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Forensic Pathologist Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Memorial Health

Lab Services Technician

Easton, IL

$26.56/hr

... supply requests, forensic autopsy cases, and administrative questions. Escalates callers to ... Schedules all fine needle aspirates and biopsies as requested by clinicians, ensures a pathologist ...

Memorial Health

Lab Services Technician

Latham, IL

$26.56/hr

... supply requests, forensic autopsy cases, and administrative questions. Escalates callers to ... Schedules all fine needle aspirates and biopsies as requested by clinicians, ensures a pathologist ...

Memorial Health

Lab Services Technician

Pawnee, IL

$26.56/hr

... supply requests, forensic autopsy cases, and administrative questions. Escalates callers to ... Schedules all fine needle aspirates and biopsies as requested by clinicians, ensures a pathologist ...

Memorial Health

Lab Services Technician

Auburn, IL

$26.56/hr

... supply requests, forensic autopsy cases, and administrative questions. Escalates callers to ... Schedules all fine needle aspirates and biopsies as requested by clinicians, ensures a pathologist ...

Memorial Health

Lab Services Technician

Winchester, IL

$26.56/hr

... supply requests, forensic autopsy cases, and administrative questions. Escalates callers to ... Schedules all fine needle aspirates and biopsies as requested by clinicians, ensures a pathologist ...

Memorial Health

Lab Services Technician

Chestnut, IL

$26.56/hr

... supply requests, forensic autopsy cases, and administrative questions. Escalates callers to ... Schedules all fine needle aspirates and biopsies as requested by clinicians, ensures a pathologist ...

Memorial Health

Lab Services Technician

Palmer, IL

$26.56/hr

... supply requests, forensic autopsy cases, and administrative questions. Escalates callers to ... Schedules all fine needle aspirates and biopsies as requested by clinicians, ensures a pathologist ...

Memorial Health

Lab Services Technician

Springfield, IL · On-site

$17.14 - $26.56/hr

... supply requests, forensic autopsy cases, and administrative questions. Escalates callers to ... Schedules all fine needle aspirates and biopsies as requested by clinicians, ensures a pathologist ...

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Forensic Pathologist information

See Illinois salary details

$40.2K

$212.5K

$310.1K

How much do forensic pathologist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for forensic pathologist in Illinois is $212,531.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $177,300.00 and $265,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 need strong academic records, relevant training, and certification from the American Board of Pathology, which can make the process challenging but achievable with dedication.

Is forensic pathology a good career?

Forensic pathology is a specialized medical field involving the investigation of death through autopsies and evidence analysis. It requires medical training, certification, and strong attention to detail, often involving irregular hours and emotional challenges. It can be a rewarding career for those interested in criminal justice and medicine, with job opportunities available in medical examiner offices and forensic laboratories.

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?

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 jobs can you get as a forensic pathologist?

A forensic pathologist primarily works in medical examiner or coroner offices, performing autopsies to determine cause of death. They may also work in crime laboratories, hospitals, or research institutions, providing expert testimony in legal cases and collaborating with law enforcement agencies. Certification by the American Board of Pathology is typically required for these roles.

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.

More about Forensic Pathologist jobs

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

The most popular types of Forensic Pathologist jobs in Illinois are:

What are popular job titles related to Forensic Pathologist jobs in Illinois?

For Forensic Pathologist jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Forensic Pathologist jobs in Illinois look for?

The top searched job categories for Forensic Pathologist jobs in Illinois are:

What cities in Illinois are hiring for Forensic Pathologist jobs?

Cities in Illinois with the most Forensic Pathologist job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Forensic Pathologist jobs in IL?

For Forensic Pathologist jobs in IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Forensic Pathologist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Forensic Pathologist job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $212,531 per year, or $102.2 per hour.

Pathologist, Autopsy

Harvard Medical Faculty Physicians

Campus, IL

$269K - $321K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 14 days ago

Job description

Job Description:

Pathologist, Medical Director of Decedent Affairs

(Academic Clinician)

Department of Pathology

Harvard Medical Faculty Physicians at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Inc.

