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Staff Physician- Pathology

Detroit, MI · On-site

$200 - $250/hr

Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) from a school approved by the ... autopsy pathology, and cytopathology services. * Consult on laboratory testing, chemistry ...

Harris County, TX

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 ...

iRecruitMD

Pathology Physician

Grand Forks, ND

Examine and interpret surgical pathology, cytology, and/or autopsy specimens consistent with ... Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) from an accredited medical school

Whatcom County, WA

Medical Examiner

Bellingham, WA · On-site

$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 ...

Bexar County, TX

Deputy Medical Examiner

Madison, SD · On-site

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Doctor of Medicine Degree, and one (1 ... autopsy equipment, microscope, camera, Dictaphone, personal computer and basic office equipment ...

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$14

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$26

How much do autopsy doctor jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 23, 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.
Pathologist - Full-Time 1.0 FTE

Pathologist - Full-Time 1.0 FTE

Alameda Health System

Oakland, CA

$176.74 - $187.24/hr

Full-time

Posted 21 days ago

Alameda Health System rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 15 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

SUMMARY: The physician will provide Anatomic & Clinical pathology services for Alameda Health System. Services will be on-site at Highland Hospital, San Leandro Hospital and Alameda Hospital.

DUTIES & ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: NOTE: Following are the duties performed by employees in this classification. However, employees may perform other related duties at an equivalent level. Not all duties listed are necessarily performed by each individual in the classification. 

Anatomic Pathology expected duties:
    Perform gross and microscopic examinations of all submitted body fluid and tissue samples, as needed, with timely integration of these findings into a final diagnostic report that is accurate and clinically relevant.
    Perform fine needle aspiration biopsies of palpable masses in clinic, ED and hospitalized patients with subsequent interpretation of the cytologic smears and generation of a cytopathologic diagnosis and interpretive report.  
    Assist surgeons, interventional radiologists and other providers with rapid intra-operative consultations when clinically needed, using cytologic and/or frozen section methodologies.
    Perform microscopic examinations of submitted body fluids to rule out malignancy and infection, as clinically requested, and render a cytopathologic diagnosis and interpretive report.
    Determine whether appropriate, and if yes, coordinate and interpret post-mortem examinations at the request of medical providers, with rapid communication of a preliminary autopsy diagnosis and timely completion of a full autopsy report.
    Attend multidisciplinary, patient-care focused meetings, such as Tumor Boards, to present the pathologic findings and assist in the interpretation of the results.  

Clinical Pathology expected duties:
    Provide medical director leadership to the Clinical Laboratory
    Provide assistance to medical providers in the proper selection and interpretation of laboratory tests
    Possess the expertise to serve as Director of the Transfusion Service. 
    Provide assistance to medical providers in the appropriate use of blood products.
    Interpret and provide clinical consultation for clinical laboratory results related to
        Blood Bank
        Clinical Chemistry
        Coagulation
        Hematology, including peripheral smear review & consultation.
        Microbiology
        Urinalysis
        Esoteric send out testing - including clinical consultation on selection of the appropriate tests
        Other testing or testing-related Pathology subspecialties essential for accurate diagnosis and treatment (e.g. Clinical Informatics,  Hematopathology, Molecular Genetic pathology, Neuropathology, Pediatric Pathology, Toxicology, Histocompatibility, Cytogenetics)
    Accountable for the Quality Management systems (overall laboratory and individual test sections)
    Responsible and accountable for maintaining valid accreditation and licensure for Laboratory & Pathology services

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Education: Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) is required.

Required: Board Eligible or Board Certified in Anatomic Pathology, Clinical Pathology or both.

Required Licenses/Certifications: Possession of a valid license to practice medicine in the State of California.

Valid DEA license (not required for Pathologists)

Pay Range: $176.74 - $187.24 per hour

The pay range for this position reflects the base pay scale for the role at Alameda Health System. Final compensation will be determined based on several factors, including but not limited to a candidate’s experience, education, skills, licensure, and certifications, departmental equity, applicable collective bargaining agreements, and the operational needs of the organization. Alameda Health System also offers eligible positions a generous, comprehensive benefits program. 

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