ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Forensic Pathology Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Buffkin / Baker

Forensic Pathologist

Charlotte, NC · On-site

MD/DO from accredited school with forensic pathology training * ABP board-certified or eligible in Anatomic & Forensic Pathology * NC medical license Salary & Benefits A competitive salary based on ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsForensic Pathology Jobs

Forensic Pathology information

See salary details

$41.5K

$219.3K

$320K

How much do forensic pathology jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for forensic pathology in the United States is $219,325.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $183,000.00 and $274,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What careers are related to forensic pathology?

Careers related to forensic pathology include forensic anthropology, forensic toxicology, medical examiner, crime scene investigator, and forensic odontologist. These roles often require specialized training, certifications, and knowledge of legal procedures and laboratory techniques.

What is the highest paid forensic pathologist?

The highest paid forensic pathologists typically work in specialized roles within government agencies, private sectors, or academic institutions, earning salaries that can exceed $200,000 annually. Factors influencing pay include experience, location, certifications, and the complexity of cases handled.

What Are the Qualifications to Get a Job in Forensic Pathology?

The qualifications that you need to start a career in forensic pathology depend on the position that you wish to obtain. A forensic pathologist is a licensed physician. For this job, you must graduate from medical school and undertake an internship and residency in forensic pathology. A forensic technician or pathology technician should seek at least an associate degree in forensic pathology or a related field. Employers may prefer applicants with a bachelor’s degree in forensic science. All forensic pathology professionals need strong investigative and analytical skills to complete their job duties.

What are some typical challenges faced by forensic pathologists in their daily work?

Forensic pathologists often encounter challenging cases that require meticulous attention to detail, such as determining the cause and manner of death in complex situations. They may work under tight deadlines, especially when collaborating with law enforcement and legal teams who depend on their findings for investigations and court proceedings. Additionally, emotional resilience is important, as the role involves exposure to traumatic situations and the need to communicate sensitive findings to families and legal professionals. Despite these challenges, forensic pathologists play a critical role in the justice system and often work as part of a multidisciplinary team, providing opportunities for professional growth and collaboration.

What is forensic pathology?

Forensic pathology is a medical specialty that focuses on determining the cause and manner of death by examining deceased individuals. Forensic pathologists perform autopsies, analyze tissue, and review medical histories to help law enforcement and legal authorities understand how and why a person died. Their work is crucial in criminal investigations, public health, and the justice system, as they provide expert testimony in court and contribute to solving cases involving suspicious or unexplained deaths.

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, often involving irregular hours and emotional resilience. It can be a rewarding career for those interested in criminal justice and medicine, with opportunities in medical examiner offices, hospitals, and research institutions.

What do forensic pathologists do?

Forensic pathologists are medical doctors who perform autopsies to determine the cause and manner of death in suspicious or unexplained cases. They examine bodies, collect evidence, and prepare detailed reports used in criminal investigations and legal proceedings. Their work often involves collaboration with law enforcement and requires knowledge of pathology, anatomy, and forensic science tools.

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 laboratory equipment, toxicology analysis tools, and evidence documentation systems is essential. Attention to detail, critical thinking, and strong communication skills are vital for interpreting findings and presenting them clearly in legal settings. These skills and qualifications are crucial for conducting accurate autopsies, supporting criminal investigations, and providing reliable expert testimony in court.
More about Forensic Pathology jobs
What cities are hiring for Forensic Pathology jobs? Cities with the most Forensic Pathology job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Forensic Pathology jobs? The most popular types of Forensic Pathology jobs are:
What states have the most Forensic Pathology jobs? States with the most job openings for Forensic Pathology jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Forensic Pathology jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Forensic Pathology jobs are:
Forensic Pathology jobs near you
Infographic showing various Forensic Pathology job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $219,325 per year, or $105.4 per hour.
Forensic Pathology Fellow 2028-2029

Forensic Pathology Fellow 2028-2029

Harris County, TX

Houston, TX • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 7 days ago

Harris County rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 118 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

308th of 673 rated public administrative organizations

Job description

Salary: Under Review
Location : Houston, TX
Job Type: Regular Full-time
Job Number: 16690
Department: Institute of Forensic Sciences
Division: Pathology Services
Opening Date: 07/01/2026
Closing Date: 1/15/2027 2:02 PM Central
Position Description
Mission
The Mission of the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences is to provide medical examiner and crime laboratory services of the highest quality in an unbiased manner with uncompromised integrity.
Vision
  • To provide consistent, quality death investigation and laboratory analysis for the benefit of the entire community.
  • To create a technological strongpoint for legal agencies to facilitate justice in criminal and civil proceedings.
  • To establish an academic environment for training in the field of Forensic Science.

Brief Fellowship Overview:
The forensic fellowship is designed to furnish to an already trained pathologist the fundamental philosophy, skills, and knowledge needed to carry out proper medico legal death investigations.
Duties & Responsibilities:
  • Conducts and completes, in a timely manner, such investigations, autopsies and examinations as are needed to fulfill the requirements of "Article 49.25", Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, and such other duties as may be assigned by the Chief Medical Examiner or Deputy Chief Medical Examiner.
  • The Fellow performs medical-legal investigation under the supervision of the Chief, Deputy Chief, or an Assistant Medical Examiner.
  • Fellow participates in the departmental teaching and research function arising from the nature of the departmental duties and responsibilities.
  • A Fellow is appointed by the Chief Medical Examiner in accordance with County personnel procedures and serves in an exempt category for a period generally up to one year.

Harris County is an Equal Opportunity Employer
https://hrrm.harriscountytx.gov/Pages/EqualEmploymentOpportunityPlan.aspx
If you need special services or accommodations, please call (713) 274-5445 or email ADACoordinator@bmd.hctx.net.
This position is subject to a criminal history check. Only relevant convictions will be considered and, even when considered, may not automatically disqualify the candidate.
Requirements
TRANSCRIPTS MAY REQUIRED PRIOR TO INTERVIEW; OFFICIAL CERTIFIED ORIGINAL TRANSCRIPTS WILL BE REQUIRED PRIOR TO ANY JOB OFFER.
Education:
  • Doctor of Medicine or Osteopathy from an accredited U.S. medical or foreign equivalent
  • Completion of ACGME (Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education) approved postgraduate residency program in anatomic or anatomical/clinical pathology by date of hire.

Additional Requirements:
  • Applicant must be enrolled through the NRMP (National Resident Matching Program) in addition to submitting application through Harris County.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
  • The Fellow shall be a Doctor of Medicine or Osteopathy, skilled in the practice of pathology, certified or eligible for certification by the American Board of Pathology.
  • The Fellow must be skilled in the practice of medicine, and pathology and be able to demonstrate and improve skills in forensic pathology with experience and training during the yearlong program.
  • The Fellow shall be able to acquire a Texas licensure or appropriate training permit from the Texas State Board of Medical Examiners prior to the date of employment.
  • The Fellow must be able to follow the rules of procedures of Harris County.
  • The Fellow must maintain dress, demeanor, and interpersonal relationships conducive to the credibility of the Department.
  • The Fellow must be able to communicate effectively in the English language and develop skills in presenting proper cognitive scientific opinion testimony.
  • The Fellow must be willing to participate in the departmental programs and must be sensitive to the religious or appropriate needs of others concerned with death case investigation.

NOTE: Qualifying education, experience, knowledge and skills must be documented on your job application. You may attach a resume to the application as supporting documentation but ONLY information stated on the application will be used for consideration. "See Resume" will not be accepted for qualifications.
Preferences
  • Consideration will be given to residents pursuing combined anatomic-forensic pathology certification, as per the American Board of Pathology. In such circumstances, the applicant will have completed two full years of training in anatomic pathology in an ACGME -accredited residency program.

General Information
Position Type and Typical Hours of Work:
  • Regular Full-Time

Employment may be contingent on passing a drug screen and meeting other standards.
Due to a high volume of applications positions may close prior to the advertised closing date or at the discretion of the Hiring Department.
HARRIS COUNTY EMPLOYEE BENEFITS
Harris County offers a highly competitive benefits program, featuring a comprehensive group health plan and defined benefit retirement plan.
The following benefits are offered only to Harris County employees in regular (full-time) positions:
Health & Wellness Benefits
  • Medical Coverage
  • Dental Coverage
  • Vision Coverage
  • Wellness Plan
  • Life Insurance
  • Long-Term Disability (LTD) Insurance
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Healthcare Flexible Spending Account
  • Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account

Paid Time Off (PTO)
  • Ten (10) days of vacation leave per year (accrual rate increases after 5 years of service)
  • Eleven (11) County-observed holidays
  • One (1) floating holiday per year
  • Paid Parental Leave*
  • Sick Leave

Retirement Savings Benefit
  • 457 Deferred Compensation Plan

The following benefits are available to Harris County employees in full-time and select part-time positions:
  • Professional learning & development opportunities
  • Retirement pension (TCDRS defined benefit plan)
  • Flexible work schedule*
  • METRO RideSponsor Program*

* Participation may vary by County department. The employee benefits plans of Harris County are extended to all eligible participants across various departments with the exception of the Harris County Community Supervision and Corrections Department, for which the cited Health & Wellness Benefits are administered through the State of Texas.
In accordance with the Harris County Personnel Regulations, group health and related benefits are subject to amendment or discontinuance at any time. Harris County Commissioners Court reserves the right to make benefit modifications on the County's behalf as needed.
For plan details, visit the Harris County Benefits & Wellness website:
01
Do you have a Doctorate degree of Medicine or Osteopathy from an accredited U.S. medical or foreign equivalent?
  • Yes
  • No

02
Please describe your educational background including level of education completed, area of study and completed major and minor programs.
03
Are you certified or eligible for certification by the American Board of Pathology?
  • Yes
  • Yes, by date of hire
  • No

04
Do you or will you have Completion of ACGME (Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education) approved postgraduate residency program in anatomics or anatomical/clinical pathology by date of hire?
  • Yes
  • No

05
Are you enrolled through the NRMP (National Resident Matching Program)?
  • Yes
  • No

Required Question

What Harris County employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Harris County logo

About Harris County

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Harris County is the third largest county in the United States with more than 4.7 million residents. There are four precincts in Harris County. The four elected commissioners, along with an elected county judge, serve as members of the Harris County Commissioners Court, the administrative head of the county's government.

Industry

Public administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Houston, TX, US

Year founded

2000

Social media

FacebookTwitter

View All Harris County Jobs

Apply