ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Forensic Pathologist Jobs in Arizona (NOW HIRING)

Pinal County

Forensic Pathologist

Florence, AZ

$241K - $329K/yr

Description Are you a board-certified or board-eligible Medical Examiner/Forensic Pathologist looking for a good balance in your work life. The Pinal County Medical Examiner's Office (PCMEO) in ...

Pinal County, AZ

Forensic Pathologist

Florence, AZ · On-site

$241K - $329K/yr

Continuous Description Are you a board-certified or board-eligible Medical Examiner/Forensic Pathologist looking for a good balance in your work life? The Pinal County Medical Examiner's Office ...

Yuma County, AZ

Forensic Investigator (Grade 11)

Yuma, AZ · On-site

$24.62 - $30.78/hr

... forensic operations and investigations within the Medical Examiner's section of the Sheriff ... assist the Pathologist or Medical Examiner with the evaluation and postmortem examination ...

Yuma County

Forensic Investigator (Grade 11)

Yuma, AZ

$24.62 - $30.78/hr

... forensic operations and investigations within the Medical Examiner's section of the Sheriff ... assist the Pathologist or Medical Examiner with the evaluation and postmortem examination ...

Maricopa

Medical Examiner

Phoenix, AZ · Hybrid

$240K - $306K/yr

Board-certified in Forensic Pathology within two (2) years of hire * Valid Arizona driver's license upon hire We Also Value * Bachelor's degree or higher in a Natural Science, Criminology, or related ...

Maricopa County, AZ

Medical Examiner

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$240K - $306K/yr

Board-certified in Forensic Pathology within two (2) years of hire * Valid Arizona driver's license upon hire We Also Value * Bachelor's degree or higher in a Natural Science, Criminology, or related ...

All JobsForensic Pathologist JobsForensic Pathologist Jobs in Arizona

Forensic Pathologist information

See Arizona salary details

$38.7K

$204.4K

$298.2K

How much do forensic pathologist jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for forensic pathologist in Arizona is $204,386.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $170,500.00 and $255,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much does a forensic pathologist make?

The average annual salary for a forensic pathologist in Michigan is approximately $150,000 to $200,000, depending on experience, location, and employer. Forensic pathologists typically require medical degrees, pathology training, and board certification, and they often work in medical examiner or coroner offices with irregular hours.

Is it hard to get into forensic pathology?

Forensic pathology is a specialized medical field that requires completing medical school, a residency in pathology, and a fellowship in forensic pathology, making entry competitive. Candidates often need strong academic records, relevant experience, and certification from the American Board of Pathology, which can make the process challenging but achievable with dedication.

What is a forensic pathologist?

A forensic pathologist is a medical doctor who specializes in determining the cause and manner of death by examining deceased individuals. They perform autopsies, analyze medical records, and may collect evidence to help law enforcement investigate suspicious or unexplained deaths. Forensic pathologists often testify in court as expert witnesses and play a critical role in criminal investigations. Their expertise helps bring clarity to legal cases and provides closure for families.

What would I do as a forensic pathologist?

A forensic pathologist examines deceased individuals to determine cause and manner of death, often performing autopsies and collecting evidence. They work closely with law enforcement, document findings, and may testify in court, requiring knowledge of pathology, anatomy, and legal procedures. The role typically involves detailed reports and may require certification from relevant medical boards.

What is the difference between Forensic Pathologist vs Medical Examiner?

AspectForensic Pathologist

Required CredentialsMedical degree, pathology residency, forensic pathology fellowship, medical license
Work EnvironmentAutopsy suites, laboratories, crime scenes
Employer & IndustryLaw enforcement agencies, medical examiner offices, forensic labs
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared due to similar roles in death investigations

While both forensic pathologists and medical examiners investigate unexplained deaths, forensic pathologists perform autopsies and analyze evidence in labs, whereas medical examiners are typically elected officials overseeing death investigations. The roles overlap in credentials and work environment, but their responsibilities differ slightly based on jurisdiction and specific duties.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Forensic Pathologist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Forensic Pathologist, you need a medical degree, board certification in pathology, and specialized training in forensic pathology. Familiarity with autopsy techniques, laboratory information systems, and evidence handling protocols is crucial. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and clear written and verbal communication skills help in accurately determining causes of death and presenting findings. These competencies ensure reliable forensic investigations, support legal proceedings, and uphold public health and justice.

What are some of the unique challenges forensic pathologists face when working with law enforcement and legal teams?

Forensic pathologists often collaborate closely with law enforcement and legal professionals, which can present unique challenges such as communicating complex medical findings in a way that non-medical personnel can understand. They may be called upon to testify in court, requiring strong presentation skills and the ability to defend their conclusions under cross-examination. Balancing the need for scientific objectivity with the expectations and pressures from various stakeholders can also be demanding. Additionally, managing a high caseload while ensuring meticulous attention to detail is essential in this role.

What Do Forensic Pathologists Do?

Forensic pathologists are specially-trained physicians who work with law enforcement to determine the cause of a suspicious death in a case. They perform an autopsy to examine the body; they test blood and tissue samples, check for indications of injuries caused by firearms or other weapons, and seek other trace evidence that may provide information to the case. Before they make determinations on the cause of death, forensic pathologists also study the victim’s medical history and evaluate other evidence collected at the crime scene and witness statements. Once they compile and analyze the evidence, they prepare a report and may need to testify the reasons behind their findings in court.

What are the 7 steps to become a forensic pathologist?

Becoming a forensic pathologist typically involves completing a bachelor's degree, followed by medical school to earn an MD or DO degree. After medical school, one must complete a residency in pathology, then pursue a fellowship in forensic or forensic pathology. Certification by a relevant medical board and gaining practical experience are also essential steps in the process.
More about Forensic Pathologist jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Forensic Pathologist jobs in Arizona? The most popular types of Forensic Pathologist jobs in Arizona are:
What are popular job titles related to Forensic Pathologist jobs in Arizona? For Forensic Pathologist jobs in Arizona, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Forensic Pathologist jobs in Arizona look for? The top searched job categories for Forensic Pathologist jobs in Arizona are:
What cities in Arizona are hiring for Forensic Pathologist jobs? Cities in Arizona with the most Forensic Pathologist job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Forensic Pathologist jobs in AZ? For Forensic Pathologist jobs in AZ, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Forensic Pathologist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Forensic Pathologist job openings in Arizona as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $204,386 per year, or $98.3 per hour.
Forensic Pathologist

Forensic Pathologist

Pinal County

Florence, AZ

$241K - $329K/yr

Full-time

Posted just now

Job description

Description Are you a board-certified or board-eligible Medical Examiner/Forensic Pathologist looking for a good balance in your work life. The Pinal County Medical Examiner's Office (PCMEO) in Florence, Arizona, might be looking for you. If you're ready to step away from the stress of big city caseloads without giving up on quality facilities, this might be what you're looking for.

At PCMEO, you're not just a doctor-you'll be an important part of public health and the justice system, working in a NAME- accredited, newly built facility. Check out our brochure to learn more about the position nestled in beautiful Pinal County. Explore Pinal County, AZ here.

NOTICE TO APPLICANTS We appreciate your interest in our employment opportunities. At Pinal County, we value professionalism and respect for others. If these values are not demonstrated throughout the application and interview process, we reserve the right to remove your candidacy from consideration, which may impact your future Pinal County applications.

Offers of employment are valid only if provided in writing and approved by Pinal County Human Resources. All qualified candidates eligible to work in the United States are welcome to apply. However, visa sponsorship is not available.

Pinal County does not participate in STEM Optional Practical Training (STEM OPT). Pinal County requires pre-employment screening, which includes a Motor Vehicle Record check, a comprehensive background check (encompassing employment, education, and criminal history), and drug testing for safety-sensitive roles. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify candidates from employment.

Employment offers are contingent on successful pre-employment screening. If driving is a requirement of the position, you must have a valid Arizona State Driver's License in accordance with Arizona State Law. Work in this classification requires an individual to perform the essential job functions satisfactorily.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the primary classification functions herein described. Since every duty associated with this classification may not be described herein, employees may be required to perform duties not specifically spelled out in this classification description, but which may be reasonably considered to be incidental in the performing of their duties, just as though they were actually written out in this description.

Apply