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Forensic Pathologist Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

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Forensic Pathologist information

See Oregon salary details

$43.9K

$231.9K

$338.3K

How much do forensic pathologist jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for forensic pathologist in Oregon is $231,889.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $193,500.00 and $289,700.00 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
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Forensic Pathologist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Forensic Pathologist job openings in Oregon as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $231,889 per year, or $111.5 per hour.
Deputy State Medical Examiner - Central Point

Deputy State Medical Examiner - Central Point

Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife

Central Point, OR

$25K - $28K/mo

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

Re-posted 3 days ago

Job description

Initial Posting Date:

06/09/2026

Application Deadline:

01/06/2027

Agency:

Oregon State Department of Police

Salary Range:

$25,477 - $28,089

Position Type:

Employee

Position Title:

Deputy State Medical Examiner - Central Point

Job Description:

Posting Title: Deputy State Medical Examiner - Central Point-REQ-XXXXXX

Salary Range: $25,477 - $28,089 Monthly

Add annual salary: $305,724 - $337,068

(7.5% differential added to base pay with board certification)

Initial Posting Date: 06/09/2026

Application Deadline: 01/06/2027

Agency: Oregon State Police

Location: Central Point, Oregon

The Oregon State Police, Oregon State Medical Examiner's Office in Central Point, Oregon is hiring for one (1) Full-Time, Permanent Deputy State Medical Examiner positions.

This recruitment will remain open until January 6, 2027, or until filled, with application review dates occurring approximately every two weeks beginning June 24, 2026. We may close the announcement at any time after the review date if we have received an adequate number of applications. We cannot guarantee that we will consider applications received after this screening date. We encourage interested applicants not to delay in applying.

If you require an alternate format in order to complete the employment process, or to request a copy of the position description, please contact osp.recruiting@osp.oregon.gov and reference REQ-201337.

The State of Oregon does not request or require your age, date of birth, attendance or graduation dates from an educational institution during the application process.

What will you do?

The State Medical Examiner's Office is the sole provider of forensic pathology services throughout Oregon. Our team closely collaborates with the county medical examiners and medical legal death investigators employed by each county's death investigation program, providing technical supervision of all medicolegal death investigations.

Deputy State Medical Examiners are stationed in the Portland metro area (Clackamas), Eugene area, and Central Point, Oregon. Forensic pathologists at the State Medical Examiner's Clackamas location currently perform all medical legal autopsies for Northwestern, Eastern, and Central Oregon; however, a significant expansion of our program and other work facilities is underway. This growth includes development of a State Medical Examiner facility in Eugene. Once the Eugene building is completed, this facility in the Central Willamette Valley will accommodate autopsy services for some of the areas presently covered by the Portland area office. The Central Point position will offer opportunities to help develop our Southern Oregon office.

Our forensic pathologists are supported by a wonderful staff of well-trained autopsy technicians and administrative specialists. Our team also includes a full-time forensic anthropologist who oversees Oregon's Unidentified Human Remains program and provides consultations on skeletal remains. Toxicology testing is performed on-site by an ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB) accredited laboratory.

Our office's work includes a teaching program providing regular lectures on legal medicine and death investigation to many groups, including students from Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU) and Western University School of Osteopathic Medicine, law students, pathology residents, medical legal death investigators, police officers, and healthcare professionals.

We offer paid licensure renewals, CME, professional memberships, and annual conference attendance, as well as generous relocation expense reimbursement.

We encourage current forensic pathology fellows to apply.

You will:

  • Perform autopsies and provide expert medical consultation in appropriate cases.

  • Share autopsy responsibilities with the State Medical Examiner and other Deputy State Medical Examiners, rotating weekend, night, holiday, and vacation coverage.

  • Write autopsy reports, and other reports as appropriate, relating to death investigations.

