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Forensic Pathologist Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Empower Mental Health PLLC

Audiologist

Bemidji, MN

$150 - $185/hr

A.), PhD in Audiology or Speech-Language Pathology, Master?s in Communication Disorders (MCD), or ... Prior experience conducting VA, C&P, disability, or forensic-style evaluations * Strong ...

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Forensic Pathologist information

See Minnesota salary details

$40.6K

$214.8K

$313.4K

How much do forensic pathologist jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for forensic pathologist in Minnesota is $214,809.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $179,200.00 and $268,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a forensic pathologist actually do?

A forensic pathologist is a medical doctor who investigates sudden, unexplained, or suspicious deaths by performing autopsies to determine the cause and manner of death. They examine body tissues, collect evidence, and may testify in court, often working closely with law enforcement. Certification by a medical board and knowledge of pathology techniques are essential for this role.

What can I do with a forensic pathology degree?

A forensic pathologist primarily conducts autopsies to determine cause of death, often working in medical examiner or coroner offices. They analyze evidence, prepare detailed reports, and may testify in court. This role requires medical training, pathology certification, and knowledge of legal procedures.

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 work in medical examiner or coroner offices, often with irregular hours and the use of specialized forensic tools.

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 bodies like 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 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.

More about Forensic Pathologist jobs
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Forensic Pathologist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Forensic Pathologist job openings in Minnesota as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $214,809 per year, or $103.3 per hour.
Forensic Anthropology Postdoctoral Fellow

Forensic Anthropology Postdoctoral Fellow

Hennepin County

Minneapolis, MN

$100K/yr

Other

Posted 6 days ago

Hennepin County rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 48 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

225th of 663 rated public administrative organizations

Job description

Description The Hennepin County Medical Examiner's (HCME) Office is seeking a Forensic Anthropology Postdoctoral Fellow to provide advanced anthropological services in support of medicolegal death investigations. Under the direction of the HCME's American Board of Forensic Anthropology (ABFA) certified Forensic Anthropologist, the fellow will perform anthropological casework, consult with forensic pathologists, attend autopsies, and contribute to skeletal examinations, identifications, and trauma interpretation. The fellowship provides comprehensive training within a medical examiner setting, including work on long-term unidentified cases and mass fatality responses, and is structured to support professional progression toward ABFA certification.

Current Hennepin County employees who refer a candidate hired into an open competitive position may be eligible for a $500 referral bonus. For more information visit employee referral program. Find us here at upcoming career fairs.

Location and hours: This position is hybrid, located primarily at the Hennepin County Medical Examiner's Office, 14250 County Road 62, Minnetonka, MN 55345, and allows for limited remote work options. There is no public transportation to this facility. A typical workday is an 8.5 hour shift on-site during normal business hours; however, occasional evening, weekend, and holiday hours may be required

While this position is designated as hybrid, based on current requirements hires must reside in or relocate to Minnesota or Wisconsin. New Employee Orientation (NEO) for all new benefit-earning employees is in-person in downtown Minneapolis. Details about NEO will be provided upon hire.

About this position type: This is a limited duration (temporary) full-time, benefit earning position expected to last up to one year. This is an FLSA exempt position and is not union represented. This position is internally classified as a Trainee Physician, Associate.

Click here to view the job classification specification. Note: You must attach a CV or resume with your application materials to be considered for this position. In this position, you will: Conduct biological profile estimation (age-at-death, assigned sex-at-birth, population affiliation, stature).

Analyze skeletal trauma, pathological conditions, and taphonomic changes while completing comprehensive photographic documentation and medical imaging and preparing detailed anthropological reports. Consult with forensic pathologists and referring coroners on a case-by-case basis to determine appropriate actions and analyses. Participate in interdisciplinary case reviews with HCME staff.

Perform skeletal analyses for the purpose of decedent identification and/or skeletal trauma assessment, including the collection of osseous tissues for DNA, radiocarbon, and/or stable isotope testing. Participate in internal and external training and community engagement activities. Work toward ABFA Analyst and Diplomate certification through structured mentorship.

Contribute to special projects and/or assignments as directed by the Chief Medical Examiner or designee. Need to have: Ph.D. in anthropology or a related field, with specialization or ABFA-mentored training in forensic anthropology/anatomy; a Ph.D

must be conferred prior to the start date. Ability to wear a respirator and other personal protective equipment for extended periods of time. Nice to have: A submitted application for ABFA Analyst certification, or equivalent licensure.

Education and/or training in skeletal analysis and applying forensic anthropology methods. Experience: Working with human remains in varied decompositional states, including recent deaths in a medical examiner or coroner setting. Working on forensic anthropology cases within a medicolegal environment.

Strong technical writing and organizational skills. Skill in use of computers, related computer software, digital photography, and information access and entry. About the department: The Hennepin County Medical Examiner's Office, under the leadership of Chief Medical Examiner Dr.

Andrew M. Baker, provides death investigation and forensic autopsy investigative services to Hennepin, Dakota, and Scott counties. The office provides referral-based services to other counties across the Upper Midwest region.

We serve a population of over 1.85 million residents covering approximately 1,500 square miles. Our goal is to assist families, law enforcement agencies, and the legal system by determining a scientifically unbiased cause and manner of death. The Office is a National Association of Medical Examiners (NAME) accredited agency with a staff of board-certified forensic pathologists, an in-house board-certified forensic anthropologist, and an Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) accredited forensic pathology fellowship program

Our medicolegal death investigators are diplomates in the American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigators (ABMDI). The Medical Examiner's Office operates out of a new, free-standing facility on a large and picturesque plot of suburban greenspace with free employee parking. On-site technologies include digital radiography, CT scanning, a self-contained digital X-ray unit for bony specimen evaluations, 3D scanner and printer, and digital steremicroscope.

The facility includes a large and fully equipped anthropology laboratory. About Hennepin County: Hennepin is the largest county government organization in Minnesota. Our employees work every day to improve the health, safety and quality of life for our residents and communities.

All of our jobs align with our mission to serve residents through transformative services that eliminate disparities, eliminate inequities, and create opportunity for all and our vision of a community where all people are healthy, all people are valued, and all people thrive. Our employees receive a combination of competitive benefits and positive workplace culture not found at other organizations. This includes meaningful work that impacts our community, competitive pay, work-life balance, a variety of benefits and opportunities to grow.

Learn more at The Bridge (login as Guest). Hennepin County envisions an organization where our commitment to diversity and the elimination of disparities is fundamental in providing excellent service to our community. Your future.

Made here. This posting may be used to fill current and future vacancies. Watch this video for application best practices and tips.

Invitations to interview will be based upon an assessment of education and experience. Final candidates may be required to complete a drug test that may include testing for cannabis and/or a criminal background check. If you have any questions, please contact: Brooke McNamara Brooke.McNamara@hennepin.us

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