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Forensic Pathologist Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

Forensic Pathologist information

See Colorado salary details

$43.6K

$230.6K

$336.5K

How much do forensic pathologist jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for forensic pathologist in Colorado is $230,624.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $192,400.00 and $288,100.00 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.
What are the most commonly searched types of Forensic Pathologist jobs in Colorado? The most popular types of Forensic Pathologist jobs in Colorado are:
What job categories do people searching Forensic Pathologist jobs in Colorado look for? The top searched job categories for Forensic Pathologist jobs in Colorado are:
What cities in Colorado are hiring for Forensic Pathologist jobs? Cities in Colorado with the most Forensic Pathologist job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Forensic Pathologist jobs in CO? For Forensic Pathologist jobs in CO, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Forensic Pathology Fellow - Office of Medical Examiner

Forensic Pathology Fellow - Office of Medical Examiner

City and County of Denver

Denver, CO

$80K - $132K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 25 days ago


City and County Of Denver rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 46 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

95th of 668 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

About Our Job

Forensic Pathology Fellow - Office of Medical Examiner

With competitive pay, great benefits, and endless opportunities, working for the City and County of Denver means seeing yourself working with purpose - for you, and those who benefit from your passion, skills and expertise. Join our diverse, inclusive and talented workforce of more than 11,000 team members who are at the heart of what makes Denver, Denver.

What We Offer

The City and County of Denver offers a competitive salary commensurate with education and experience. The salary range for this position is $80,217.00 - $132,358.00. We also offer generous benefits for full-time employees which include but are not limited to:

  • A guaranteed life-long monthly pension, once vested after 5 years of service
  • 457B Retirement Plan
  • 140 hours of PTO earned within first year + 11 paid holidays, 1 personal holiday and 1 volunteer day per year
  • Competitive medical, dental and vision plans effective within 1 month of start date
Location

In this position you can expect to work on site at the Office of the Medical Examiner, located at 500 Quivas St. The Office of the Medical Examiner is a 24/7/365 organization.

What You'll Do

Within the Denver Department of Public Health & Environment (DDPHE), the Office of the Medical Examiner (OME) investigates all violent, suspicious, and unexpected natural deaths that occur in the City and County of Denver. The goal of forensic investigation and autopsy is to develop logical, scientific, and unbiased information necessary to determine the cause and manner of death for the proper and accurate completion of the death certificate and autopsy report. The agency also offers death expert testimony/consultation, death scene response and investigation, and deceased identification and death notification. OME reports and other information can be found at: Office of the Medical Examiner.

We foster an inclusive culture by respecting the values, customs, and authenticity of everyone and by implementing equitable public health strategies so Denver communities can thrive.

The Office of the Medical Examiner has an opening for a Forensic Pathology Fellow for the 2027-2028 academic year. This position will function as a Pathologist within the Office of the Medical Examiner for Denver's Department of Public Health and Environment.

Specifically, as a Forensic Pathology Fellow you will:

  • Reviews deaths reported to the Office of the Medical Examiner as required by Colorado Statute and determines which cases will require an autopsy or visual examination.
  • Performs medicolegal autopsies with appropriate supervision, in accordance with accepted standards in the recognized medical specialty of forensic pathology.
  • Orders and interprets necessary diagnostic tests to aid in the diagnosis of disease and non-natural pathology, understands the effects of postmortem interval on laboratory test results, and determines the cause and manner of death.
  • Shares on-call responsibilities with other staff physicians, responds to homicide or other suspicious death scenes as requested by the Medical Examiner investigator, and consults on the release of organs and tissue for recovery by procurement agencies.
  • Gives testimony as to the cause of death and renders expert opinions in a variety of legal forums, both criminal and civil.
  • Collects evidence and preserves it using accepted chain of custody procedures, documents findings at autopsy including pertinent traumatic injuries in the form of a written report, and photographs pertinent findings and traumatic injuries.
  • Consults with medical experts as necessary to aid in the determination of the cause of death.
  • Meets and/or confers with attorneys, law enforcement, and health professionals to discuss the autopsy findings and investigation.
  • Meets and/or speaks with families to discuss the results of the autopsy and the particulars of the death investigation and communicates with the media and other interested parties about the autopsy report.
  • Assists in the education and training of medical students, residents, interns, and others in the function of the Medical Examiner/Coroner and in forensic pathology.
  • Assists in the planning and participation of research activities that the office collaborates on.
  • Assists the Chief Medical Examiner in assessing the quality of services provided, helps ensure that staff and visitors conform with office and department safety policies at scenes and in the autopsy room, and assists in the development of office safety policies and in the development of office emergency preparedness plans.
  • Assists in the collaboration with local, regional, and state law enforcement, investigative, legal, and medical agencies including public health.
  • Performs other related duties as assigned.

This position is eligible for benefits, including medical, dental, vision, retirement, and education/continuing education reimbursement. For more information about our comprehensive benefits package, please visit our benefits page .

What You'll Bring

We value diversity of ethnicity, race, socioeconomic status, sexual identity, gender, religion, language, ability, and experience and exemplify this through the makeup of our team at all levels. You'll be right at home here if you cultivate strong relationships and push yourself, your work, the people around you and Denver to the next level.

Required Minimum Qualifications

Education requirement: Possesses an MD or DO degree from an accredited medical school.
Experience Requirement: None
Education/Experience Equivalency: No substitution of experience for education is permitted.
License/Certifications: Completion of ACGME (Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education) approved postgraduate residency program in anatomical pathology or anatomical pathology/clinical pathology by the date of the start of the fellowship term.
Must be eligible for licensure in Colorado and board certified or board eligible in anatomic pathology or anatomic/clinical pathology by the date of the start of the fellowship term.
Licenses and certifications must be kept current as a condition of employment.
It is a condition of employment that the Denver Police Forensics & Evidence Division form for consent for collection of a DNA sample be completed at the time of hire.

Application Deadline

This position is expected to stay open until June 30. Please submit your application as soon as possible and no later than June 30 at 11:59 p.m. to ensure consideration.

About Everything Else

Job Profile

CO2300 Forensic Pathology Fellow

To view the full job profile including position specifications, physical demands, and probationary period, click here.

Position Type

Limited (Fixed Term)

Position Salary Range

$80,217.00 - $132,358.00

Target Pay

$80,217.00 - $132,358.00

Agency

Dept of Public Health & Environment

Redeployment during Citywide Emergencies

City and County of Denver employees may be re-deployed to work in other capacities in their own agencies or in other city agencies to support core functions of the city during a citywide emergency declared by the Mayor.

The City and County of Denver provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, genetic information, age, or any other status protected under federal, state, and/or local law.

It is your right to access oral or written language assistance, sign language interpretation, real-time captioning via CART, or disability-related accommodations. To request any of these services at no cost to you, please contact Jobs@Denvergov.org with three business days' notice.

Applicants for employment with the City and County of Denver must have valid work authorization that does not require sponsorship of a visa for employment authorization in the U.S.

For information about right to work, click here for English or here for Spanish.


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About City and County of Denver

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

City and County of Denver operates in the government sector, serving the residents of the city and county of Denver, Colorado, USA. It was officially formed when the city and county merged in 1902 to simplify the local government. Under a mayoral structure, the organization provides a wide range of services, including public safety, human services, public works, and more, to Denver's diverse population. Adhering to its core values - Respect, Responsibility, Integrity, Customer Service, Safety, and Excellence in Public Service, its mission is to deliver a world-class city where everyone matters. Some of its notable achievements include innovative public projects and continuous efforts to enhance the community's quality of life.

Industry

Public administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Denver, CO, US

Year founded

1859