ZipRecruiter

Log In

2

Entry Level Forensic Pathologist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

All JobsForensic Pathologist JobsEntry Level Forensic Pathologist Jobs

Entry Level Forensic Pathologist information

See salary details

$41.5K

$219.3K

$320K

How much do entry level forensic pathologist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level forensic pathologist in the United States is $219,325.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $183,000.00 and $274,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level forensic pathologist?

To thrive as an Entry Level Forensic Pathologist, you need a Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree, completion of a pathology residency, and board eligibility or certification in forensic pathology. Familiarity with laboratory information systems, autopsy tools, and toxicology testing equipment is typically required. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and clear communication skills help you excel in reporting findings and testifying in legal settings. These competencies ensure accurate cause-of-death determinations, uphold legal standards, and support the justice system effectively.

What are some common challenges faced by entry level forensic pathologists during their first year on the job?

Entry-level forensic pathologists often face challenges such as managing a high caseload while adapting to the fast-paced nature of death investigations. They must quickly develop strong communication skills to interact effectively with law enforcement, legal teams, and grieving families. Additionally, new professionals may need time to build confidence in performing autopsies independently and testifying in court. Support from experienced colleagues and ongoing training are essential for overcoming these initial hurdles and ensuring professional growth.

What is the difference between Entry Level Forensic Pathologist vs Forensic Toxicologist?

AspectEntry Level Forensic PathologistForensic Toxicologist
Required CredentialsMedical degree (MD), pathology residency, forensic pathology certificationDegree in toxicology, chemistry, or related field; often a master's or PhD
Work EnvironmentMedical examiner offices, hospitals, morguesCrime labs, research institutions, government agencies
Industry UsageLegal investigations, death investigations, autopsiesDrug testing, poison detection, chemical analysis in forensic cases

While both roles are vital in forensic investigations, an Entry Level Forensic Pathologist primarily conducts autopsies and determines causes of death, requiring medical credentials. In contrast, a Forensic Toxicologist focuses on analyzing biological samples for toxins and drugs, often with a background in chemistry. Both careers work within forensic science but serve different functions in criminal investigations.

How hard is it to get into entry level forensic pathology?

Entry-level forensic pathologist positions are highly competitive due to the specialized training required, including medical school, pathology residency, and often a forensic pathology fellowship. Candidates typically need strong academic records, relevant experience, and certification from the American Board of Pathology, making entry challenging for many applicants.

Is there a shortage of entry level forensic pathologists?

There is a growing demand for entry level forensic pathologists due to increasing case volumes and retirements in the field. However, competition for these positions can vary by region and the availability of specialized training and certification may influence job prospects.

Where to start to become an entry level forensic pathologist?

To become an entry-level forensic pathologist, you need to complete a bachelor's degree, typically in a science-related field, followed by medical school to earn an MD or DO degree. After medical school, you must complete a residency in pathology, usually lasting three to four years, and then pursue a fellowship in forensic pathology, which provides specialized training in death investigation and forensic techniques.
More about Entry Level Forensic Pathologist jobs

What cities are hiring for Entry Level Forensic Pathologist jobs?

Cities with the most Entry Level Forensic Pathologist job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Forensic Pathologist jobs?

The most popular types of Forensic Pathologist jobs are:

What job categories do people searching Entry Level Forensic Pathologist jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Forensic Pathologist jobs are:

Entry Level Forensic Pathologist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Forensic Pathologist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 7% As Needed, 61% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 16% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $219,325 per year, or $105.4 per hour.

