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Autopsy Doctor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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

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 ...

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 ...

Alameda Health System

Pathologist

Oakland, CA

$176.74 - $187.24/hr

... preliminary autopsy diagnosis and timely completion of a full autopsy report. Attend ... D.) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) is required. Required: Board Eligible or Board ...

Alameda Health System

Pathologist

Oakland, CA · On-site

$176.74 - $187.24/day

... preliminary autopsy diagnosis and timely completion of a full autopsy report. Attend ... Education : Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) is required.

Alameda Health System

Pathologist

Oakland, CA · On-site

$176.74 - $187.24/hr

... preliminary autopsy diagnosis and timely completion of a full autopsy report. Attend ... D.) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) is required. Required: Board Eligible or Board ...

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How much do autopsy doctor jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 10, 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 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 board certification. This training provides the skills necessary to perform autopsies and analyze cause of death.

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
Deputy Medical Examiner, Medical Examiner's Office

Deputy Medical Examiner, Medical Examiner's Office

Webb County (TX)

Laredo, TX

$250K - $300K/yr

Full-time

Posted yesterday

Job description

Job Summary This position is responsible for the investigation or supervision of investigations for all types of deaths. Performs medico-legal investigations, autopsies, and examinations, and orders analytical testing to determine accurate cause and manner of death, including investigation within the jurisdiction of the Webb County Medical Examiner in accordance with Articles 49.0 and 49.25, Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, Texas Family Code, and the Texas Health and Safety Codes, including those cases contracted with other counties outside of Webb. Major Duties Conducts post-mortem examinations to determine cause and manner of death

Orders appropriate analytical testing. Collects specimens and evidentiary materials and requests testing. Dictates findings upon completion of post-mortem examinations.

Prepares written opinion reports regarding case findings, including the interpretation and findings. Signs official death certificate. Promptly reviews and signs Medical Examiner reports.

Responds to scenes when necessary or requested. Assists in the recovery of decedents. Provides family conferences in person and by telephone to family members of the deceased to increase the level of understanding of causes of death, manner of death, and physiologic and psychological mechanisms involved.

Responsible for assisting with the review of all medical investigator reports to ensure accuracy. Provides expert forensic pathology witness testimony in Local and State court proceedings to include testimony in out-of-county autopsy cases. Confers with attorneys, law enforcement, physicians, family members, and the general public, as required.

Performs related duties as assigned by the Chief Medical Examiner. Minimum Qualifications Licensed to practice medicine as a medical doctor in the State of Texas, issued by the Texas Medical Board. Completion of an accredited fellowship in forensic pathology.

Board certification in Anatomic/Clinical or Anatomic Pathology by the American Board of Pathology or the Board of Osteopathy. Board eligible/certified in Forensic Pathology by the American Board of Pathology or the Board of Osteopathy. Supplemental Information Medicolegal investigation of death techniques.

Modern forensic pathology methods and techniques. Standard autopsy room protocols. Rules and collection of evidence.

Federal, State, Local, and County applicable laws, rules, regulations, and guidelines. Budgeting development, process and maintenance. Policies, practices, procedures, and terminology of assigned function.

Principle and procedures of record keeping. Business English, spelling and arithmetic. Skill in: Using and caring of autopsy room equipment, photography equipment, and microscope.

Holding inquests, and documenting results of application of forensic pathology, toxicology, histology, and other medical-legal procedures. Explaining complicated technical problems in simple non-technical language. Problem-solving and decision-making.

Dealing effectively and professionally with distraught, upset, or potentially volatile family members or situations. Interpret, follow, and enforce written rules, policies, procedures, codes, ordinances, and regulations. Work independently.

Deal with death-related environment daily and unpleasant odors associated with autopsies.

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