Harvard Medical School, Boston

The Department of Pathology at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC) is recruiting a full-timeacademicAutopsypathologistto serve as the Medical Director of DecedentAffairs.The role provides medical leadership for the hospital's decedent management processes, including adult and perinatal pathways.The candidate will be appointed to the full-time faculty of Harvard Medical School at an academic rankcommensuratewith experience (Instructor, Assistant Professor or Associate Professor).Recent fellowship graduates and mid-career/senior physicians are strongly encouraged to apply.

As a teaching hospitalofHarvard Medical School, BIDMC and the Department of Pathologyprovidea clinically advanced and supportive academic environment for residents, fellows, and faculty.We'realso proud and excited to be an integral part of the landmark collaboration among Dana-FarberCancer Institute (DFCI), Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC), and Harvard Medical FacultyPhysicians (HMFP) toestablishNew England's only freestanding adult inpatient cancer hospital. Thecollaboration willprovideunparalleled opportunities forpathologistsandotherphysician specialtiesto be part of DFCI's internationally recognized cancer team.

The successful candidate will join a collegial team of faculty, fellows, and residents committed to world-class diagnostics, education, and discovery.The position also includes clinical coverageof the autopsy service andthesurgicalpathology service(s)if applicable, depending onthe candidate'sinterest and qualifications.

Qualifications:

  • Candidates mustpossessandMD or DO(or equivalent), board certificationin Pathology(AP or AP/CP) anda validCommonwealth of Massachusettsmedical license or the ability to obtain one.

  • Experience leading orparticipatingin an academic or forensic pathology service;candidates with forensic pathologyfellowship training are encouraged to apply.

  • Demonstrated ability to lead complex, multi-stakeholderdecedent managementprocesses, preferably within acute care or academic medical environments.

  • Outstanding communication, organizational, and team-building skills, with the ability to collaborate across service lines and communicate effectively with grieving families.

  • Experience in quality improvement, informatics, regulatory compliance, or operational leadershipstronglypreferred.

Who We Are

Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, a 743-bed hospital and Level 1 Trauma Center, is a founding member of Beth Israel Lahey Health (BILH).BILH, a health care system with 14 hospitals, brings together academic medical centers and teaching hospitals,communityand specialty hospitals, and more than 4,000 physicians and39,000 employeesin a shared mission to expand access and advance the science and practice of medicine through groundbreaking research and education.

Harvard Medical Faculty Physiciansat Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (HMFP) is one of the largest physician organizations in New England, dedicated to excellence and innovation in patient care, education, and research. As a physician-led organization, HMFP partners with more than 2,400 providers to support the delivery of exceptional care, promote professional development and foster balance at work and home. HMFP physicians have faculty affiliations with Harvard Medical School (HMS) and provide care throughoutBILHsystem andadditionalhospitals across Massachusetts.

Research

Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center consistently ranks as a national leader among independent hospitals in National Institutes of Health funding. With research funding totaling over $250 million, annually, BIDMC's 2000+ researchers and staff run more than 2500 active clinical research studies in 52 areas of research.

For further questions or confidential position inquiries, please contact Dr.Jonathan Hecht,(jlhecht@bidmc.harvard.edu).

Candidates should apply directly to WorkdayandsubmitCV and other required materials:Requisition R1502

Pay Range:

$269,000 - $321,000

The base pay range reflects what Harvard Medical Faculty Physicians at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (HMFP) reasonably and in good faith expects to pay for this role at the time of posting and may be modified from time to time. Actual compensation within this range may be determined based on several factors, including academic appointment, work experience, specialty training, geography of work location, anticipated productivity, FTE basis, and role expectations. In addition to base compensation, this role may be eligible for performance-based incentives, which may include bonuses for productivity and quality HMFP also offers a comprehensive and generous employee benefits program to eligible employees, including health, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance, as well as retirement plan(s) with employer contributions.

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