Deputy Medical Examiner I-25415809

County of San Diego, CA

San Diego, CA • On-site

$298K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 25 days ago

Job description

Salary: $298,147.20 Annually
Location : County of San Diego, CA
Job Type: Regular - Full time
Job Number: 25415809
Department: Medical Examiner, County
Opening Date: 09/26/2025
Closing Date: Continuous
Job Summary
The County of San Diego Medical Examiner's Department is currently recruiting for Deputy Medical Examiners.
Apply Today for an exciting career with an award-winning agency!
The application process is open until filled.
Future Salary Increases:
** June 2027 - 4.93% increase to base pay (3% Across-the-Board + 1.93% Market Adjustment)
Recruitment Bonus:
$1,250 Upon completion of the hiring process
$1,250 After successful completion of the probation period
**May be eligible for relocation allowance up to $8,000.
Employee Referral Program:
***Hard-to-recruit positions qualify for the Employee Referral Reward Program. If a current County of San Diego employee referred you to apply for this position, please indicate the employee's name on your job application in the space provided.***
Deputy Medical Examiners determine the cause of death for the deceased in the custody of the Medical Examiner. Deputy Medical Examiner I is the entry-level class in this series. Incumbents visit scenes of death; conduct post-mortem examinations to determine the probable cause of death; testify and provide medical evidence at the grand jury and court trials; perform microscopic tissue examinations; prepare reports of findings, and perform related work.
If you have Board certification in a related non-forensic subspecialty (i.e., Neuropathology, Cardiac Pathology, Pediatric Pathology, etc.) you are encouraged to apply.
Desirable Traits
In addition, the department desires candidates that can communicate effectively, is a knowledge worker, is customer focused, values and respects others, is driven to excel, enjoys teamwork and collaboration, desires and values continuous learning, demonstrates ethical behavior, and is supportive of change.
Hiring Process and Timeline
The timeline for this recruitment is outlined below.
  • Job Offer and Background Process begins: Shortly after the interviews. Note: Current County employees may be excluded from additional background screening.
  • Pre-employment Medical Screening: Approximately 3 days following successful background investigation results.
  • Anticipated Start Date: Start date will be based upon successful completion of medical screening or other mutually agreed upon date.
If you are not selected for this interview process, you may have the opportunity to compete for future vacancies.
Minimum Qualifications
  1. A valid license to practice medicine in the State of California is required at the time of appointment (State of California Business and Professions Code 2135); AND

2. Must obtain board certification in Forensic Pathology within one year of hire; AND
3. Board certified in Anatomic Pathology; AND,
4. Are in a Forensic Pathology Fellowship; OR,
5. Have completed a Forensic Pathology Fellowship.
Please read the job description for more information.
Blind Applicant Screening
The Department of Human Resources will remove personally identifiable information from all new recruitments. This practice, called Blind Applicant Screening, will hide a candidate's personal information that could influence or bias a hiring decision. Personal information includes name, phone number, address, gender, age, and race. This process will help contribute to a fair and equitable selection process leading to a more diverse and inclusive workforce.
The most highly qualified candidates, based on the evaluation results, will be referred for an interview. Be sure to include your experience in meeting the minimum requirements in both the Work Experience section and the Supplemental Questionnaire section of the Application.
Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of the application Work History and/or supplemental questionnaire.
Condition of Employment
As part of the County of San Diego's pre-employment process, prospective candidates will undergo a background check (including fingerprinting) and a pre-employment medical screening prior to beginning County employment. Additional types of background investigations may be conducted based on the job-related activities of the position. Current County employees may be excluded from this process.
Evaluation
The names of qualified candidates will be placed on a twelve (12) month employment list based on scores received during the evaluation of information contained in their employment application and supplemental questionnaire. Please ensure all information is complete and accurate as the responses you provide on the supplemental application form will be reviewed using an automated evaluation system. If you are successful in the initial screening process your application will be reviewed individually to confirm that the information you provided is accurate and qualifying.
Accommodation
Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable a qualified individual with disabilities to perform the essential functions of a job, on a case-by-case basis.
As an employer of over 19,000 employees, the County of San Diego is an organization committed to veteran hiring, retention, and professional development. We recognize the contributions and sacrifices made by our veterans and value the unique expertise and leadership qualities they bring to our workforce. We strive to provide veterans with the resources and tools necessary to maximize their employment opportunities, and to assist veterans with their transition into civilian life by applying the valuable skills, knowledge and training acquired in service to positions and career paths at all levels within our large organization. Click on the resource links below to learn more about how the County of San Diego supports its veterans.
Veteran's Preference Policy
The County of San Diego offerspreferential credits for military service to assist qualified applicants in transitioning from military to civilian careers with the County of San Diego. Please read the for additional information.
Military Skills Translator
Do you need assistance translating your military experience into civilian experience? This tool can help! Please read the to access the tool.
The County of San Diego and its employees embrace the vision of: a just, sustainable, and resilient future for all. Our values include: integrity, equity, access, belonging, excellence, and sustainability. Each of which are infused throughout our operations. While also embracing a mission of strengthening our communities with innovative, inclusive, and data driven services through a skilled and supported workforce. Click here for more information on our .
Disaster Service Worker
Under California Government Code Sections 3100 - 3109, public employees are designated as disaster service workers. The term "public employees" includes all persons employed by the state or any county, city, state agency, or public district. Disaster service workers are required to participate in such disaster service activities as may be assigned to them by their employer or by law.
The County of San Diego is committed to valuing diversity and practicing inclusion because our diverse workforce is our greatest asset and our customers are our number one priority.
Click here to see the Non-Management Benefits Summary
01
Before completing the Supplemental Questionnaire, read the job summary and requirements. If you do NOT meet these requirements please do NOT apply. Please be sure to answer the following questions in a thorough, complete, and truthful manner, as your responses may be used to determine your overall score. Please note that if you are invited to a selection interview(s) by the department, your responses to the following questions may be subject to verification. Do you understand this information?
  • Yes
  • No