  • Provide training, as requested, to law enforcement agencies, county medical examiners, district attorneys, and medicolegal death investigators

You must be able to provide credible sworn testimony in a criminal or civil proceeding arising from the performance of duties. This includes cogently, accurately, and appropriately qualifying and explaining any results, conclusions, and opinions so their significance is understood.

*Please Note: As a condition of employment and / or to routinely work in any of the Forensic Service and Pathology Division's laboratories in any capacity, all individuals are required to provide appropriate samples for inclusion into the Confidential Staff DNA Identification Index, as well as maintain a valid Driver's License.

To learn more about the various Divisions, Programs, Sections or Units within Oregon State Police, click here.

What's in it for you?

  • Work/life balance.

  • Paid vacation, sick leave, 11 holidays and up to 24 hours of personal business leave a year.

  • Medical, vision, dental, and life insurance as well as additional optional benefits.

  • Retirement programs through the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) and optional deferred compensation programs through the Oregon Savings Growth Plan.

  • Abundant advancement opportunities within the agency and throughout State of Oregon government that carries your seniority and benefits with you.

  • Opportunities to expand your technical and professional skills.

  • Meaningful work with others who are passionate about public service.

  • Make a difference in the lives of Oregonians.

Minimum Qualifications (these must be addressed in your resume for full consideration):

Graduation from an approved school of medicine with an MD or DO degree. Board certification or qualification for certification in anatomic or clinical/anatomic pathology from the American Board of Pathology (ABP) at time of hire. Board certification in forensic pathology within two years of hiring. Licensed to practice medicine in Oregon or the ability to obtain one at time of hire.

Note: If you are selected to move forward in the selection process, you must provide official transcripts from all institutions of higher education that were used in the award of your degree.

A salary differential of 7.5% of base pay will be added upon board certification.

Preferred Skills:

  • Must be able to work cooperatively, cheerfully, and respectfully with other members of the medical examiner team.

  • Must have good communication skills and be able to work effectively with other agencies.

  • In addition to carrying an equitable share of the office caseload, it is expected that the successful applicant will assist in teaching pathology residents and medical students.

  • Experience crafting and executing policy recommendations and/or participation in quality assurance activities

  • On occasion, take part in public outreach in the form of lectures or conference attendance on behalf of the office.

  • Must, at all times, exhibit the utmost respect for the decedents entrusted to our care.

Special Qualifications:

  • Must possess a valid Driver's License.

  • Must be able to provide credible sworn testimony in a criminal or civil proceeding arising from the performance of duties.

  • As a condition of employment and / or to routinely work in any of the Forensic Services and Pathology Division's laboratories in any capacity, all individuals are required to provide appropriate samples for inclusion into the Confidential Staff DNA Identification Index.

Selection Process:

The process will be comprised of the following evaluation assessment (subject to change).

  • Interview

How to Apply:

Apply in Workday by the deadline listed above, failure to submit your application by 11:59PM of the above listed date will result in automatic disqualification of your application. You must submit a resume demonstrating your experience as it relates to the minimum qualifications for the position. In addition to a resume, please submit a cover letter - no more than two pages in length - addressing how you meet each preferred skill for this position.. Please submit these documents in either MS Word or PDF format.Documents submitted in formats other than MS Word or PDF will not be reviewed and will result in disqualification of your application. Please only attach documents that are requested in this posting. Any additional documents that are submitted at this stage will not be reviewed. After applying be sure that you answer the questionnaires related to citizenship and Veteran's Preference points. In order to receive Veteran's Preference points, this is a required questionnaire.

The Oregon State Police does not offer visa sponsorships.

U.S. Veteran and/or Oregon National Guard Servicemember Status Designation

Eligible veterans and Oregon National Guard servicemembers (current and former) who meet the qualifications of the position will be awarded candidate preference.

For more information, please visit Veterans Resources

Additional Information:

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at OSP

Background Hiring Information

Employee Benefits

Pay Equity Information & Resources

What You Need to Know to Get the Job

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