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Forensics Pathologist Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Stanislaus County

Forensic Pathologist

Modesto, CA

$168.98 - $253.46/hr

The Forensic Pathologist is a single position assigned to the Sheriff's Office and performs related duties as assigned. Typical Tasks Develop and manage a regional pathology model, including ...

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Forensics Pathologist information

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How much do forensics pathologist jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for forensics pathologist in California is $40.29, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $31.78 and $47.45 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the highest paid forensic pathologist?

The highest paid forensic pathologists typically work in specialized roles within government agencies, private laboratories, or academic institutions, with salaries reaching over $200,000 annually. Factors such as experience, location, and additional certifications can influence earning potential in this field.

What can I do with a forensic pathology degree?

A forensic pathology degree prepares individuals to work as forensic pathologists, who examine deceased individuals to determine cause and manner of death. These professionals typically work in medical examiner or coroner offices, often requiring medical licensure and specialized training in autopsy procedures and forensic science. Career options also include consulting, research, and teaching in forensic medicine.

What do pathologists do in forensics?

Forensic pathologists examine deceased individuals to determine cause and manner of death through autopsies, collecting evidence and documenting findings. They often work in morgues or medical examiner offices, using tools like scalpels and microscopes, and may collaborate with law enforcement agencies during criminal investigations.

Is there a high demand for forensic pathologists?

Forensic pathologists are in steady demand due to the need for medical examiners and death investigations in many regions. Employment opportunities are expected to grow as the field requires specialized training, including medical degrees and certification, and is influenced by factors such as crime rates and legal processes.

What is the difference between Forensics Pathologist vs Medical Examiner?

AspectForensics PathologistMedical Examiner
CredentialsMedical degree, pathology residency, board certification in forensic pathologyMedical degree, pathology residency, often board-certified in forensic pathology or anatomic pathology
Work EnvironmentMedical examiner's office, morgues, crime scenesCoroner's or medical examiner's office, hospitals, morgues
Primary RolePerforming autopsies to determine cause of death, analyzing forensic evidenceInvestigating deaths, determining cause and manner of death, testifying in court

While both Forensics Pathologists and Medical Examiners perform autopsies and work in death investigations, Forensics Pathologists specialize in forensic autopsies and evidence analysis, often working in crime scene contexts. Medical Examiners may have broader roles in death investigations, including administrative duties. Both roles require similar credentials and often overlap in work environments, but their primary focus differs slightly.

What are popular job titles related to Forensics Pathologist jobs in California? For Forensics Pathologist jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Forensics Pathologist jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Forensics Pathologist jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Forensics Pathologist jobs? Cities in California with the most Forensics Pathologist job openings:
Forensics Pathologist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Forensics Pathologist job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 6% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 2% Temporary. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $83,804 per year, or $40.3 per hour.

Forensic Pathologist III/IV

Riverside County, CA

Riverside, CA • On-site

$223K - $351K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 16 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Performs autopsies and evaluates historical and law-enforcement investigative information to establish cause and time of death and manner of death.

  • Collects medical evidence, performs chemical and microscopic examination of tissues and fluids, and submits samples to laboratories for further analysis when required.

  • Prepares detailed reports of findings, confers with judicial and law enforcement personnel, and assists in interpreting autopsy findings for event reconstruction.

Job description

Salary: $223,604.49 - $351,836.34 Annually
Location : Perris
Job Type: Regular
Job Number: 26-73894-01
Department: Sheriff
Opening Date: 01/12/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
For questions regarding this position, please contact the Recruiter listed in the Supplemental Information section.
ABOUT THE POSITION
This recruitment is intended to establish a pool of qualified candidates for the Forensic Pathologist III/IV. The pool will not be used to fill any immediate vacancies but will instead be utilized to fill future vacancies within the Sheriff's Office.
The Riverside County Sheriff's Office is accepting applications for the Forensic Pathologist III/IV. This position performs autopsies and evaluates historical and law-enforcement investigative information in order to establish cause and time of death and whether death was due to natural causes, accident, suicide, homicide, or is undetermined.
Salary Range:
Forensic Pathologist III
$107.50 - $153.78 Hourly
$18,633.71 - $26,655.56 Monthly
$223,604.49 - $319,866.73 Annually
Forensic Pathologist IV
$118.25 - $169.15 Hourly
$20,495.94 - $29,319.69 Monthly
$245,951.26 - $351,836.34 Annually
Additional Benefits
  • 11% Difficult-to-Recruit differential
  • Relocation pay may be available. See the policy
  • Educational loan repayment assistance is available. See the policy

