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Forensic Pathologist Jobs in Austin, TX (NOW HIRING)

... scenes and pathology labs to include but not limited to photography, videotaping, inked rolled ... or forensic science, or related field, preferred One year in crime scene related activities ...

Forensic Pathologist information

See Austin, TX salary details

$41.1K

$217.4K

$317.2K

How much do forensic pathologist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for forensic pathologist in Austin, TX is $217,397.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $181,400.00 and $271,600.00 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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Forensic Pathologist jobs in Austin, TX?

The most popular types of Forensic Pathologist jobs in Austin, TX are:

What are popular job titles related to Forensic Pathologist jobs in Austin, TX?

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

What job categories do people searching Forensic Pathologist jobs in Austin, TX look for?

The top searched job categories for Forensic Pathologist jobs in Austin, TX are:

What cities near Austin, TX are hiring for Forensic Pathologist jobs?

Cities near Austin, TX with the most Forensic Pathologist job openings:

Infographic showing various Forensic Pathologist job openings in Austin, TX 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 $217,397 per year, or $104.5 per hour.

$50K - $53K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 9 days ago


Job description

Description Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, include the responsibilities, knowledge, skills, and other characteristics listed below. This list of responsibilities is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by positions in this class. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.

Other duties may be assigned. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Summary Under general supervision, responds as directed to potential crime scenes following standardized principles, practices, and procedures to include but not limited to collecting, storing, recording, documenting, processing and/or releasing evidence/property.

The work environment will be indoors as well as outdoors. The employee will act as a point of contact for citizens, officers, and attorneys. This position must have a strong work ethic, superior organizational skills, must follow directions, meet deadlines, have good attendance, be punctual, be reliable, be motivated, have initiative, have honesty, have integrity, be free from moral turpitude, and have a proper attitude.

Employee must be available to always communicate with others. Individual serves at the pleasure of the elected official Responsibilities Prepare, collect, document, process, maintain and dispose of evidence in accordance with Texas Code of Criminal Procedure and/or ordered directive Prepare reports and other written documentation as needed Provide internal and external customer service Communicate and assist law enforcement officials and others regarding evidence status Testify in court as a witness as required Receives, collects evidence/property, maintain care, custody and control, and release or destroy evidence and any other stored property in accordance with established operating procedures (SOP) Develop evidence/property statistics and reports Research, locate, and return property to appropriate owner/custodian using established procedures Photograph, video-record, diagram, scan and preserve any area designated as a potential crime scene including those item(s) contained within the scene, the surrounding area or other areas as directed Research, update, and modify law enforcement database information appropriately Collect, process, preserve, package, store, transport and dispose of hazardous material and bio-hazardous material in accordance with established laws and SOP Transport evidence and property to authorized storage locations, laboratories, processing plants, and criminal court for trials while maintaining chain of custody Process and or analyze all collected evidence to include, but not limited to fingerprints, palm prints, footprints, DNA and trace evidence, etc. Assume care, custody, and control of evidence/property in accordance with established rules of evidence and procedures Assist at crime scenes and pathology labs to include but not limited to photography, videotaping, inked rolled impressions, or as directed by the attending pathologist, Detective or Supervisor Available to respond after normal work hours to any active crime scene when requested Transport, arrange, coordinate, and facilitate the destruction and disposal of evidence/property in accordance with Texas Statutes Work with law enforcement to identify, isolate and secure the crime scene Work with law enforcement to establish a restricted perimeter around the crime scene as to not compromise evidence Work with law enforcement to define a clear set of restrictions regarding nonessential personnel and investigative personnel Preserve, collect, and record impressions, including tool marks, footprints, tire marks, bite marks, and fingerprints Collect DNA evidence, including blood, semen, hair, skin, blood stain patterns, bodily fluids, and nails Collect trace evidence, including gunshot residue, fibers, accelerant, glass, etc.

Collect firearms evidence, including weapons, spent cartridges, and bullet fragments Requires the employee to be able to render credible testimony in any court proceeding to include Justice Courts, County Courts, District Courts, and any U.S. Federal Court Perform other duties as assigned Education and/or Experience High School Diploma or GED Bachelor's degree in natural or forensic science, or related field, preferred One year in crime scene related activities, preferred Two to three years of work experience in a police evidence room or other law enforcement work, preferred Three to five years experience in Evidence/Property Room Management, preferred Three to five years experience Forensic Photographer, preferred Three to five years experience with death and sexual assault crime scene processing, preferred Other Qualifications, Certificates, Licenses, Registrations Current Class C Texas Driver's License Expert Witness, preferred.