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Forensic Pathologist Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

Forensic Pathologist information

See Portland, OR salary details

$44.2K

$233.3K

$340.5K

How much do forensic pathologist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for forensic pathologist in Portland, OR is $233,346.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $194,700.00 and $291,500.00 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 Portland, OR? The most popular types of Forensic Pathologist jobs in Portland, OR are:
What are popular job titles related to Forensic Pathologist jobs in Portland, OR? For Forensic Pathologist jobs in Portland, OR, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Forensic Pathologist jobs in Portland, OR look for? The top searched job categories for Forensic Pathologist jobs in Portland, OR are:
What cities near Portland, OR are hiring for Forensic Pathologist jobs? Cities near Portland, OR with the most Forensic Pathologist job openings:
Infographic showing various Forensic Pathologist job openings in Portland, OR as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 10% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $233,346 per year, or $112.2 per hour.

Physician Pathology - Competitive Salary

Adelphi Medical Staffing, LLC

Vancouver, WA • On-site

Other

Re-posted 28 days ago


Job description

Adelphi is seeking a Forensic Pathologist for a public Health facility in Vancouver, Washington. The Forensic Pathologist will be responsible for the investigation of deaths meeting jurisdictional criteria to establish cause and manner of death.

Job Quick Facts:
• Ref #: BD-261-05
• Profession: Physician
• Specialty: Forensic Pathology
• Location: Vancouver, WA
• Facility Type: Public Health facility
• Coverage Type: Onsite
• Start Date: ASAP
• Contract Length: 1 Year

Minimum Qualifications:
• WA MD/DO License
• Board certification by the American Board of Pathology
• 3-4 years of experience practicing as a Board-Certified Forensic Pathologist

Desired Competencies:
• Forensic pathology best practices, NAME accreditation standards,
   and principles and practices of death investigation.
• Medical and legal aspects surrounding sudden and unnatural death; methods, practices,
   equipment, and procedures of handling deceased individuals.
• Data collection, statistical analysis and report writing principles and techniques;
   laws, rules, and regulations affecting certification of death, release of bodies,
   custody of the property of deceased persons and related matters; medical examiner office accreditation requirements

Responsibilities:
• Performs postmortem examinations and reports for suspicious death cases (e.g., homicides, infant/toddler cases).
• Retains samples, specimens, and tissues necessary for analysis, examination, and documentation.
• Prepares detailed technical examination reports using appropriate reporting form and convention.
• Issues preliminary reports in writing, of the cause of death where such determination is not dependent upon further investigation.
• Keeps and maintains appropriate records, reports, and other documentation regarding investigations.
• Confers with and provides expert testimony on cases performed as required by the Sheriff, Prosecuting Attorney, and other law enforcement officials.
• Confers with death investigators and uses judgment to determine need to attend death scenes or discovery of remains.
• Meets with family members of decedents as requested.
• Performs other related duties as required.




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About Adelphi Medical Staffing

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Adelphi Medical Staffing is a reputable company based in Kennesaw, Georgia, US, that operates in the healthcare sector. They offer specialized solutions in the healthcare industry, primarily medical staffing services by bridging the gap between healthcare professionals seeking job opportunities and healthcare facilities in need of competent professionals. Although the details on the company's founding history are not specified on their website, their extensive experience in staffing and healthcare speaks volumes about their reliability and professional commitment. Their mission is to provide high quality, reliable healthcare staffing services that contribute to improved patient satisfaction. Adelphi Medical Staffing prides itself on the core values of integrity, innovation, customer satisfaction, and teamwork. They strive for greatness in all they do and have a pivotal role in fostering improved healthcare services within a myriad of healthcare facilities.

Industry

Recruiting and staffing services

Company size

11 - 50 Employees

Headquarters location

Kennesaw, GA, US

Year founded

2017

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