collecting daily toxicology samples and identification photographs; timely packaging, sealing, and releasing of property and evidence.
Maintains cleanliness and orderliness of autopsy and morgue equipment and materials. Maintains chain of custody for all evidence obtained. Packages specimens appropriate as needed for toxicology and histology. Releases bodies to funeral homes, including transferring property to funeral homes and helping with lifting bodies. Performs related administrative work as required. Monitor and maintain equipment and supply inventory; perform related duties as required.
Essential Duties: Receive, photograph, tag, store decedents along w/associated evidence/personal effects. Undress, wash, weigh, measure, photograph, and eviscerate during autopsy as required. Assure that the decedent is released to proper next of kin as defined by Texas Law. Collect and prepare specimens in accordance with proper procedures; performs and processes x-rays, fingerprints, and performs other trace evidence collection and maintains inventory. Enters data into computer system and maintains monthly files of lab test results. Cleans and maintains instruments and equipment and supplies properly. Available for on-call rotation for weekends and holidays as needed.
Other Duties as assigned.
Supervision
Received: Administrative Manager
Given: None
Education
Required: High School Diploma or G.E.D
Preferred: Associates or Bachelor's Degree in Biology or related field
Experience
Required: 1 year experience in a laboratory environment
Preferred:
Certificates, Licenses, Registrations
Required:
Preferred:
Physical Demands
Typical: Sitting, standing, walking, stooping, climbing, kneeling and reaching. Pushing/pulling heavy weights up to 250 pounds and standing for extended periods will be necessary periodically.
Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities
Typical: Knowledge of health and safety standards and practices; ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing; must adjust to rapidly fluctuating situations; establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, employees of county and other governmental entities, outside agencies, news media, and the general public. Able to operate x-ray machine, x-ray developer, centrifuge, transcriber, computer, camera and other various lab equipment.
Work Environment
Typical: Usually in a comfortable environment but with regular exposure to factors causing moderate physical discomfort from such things as dust, fumes or odors. Requires sitting, standing, walking, stooping, climbing, kneeling, reaching, lifting, carrying, pushing and pulling. There is also frequent exposure to blood/body fluids or potentially infectious material or other hazardous material.
About Us
Brazos County is a county located in the U.S. state of Texas. The population as of the 2020 US Census was 233,849. The county seat is Bryan. Along with Brazoria County, the county is named for the Brazos River, which forms its western border.

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