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Forensic Pathologist Jobs in Phoenix, AZ (NOW HIRING)

Maricopa

Medical Examiner

Phoenix, AZ · Hybrid

$240K - $306K/yr

Board-certified in Forensic Pathology within two (2) years of hire * Valid Arizona driver's license upon hire We Also Value * Bachelor's degree or higher in a Natural Science, Criminology, or related ...

Maricopa County, AZ

Medical Examiner

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$240K - $306K/yr

Board-certified in Forensic Pathology within two (2) years of hire * Valid Arizona driver's license upon hire We Also Value * Bachelor's degree or higher in a Natural Science, Criminology, or related ...

All JobsForensic Pathologist JobsForensic Pathologist Jobs in Phoenix, AZ

Forensic Pathologist information

See Phoenix, AZ salary details

$41.2K

$217.8K

$317.7K

How much do forensic pathologist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for forensic pathologist in Phoenix, AZ is $217,770.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $181,700.00 and $272,100.00 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.
More about Forensic Pathologist jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Forensic Pathologist jobs in Phoenix, AZ?

The most popular types of Forensic Pathologist jobs in Phoenix, AZ are:

What are popular job titles related to Forensic Pathologist jobs in Phoenix, AZ?

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

What job categories do people searching Forensic Pathologist jobs in Phoenix, AZ look for?

The top searched job categories for Forensic Pathologist jobs in Phoenix, AZ are:

What cities near Phoenix, AZ are hiring for Forensic Pathologist jobs?

Cities near Phoenix, AZ with the most Forensic Pathologist job openings:

Forensic Pathologist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Forensic Pathologist job openings in Phoenix, AZ as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $217,770 per year, or $104.7 per hour.

Medical Examiner

Maricopa

Phoenix, AZ • Hybrid

$240K - $306K/yr

Full-time

Medical, PTO

Re-posted 24 days ago

Job description

Posting Date

01/30/26

Application Deadline

Open Until Filled

Pay Range

$240,000 - $306,500 annually
Salary offers are based on the candidate's equivalent experience and internal equity with other employees within the same job classification. This position is not eligible for overtime compensation.

Job Type

Unclassified

Department

Medical Examiner

About the Position

Medical Examiners in Maricopa County are charged by state statute with directing medicolegal death investigations involving cases in the public interest, including those affecting the criminal justice and public health systems. Successful applicants will be expected to direct medicolegal death investigations, perform postmortem examinations in compliance with the National Association of Medical Examiners (N.A.M.E.) Forensic Autopsy Standards, document findings in narrative reports, take overnight calls from investigations staff, and offer objective consultation and/or court testimony to outside agencies including officials representing criminal courts, law enforcement agencies, public health, and safety agencies.

About the Office of the Medical Examiner

Join a team dedicated to providing reliable and trustworthy death investigations in our community! The Office of the Medical Examiner is a county agency charged under Arizona law to perform medical investigations of certain types of deaths. The goal of these investigations is to determine the medical cause and manner of death to help improve public health and safety. We are looking for service-minded individuals to join our collaborative team to help the people of Maricopa County.

Proud to Offer

  • Work with a greater purpose

  • Tuition reimbursement

  • Exceptional work-life balance, with hybrid and alternative work schedule options

  • Opportunities for growth and development within Maricopa County

  • Low-cost, high-value healthcare for you and your qualifying dependents

  • Child care benefits, including access to our on-site center Maricopa County Kids Club, dedicated to serving Maricopa County families

  • Paid vacation, sick time, and parental leave

  • Extensive wellness program, including an incentive

  • Enrollment in the Arizona State Retirement System, a defined retirement benefit requiring a 12% monthly contribution rate that includes a 100% employer match on Day 1

  • Want to learn more about the County's Qualifying and Compensation Philosophy? Follow this link to learn more! Work With Us | Maricopa County, AZ

We Require

  • Graduation from an approved school of medicine or osteopathy

Other Requirements

  • Must possess or be able to obtain an active license to practice medicine in the state of Arizona as required by the Arizona Department of Professional Regulations by time of hire

  • Must be Board Certified in Anatomic/Clinical Pathology by time of hire

  • Board-certified in Forensic Pathology within two (2) years of hire

  • Valid Arizona driver's license upon hire

We Also Value

  • Bachelor's degree or higher in a Natural Science, Criminology, or related field

  • Three years of experience as a vocational medical specialist, such as corpsman/military

  • medic, emergency medical technician (EMT), or paramedic, or as a forensic investigative specialist, such as crime scene technician or investigator

  • Bilingual in English and Spanish

  • Experience in forensic medicolegal investigation

  • Experience working or volunteering in a Medical Examiner or Coroner's Office

  • Certification in good standing as a Diplomat or Fellow of the American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigators

Job Contributions

  • Perform postmortem examinations to determine the cause and manner of death and produce written reports of findings supported by the medicolegal death investigation

  • Review items related to jurisdictional cases, such as medical records, medicolegal death investigator reports, law enforcement agency reports, ancillary testing reports, and postmortem examination results

  • Provide overnight on-call coverage that includes electronic and telephonic communications and in extremely rare instances scene responses. Review and approve jurisdictional and body disposition decisions, cremation requests, and requests for organ/tissue procurement

  • Provide expert testimony in legal interactions, including depositions and court trials and provide consultative conferences with attorneys

  • Participate in conferences with family members, law enforcement, attorneys, and other individuals to provide information on investigations and autopsies

  • Provide education and training to internal personnel such as forensic technicians, medicolegal death investigators, photographers, and other support staff assisting in the death investigation

  • Present education to medical students, residents, and Forensic Pathology Fellows

  • Attend seminars and lectures for continuing education in forensic medicine

  • Participate in trainings and respond to mass fatality incidents

  • Perform other related duties as assigned

Working Conditions

  • Ability to work with decedents in a decomposed state and in malodorous conditions

Selection Procedure

  • Only the most qualified candidates will be considered

  • Consideration will only be given to candidates who submit online applications

  • Candidates will be contacted primarily through email and their Workday online application profile

  • Must pass a pre-employment background and/or fingerprint investigation as required by statute or policy, including drug and alcohol testing requirements for positions designated as safety-sensitive

Maricopa County is an equal opportunity employer.

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