02
Are you Board Certified in Anatomic Pathology?
  • Yes
  • No

03
Have you completed an approved Forensic Pathology Fellowship program?
  • Yes
  • No

04
If yes, what is the date of completion? If not applicable, please enter "N/A" in the field below.
05
If you answered "No" to question #2, are you currently in a Forensic Pathology Fellowship program?
  • Yes
  • No

06
If yes, what is the anticipated date of completion? If not applicable, please enter "N/A" in the field below.
07
Are you eligible to take the Forensic Pathology Boards?
  • Yes
  • No

08
When do you expect to sit for the Forensic Pathology Boards? If not applicable, please enter "N/A" in the field below.
09
Do you possess a valid license to practice medicine in the State of California?
  • Yes
  • No

10
If you do not possess a valid license to practice medicine in the State of California, have you applied for licensure?
  • Yes
  • No

11
Do you have any non-forensic pathology subspecialty training? If so, please describe what subspecialty(ies) the training was obtained in? If not applicable, please enter "N/A" in the field below.
12
For the trainings indicated in question #11, please indicate if you have board certification or are board eligible in the subspecialty(ies) listed above. If not applicable, please enter "N/A" in the field below.
13
Describe your experience in conducting investigative procedures necessary to determine the circumstances, manner and cause of death reportable to the medical examiner. If not applicable, please enter "N/A" in the field below.
14
Describe the experience which demonstrates your knowledge of toxicology, history, and techniques of autopsies. If not applicable, please enter "N/A' in the field below.
15
Describe your experience in providing testimony in court and grand jury proceedings. If not applicable, please enter "N/A" in the field below.
16
You must submit a copy of your Curriculum Vitae. Have you attached a copy of your Curriculum Vitae at Step 1 of your application? Applications without Curriculum Vitae's will not be considered.
  • Yes, it is attached to my application.
  • No, I plan on emailing a copy of my Curriculum Vitae to the assigned analyst

17
Were you referred by a County employee to apply for this position? Note: effective September 9, 2022, County employees are eligible to earn cash awards for any candidates they refer to hard to recruit positions that are then hired.
  • Yes
  • No

18
If you responded "Yes" to the above, in the space provided please list the name of the County employee that referred you.
19
How did you first hear about this job opportunity?
  • National Association of Medical Examiners website
  • International Association of Coroners and Medical Examiners website
  • Governmentjobs.com
  • San Diego County Website
  • Family, Friends, & Neighbors
  • County ERG
  • Veteran's Outreach
  • Careers in Government
  • Voice & Viewpoint
  • LinkedIn
  • Other

20
If indicated "other" in question #19, please indicate where you first heard about this job? If not applicable, please enter "N/A" in the field below.
21
Thank you for your interest in employment with the County of San Diego.
Required Question

Apply