1

Forensic Pathologist Jobs in Nevada (NOW HIRING)

ABOUT THE POSITION The Clark County Office of the Coroner/Medical Examiner is seeking to fill the Medical Examiner/Forensic Pathologist position. This office serves Clark County, Nevada, which ...

MEDICAL EXAMINER

Las Vegas, NV · On-site

$235K - $347K/yr

Continuous ABOUT THE POSITION The Clark County Office of the Coroner/Medical Examiner is seeking to fill the Medical Examiner/Forensic Pathologist position. This office serves Clark County, Nevada ...

Forensic Pathologist information

See Nevada salary details

$42.3K

$223.3K

$325.9K

How much do forensic pathologist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for forensic pathologist in Nevada is $223,340.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $186,300.00 and $279,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 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.

Is forensic pathology a good career?

Forensic pathology is a specialized medical field involving the investigation of sudden or unexplained deaths through autopsies and evidence analysis. It requires medical training, certification, and strong attention to detail, with job stability and demand in criminal justice and public health sectors. The career can be rewarding for those interested in medicine, law enforcement, and scientific investigation.

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.

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. Certification by the American Board of Pathology is typically required for these roles.

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

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

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

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

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

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

What cities in Nevada are hiring for Forensic Pathologist jobs?

Cities in Nevada with the most Forensic Pathologist job openings:

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

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

Infographic showing various Forensic Pathologist job openings in Nevada 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 $223,340 per year, or $107.4 per hour.

MEDICAL EXAMINER

Las Vegas, NV


Clark County

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 39 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

575th of 851 rated public administrative organizations

People enjoy working here

Good employer

Recommended by students


$235K - $347K/yr

Full-time, Temporary

Retirement

Re-posted 18 days ago


Job description

ABOUT THE POSITION The Clark County Office of the Coroner/Medical Examiner is seeking to fill the Medical Examiner/Forensic Pathologist position. This office serves Clark County, Nevada, which includes Las Vegas and surrounding urban and rural areas, with a combined population of over 2.4 million people. The office also provides autopsy services to neighbor counties and is dual accredited by the National Association of Medical Examiners (NAME) and the International Association of Coroners & Medical Examiners (IACME)

With ABMDI-certified investigative staff the office provides 24/7 coverage, and has excellent administrative support, a family counselor and highly skilled and experienced forensic technicians. The office currently has seven full-time Medical Examiner positions and enjoys the benefits of locum tenens coverage as well. In 2025 there were 17,798 deaths in Clark County and the office was contacted regarding 8,432 of these cases.

The office assumed jurisdiction for 5,683 cases and performed 3,852 examinations which included 2,232 autopsies or partial autopsies and 125child fatalities (under age 18). The office has excellent working relationships with law enforcement, public health, medical facilities, and local medical schools. It also has active consultation services with Forensic Neuropathologists, Forensic Anthropologists, Forensic Odontologists, Radiologists and Genetic Testing.

The successful candidate will: Perform autopsies, head posts, and external examinations Actively be engaged in educating fellows, medical students, and other medical trainees Provide medical records reviews for cases completed as Medical Examiner Sign-outs Conduct pathological, histological, and toxicological analyses Confer and coordinate with death investigators and law enforcement Determine the cause of death and the manner of death Write thorough reports effectively conveying findings and opinions Discuss cases with family members, law enforcement, and attorneys Provide court testimony For more information regarding the Clark County Coroner's office, please visit the department web page. The salary range for a Medical Examiner is from $235,310 to $347,526 annually (there is no state income tax in Nevada). Placement within the salary range is determined by candidates' qualifications and experience as deemed appropriate by County Management.

The County also offers an excellent benefits package including Nevada State Public Employees Retirement System (PERS). For additional compensation details, please review our salary calculator. Interested candidates, including those in their fellowship program, are encouraged to apply as soon as possible by submitting a cover letter and curriculum vitae to Kelly Ewing at Kelly.Ewing@clarkcountynv.gov

Start dates for those candidates in their fellowship program will be established based on the program's end date. MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS Education and Experience: Completion of a program in Medicine or Osteopathy and must be board-eligible or board-certified in AP or AP/CP (completion of or enrollment in an accredited anatomic pathology or clinical pathology residency) and one (1) year of full-time professional physician experience in a coroner or medical examiner's office OR completion of or enrollment in an accredited fellowship program in Forensic Pathology. Working Conditions: Work with exposure to infectious and contagious diseases.

Work in violent, traumatic or highly charged emotional environments. Work in off-hours situations on an emergency call-out basis. Licensing and Certification: At time of application, must have completed an anatomic pathology residency AND completed or currently enrolled in a forensic pathology fellowship in an accredited program.

At time of appointment must be licensed as a physician to practice medicine in the State of Nevada and certified, or eligible to be certified, by the American Board of Pathology in anatomic pathology or anatomic/clinical pathology and forensic pathology. If eligible for certification, must complete all board certifications within two (2) years of hire date. Board certifications must be maintained throughout the course of employment.

Possession of valid Nevada Class C driver's license at time of appointment. Background Investigation: Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background investigation. Periodically after employment background investigations may be conducted.

Citizenship: Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Please note, Clark County does not provide H1B visa sponsorships or transfers for any employment positions. Pre-Employment Drug Testing: Employment is contingent upon the results of a pre-employment drug examination.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES Performs examinations of decedents to determine the cause and manner of death through varied sources of information as well as the performance of autopsy. Actively engaged in educating fellows, medical students, and other medical trainees. Taking or supervising the collection of blood and other tissue samples needed to determine cause of death.

Communicating autopsy findings to law enforcement, family members and other investigative agencies as necessary. Testifies in court regarding the content and validity of the findings. Provides sworn court testimony regarding the investigation conducted and attests to the validity of any or all information documented.

Provides education to nurses, paramedics, law enforcement personnel and others by lecture and demonstration. Assists in the selection, training, and professional development of staff. Contributes to the overall quality of the department's service provision by developing and coordinating work teams and by reviewing, recommending and implementing improved policies and procedures.

Provides documentation to report findings supported by the medicolegal death investigation in the form of a written report. Work collaboratively with other medical professionals, management and staff team members. PHYSICAL DEMANDS Mobility to work in a typical office setting, use standard office equipment, and to drive a motor vehicle in order to crime scenes and disasters and to attend meetings.

Vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person or over the telephone. Accommodation may be made for some of these physical demands for otherwise qualified individuals who require and request such accommodation.


What Clark County (Nevada) employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom