ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Forensics Pathologist Salary Jobs (NOW HIRING)

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsForensics Pathologist Salary Jobs

Forensics Pathologist Salary information

See salary details

$14

$40

$58

How much do forensics pathologist salary jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for forensics pathologist salary in the United States is $40.83, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $32.21 and $48.08 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some typical challenges a forensic pathologist may encounter in their daily work?

Forensic pathologists often face the challenge of working with unpredictable schedules, as cases can arise at any time and may require immediate attention. They must also navigate emotionally difficult situations, such as performing autopsies on victims of violent crimes or accidents. Additionally, maintaining accuracy and attention to detail is crucial, as their findings can have significant legal implications. Collaboration with law enforcement and legal professionals is frequent, requiring strong communication skills and the ability to explain complex medical findings to non-medical audiences.

What is the highest paid Forensic Pathologist?

The highest paid forensic pathologists typically earn salaries exceeding $200,000 annually, especially those with extensive experience, specialized skills, or working in high-cost regions. Senior professionals with board certifications and leadership roles in medical examiner offices or private labs tend to have the highest compensation in the field.

Is it worth being a Forensic Pathologist?

A forensic pathologist is a medical examiner who performs autopsies to determine cause of death, often working in a laboratory or morgue setting. The role requires medical training, certification, and attention to detail, with salaries typically reflecting specialized expertise and experience. While the job can be emotionally demanding, it offers the opportunity to contribute to criminal investigations and public health.

Is it hard to get into forensic pathology?

Forensic pathology is a specialized medical field that requires completing medical school, residency training in pathology, and a fellowship in forensic pathology. The pathway is competitive and demanding, often taking over a decade of education and training, but individuals with strong academic records and relevant experience can pursue certification through the American Board of Pathology. Licensing and certification are essential for practicing in this field.

What is the average salary of a forensic pathologist?

The average salary of a forensic pathologist in the United States typically ranges from $150,000 to $250,000 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer. Entry-level forensic pathologists may earn closer to the lower end of this range, while those with significant experience or working in high-demand areas can earn more. Salaries can also be influenced by the type of organization, such as government agencies, private labs, or academic institutions.

What is the difference between Forensics Pathologist Salary vs Medical Examiner Salary?

AspectForensics PathologistMedical Examiner
Required CredentialsMedical degree, pathology certification, forensic pathology fellowshipMedical degree, pathology certification, forensic pathology fellowship
Work EnvironmentCrime labs, hospitals, morguesCoroner's offices, hospitals, morgues
Employer & IndustryLaw enforcement agencies, forensic labsGovernment agencies, hospitals

Both forensics pathologists and medical examiners require similar credentials and work in related environments. However, forensics pathologists often work in specialized forensic labs, while medical examiners are typically employed by government agencies overseeing death investigations. Salary differences may depend on location and experience, but their roles are closely aligned in the forensic and death investigation fields.

Is forensic pathology in high demand?

Forensic pathology is a specialized field with steady demand due to the need for medical examiners and death investigations. Job growth is expected to be average or slightly above average, driven by increasing populations and the need for criminal justice and public health services. Certification and experience with autopsy procedures and forensic techniques are important for employment opportunities.

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, completion of a pathology residency, and specialized training in forensic pathology, typically culminating in board certification. Expertise in laboratory techniques, autopsy procedures, and evidence-handling systems is crucial for accurate casework. Exceptional analytical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to communicate complex findings clearly are vital soft skills in this role. These competencies are essential for delivering precise cause-of-death determinations and supporting the legal system with reliable expert testimony.
More about Forensics Pathologist Salary jobs
What cities are hiring for Forensics Pathologist Salary jobs? Cities with the most Forensics Pathologist Salary job openings:
What states have the most Forensics Pathologist Salary jobs? States with the most job openings for Forensics Pathologist Salary jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Forensics Pathologist Salary jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Forensics Pathologist Salary jobs are:
Forensics Pathologist Salary jobs near you
Infographic showing various Forensics Pathologist Salary job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% As Needed, 33% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 52% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $84,916 per year, or $40.8 per hour.

Associate Medical Examiner (Forensic Pathologist)

Georgia Bureau of Investigation

Decatur, GA • On-site

$260K - $280K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 22 days ago

Job description

Salary: $260,000.00 - $280,000.00 Annually
Location : Macon, GA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 26-032
Division: Medical Examiners Office
Opening Date: 11/20/2025
Description
This is a sensitive government position.
Please review the GBI Employment Disqualifiers before applying for this position. Employment for the selected candidate(s) is contingent upon the successful completion of a GBI background investigation including criminal, credit and driver's history checks, polygraph examination, fingerprinting and drug screening.
The GBI follows the Federal statute regarding illegal drug use and is a drug-free workplace. Although some states have legalized recreational drug use, applicants who currently use illegal drugs or controlled substances will be subject to disqualification from employment with the GBI.
The State Medical Examiner's Office, within the Division of Forensic Sciences, Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) is seeking qualified applicants to fill Associate Medical Examiner (Forensic Pathologist) positions at the GBI Central Regional Laboratory in Dry Branch (Macon), Georgia. The successful applicant will join a system that encompasses two regional medical examiner offices located in Pooler (Savannah) and Dry Branch (Macon), Georgia, in addition to the headquarters facility, located in Decatur, Georgia (Atlanta). Collectively, these three offices provide complete forensic pathology services to 154 of the 159 counties in Georgia.
In addition to the listed salary, the selected applicant will be paid an additional $50,000/yr. locality pay that will be paid out semi-monthly in addition to the annual salary. The locality pay is valid only if the selected applicant is working at the Central Regional Laboratory in Macon, GA.
Exciting things are happening at the Central Regional Laboratory!! We are building a brand-new state of the art facility for the GBI's Death Investigation and Forensic Pathology needs. The State Medical Examiner's Office has a total of 19 medical examiners throughout the state, when fully staffed, including a board-certified pediatric pathologist staffed at headquarters. This office also operates the Child Abuse Investigative Support Center, which provides consultative services to law enforcement, district attorneys, the Division of Family and Children's Services, and other agencies, where inflicted injury is suspected in living children.
The Central Regional Laboratory in Dry Branch, GA performs approximately 550 autopsies per year. The Central Regional Laboratory medical examiner's staff currently consists of one locums tenens doctors, four (4) death investigation specialists, and one (1) support staff; these are in addition to the attached crime laboratory with its entire staff. The average caseload per pathologist is between 250-300 cases per year.
Dry Branch is a city in Bibb County and is located right outside of Macon, GA along interstate 16. Macon nicknamed the "Heart of Georgia" is a city located in Central Georgia with a big city feel, but it's still a small town. Macon is one of those cities that keeps alive the architectural splendor of the old South. Rich history, incredible architecture, stunning Southern charm, and a soulful musical heritage have branded Macon "Where Soul Lives." Ever hospitable, the city has one of the south's largest and most beautiful collections of antebellum churches and homes. Take your time to walk the city streets adorned by thousands of cherry trees, snapping the old brick buildings that have been carefully looked after for many decades. Just outside Macon you can set off for water-based exploits along the Ocmulgee Water River Water Trail or see one of America's largest collections of military aircraft at the Robins Air Force Base.
Learn more at: https://www.maconga.org/about/ or https://www.maconchamber.com/.
The GBI Medical Examiner's Office is accredited by the National Association of Medical Examiners. To learn more about the GBI Medical Examiner's Office, visit
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation has been internationally accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA®).
Job Duties
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The Associate Medical Examiner (Forensic Pathologist) performs medicolegal autopsies under the provisions of the Georgia Death Investigation Act; generates examination reports for dissemination in a timely and efficient manner; provides expert courtroom and deposition testimony in judicial proceedings; and consults with law enforcement agencies and attorneys who work within the criminal system. The Associate Medical Examiner may perform other duties as directed by the Chief Medical Examiner.
Qualifications
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Medical Doctor licensed to practice medicine in the state of Georgia or the ability to obtain Georgia licensure as required by state law
AND
Successful completion of an Anatomic Pathology residency and Forensic Pathology fellowship from an accredited institution
AND
Board certified by the American Board of Pathology in Anatomic Pathology OR Anatomic Pathology and Clinical Pathology.
AND
Board certified or eligible for certification by the American Board of Pathology in Forensic Pathology.
CONDITION(S) OF EMPLOYMENT
Selected candidates who have not yet achieved board certification in Forensic Pathology must sit for and successfully pass the board certification examination in Forensic Pathology at the earliest available administration upon becoming eligible.
Failure to sit for and/or successfully pass the Forensic Pathology Board exam will result in an evaluation of continued employment.
Selected candidate must be able to work a flexible schedule to meet the needs of the business which may require working weekends and/or holidays. Selected candidate must also be available to receive and respond to telephone inquiries from home, while acting in an on-call status.
Supplemental Information
SALARY AND BENEFITS
The salary range for the position is $260,000-$280,000 per year, depending on qualifications and experience. Advancement within the salary structure is commensurate with cumulative experience and achievement of full board certification for those who are hired but not yet fully board certified.
The starting salary is commensurate with board certification status and work experience:
*From date of completion of Forensic Pathology Fellowship through the 5th full year of postgraduate employment, w/o board certification, the salary will be: $260,000.00 per year.
*From date of completion of Forensic Pathology Fellowship through the 5th full year of postgraduate employment, with AP & FP board certification, the salary will be: $270,000.00 per year.
*From the beginning of the 6th postgraduate year forward, w/AP & FP board certification, the salary will be: $280,000.00 per year.
In addition to the listed salary, the selected applicant will be paid an additional $50,000/yr. locality pay that will be paid out semi-monthly in addition to the annual salary. The locality pay is valid only if the selected applicant is working at the Central Regional Laboratory in Macon, GA.
Advancement within the salary structure is commensurate with cumulative experience, and achievement of full Board Certification status for those who are hired but are not yet fully Board Certified.
***NEW -***
The Georgia Medical Examiner Loan Repayment Programis now available to qualified licensed physicians working as full-time Medical Examiners with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation! Recipients must agree to work full-time, on or after January 1, 2023, for GBI as a Medical Examiner for an opportunity to have a portion of their student loan debt to be paid through this loan repayment program. Loan repayment begins after twelve consecutive months of qualified employment.
Qualified Medical Examiners may receive up to five years of student loan repayment for five years of employment with the GBI's Division of Forensic Science Medical Examiner's Office. Graduated loan repayment award amounts are based on eligible participating year in the repayment program:
• First year maximum amount is $12,000
• Second year maximum amount is $18,000
• Third year maximum amount is $24,000
• Fourth year maximum amount is $30,000
• Fifth year maximum amount is $36,000
The maximum limit is $120,000 with five years of qualifying employment.
GBI offers a generous benefits package. Employees earn vacation time and sick leave and are granted 13 paid holidays each year. There are a variety of benefit options to choose from, including vision, dental, health and life insurance. We also offer an employee retirement plan and deferred compensation options.
Competitive benefits package:
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Annual vacation, sick, and education leave
• 13 paid holidays
• Employee retirement plan
• Deferred compensation options
• Conference allowance
• Reimbursement of all GA licensure and board certification fees
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Eligible Employer
• Georgia Medical Examiner Loan Repayment Program
The GBI reserves the right to close this job announcement once a qualified applicant pool has been identified.
  • Due to the volume of applications we receive, we are unable to provide information on application status by phone or by e-mail. All qualified applicants will be considered, but may not necessarily receive an interview. Applicants who are not selected for an interview will not receive notification.

  • The GBI follows the Federal statute regarding illegal drug use and is a drug-free workplace. Although some states have legalized recreational drug use, applicants who currently use illegal drugs or controlled substances will be subject to disqualification from employment with the GBI

  • Applicants must present a professional image during all phases of the GBI hiring process, to include when interviewing, either in-person or virtually. The attire and appearance of applicants interviewing must be what is generally accepted as both professional and appropriate for a business work environment.

  • Foreign Education: Applicants who have completed part or all of their education outside the U.S. must have their foreign education evaluated by an accredited organization to ensure that the foreign education is equivalent to education received in accredited educational institutions in the U.S. This evaluation must be a course-by-course evaluation that includes each completed course/subject and the U.S. credit equivalent. Applicants must submit a copy of the credential evaluation as part of the application process. For a listing of services that can perform this evaluation, see the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services website at http://www.naces.org/members.htm.

  • The GBI is a certified H-1B Visa Employer for the Associate Medical Examiner positions.

THE GBI IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
Why work for the Georgia Bureau of Investigation?
The GBI provides a meaningful and challenging career as a dedicated public servant. As your next employer, we offer a variety of benefits options to support you in achieving a healthy work/life balance.
Here are some of the many benefits offered to eligible employees...
  • Up to 3 weeks of vacation leave and up to 15 days of sick leave a year
  • Up to 240 hours of paid parental leave in a 12-month period
  • A total of 13 paid holidays per year
  • A Defined Benefit Plan (Pension) that provides a guaranteed monthly income after retirement with a minimum of 10 years of service
  • A 401(k) savings plan with an initial 5% employer match on an employee contribution of 5%, with a 9% maximum employer match.
  • A variety of group health, dental, vision, legal, long-term care insurance, accidental death and dismemberment, and life insurance options
  • Long-term and Short-term Disability Insurance to provide income protection against the unexpected
  • Flexible Spending Accounts that allow employees to set aside money, pre-tax, for healthcare and dependent care expenses
  • An Employee Assistance Program, through , providing confidential counseling for employees and their family members with personal problems that interfere with an employee's job performance or family life
  • The that allows employees that meet certain requirements an opportunity to have the remaining balance of their Direct Loans forgiven
  • The that allows employees to save tax-free for higher education expenses

Apply