Meet the Team!
The law enforcement professionals of the Riverside County Office, with a staff of over 3,600 dedicated men and women, cover the expanse of over 7,300 square miles in southern California. The Sheriff's Office is dedicated to serving the citizens of its communities with integrity, professionalism, leadership, and loyalty and believes in service above self.
EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES
• Performs autopsies and evaluates historical and law-enforcement investigative information in order to establish cause and time of death and whether death was due to natural causes, accident, suicide, homicide, or is undetermined.
• Collects medical evidence such as trace evidence and secretions; performs chemical and/or microscopic examination of tissues and fluids, and submits samples of body fluids, tissues and other findings to laboratories for toxicology and clinical laboratory examination when analysis may be required.
• Prepares detailed reports of findings, confers with judicial and law enforcement personnel and assists in interpreting autopsy findings for the purpose of reconstructing events leading to suspected homicides or suicides.
• Signs death certificates, gives testimony at inquests, Coroner Review processes, and in court trials.
• Keeps informed of current techniques, procedures and equipment in forensic pathology; conducts special research projects as assigned.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Forensic Pathologist III$107.50 - $153.78 Hourly
$18,633.71 - $26,655.56 Monthly
$223,604.49 - $319,866.73 AnnuallyLicense/Certificate: Possession of a valid Physician's and Surgeon's Certificate issued by the State of California and eligible for Forensic Pathologist Board Certification. Candidates that have been accepted into an accredited fellowship in forensic pathology are eligible to apply for this position at this time.
Forensic Pathologist IV
$118.25 - $169.15 Hourly
$20,495.94 - $29,319.69 Monthly
$245,951.26 - $351,836.34 Annually
License/Certificate: Possession of a valid Physician's and Surgeon's Certificate issued by the State of California. Possession of the Forensic Pathologist Board Certification.
Both Levels
License: Possession of a valid Driver's License. Possession of a valid California's Driver's License must be obtained within three months of employment.
Knowledge of: Principles and practices of modern medicine and techniques of autopsy; statues, ordinances, regulations and medicolegal issues related to Coroner's Bureau; the current and highly specialized techniques, investigative procedures and equipment applicable to forensic pathology including the applicability of toxicology, ballistics/firearm examination, trace evidence, forensic serology, forensic anthropology, and DNA technology; rules and regulations applicable to court testimony.
Ability to: Perform highly skilled post-mortem examinations; review and evaluate complex investigations, autopsy reports and other specific findings to establish the cause of death; communicate effectively and serve as an expert witness in a court of law, inquests, and legal proceedings; write and effectively interpret comprehensive reports; establish and maintain effective relationships with others.
Work Performance Measures
• Gains confidence of County staff, judicial agencies, legal representatives, the media and the public.
• Viewed as medicolegal expert in Forensic Pathology.
• Demonstrates integrity and professional standards.
• Answers technical questions in appropriate format for audience whether jury or a medicolegal expert.
• Follows policies, procedures, standards and controls established by the Chief Forensic Pathologist.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
For questions regarding this recruitment
Please contact Brittney Mathis at 951-955-5358 or bmathis@rivco.org. Please allow 1-2 business days for response to general inquiries.
APPLICATION INFORMATION
Veteran's Preference
The County has a Veterans Preference Policy applicable to new hires. To qualify, attach the required documents to your job application. Documents include a copy of your (or your spouse's) Member-4 Form DD-214 indicating dates of service. For spousal preference, and as applicable, the following documents: a copy of your marriage certificate, spouse's death certificate, a letter of spouse's disability and/or letter of service-related death (if available) from the U.S. Veteran's Administration. For privacy reasons, it is recommended that you remove your social security information from the document(s). A Human Resources Representative will review the materials and determine if you qualify for veterans' preference. For complete details and documentation requirements, please review the Veterans Preference Policy, C-3 here:
Reasonable Accommodations
The County of Riverside is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to applicants as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA). Qualified individuals with disabilities who need a reasonable accommodation during the application or selection process should contact the recruiter for the position noted above. For additional information and/or to obtain the appropriate form for requesting a reasonable accommodation, please visit the Disability Access Office web page located at:
Proof of Education
If using education to qualify or when requested by the recruiter, upload a copy of any license(s), official/unofficial transcript(s), degrees, and/or related employment documents to your NeoGov account at the time of application and before the closing date. Official or unofficial transcripts will be accepted.
If your education was completed outside of the United States, you will need to provide a copy of your Foreign Education Equivalency evaluation from a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services () or Association of International Credential Evaluators, Inc. ().
Work Authorization Requirement
Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of application. The County of Riverside does not participate in visa sponsorship programs, including H1-B visas, and will not provide sponsorship for any employment-based visas.
Equal Opportunity Employer
The County of Riverside is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It is the policy of the County of Riverside to provide equal employment opportunities for all qualified persons. All applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, ancestry, medical condition (cancer and genetic characteristics), genetic information, or denial of medical and family care leave, or any other non-job-related factors.
Pre-Employment
All employment offers are contingent upon successful completion of pre-employment requirements including a criminal background investigation, which involves fingerprinting. (A felony or misdemeanor conviction may disqualify the applicant from County employment). A pre-employment physical examination and background check may be required.
Probationary Period
As an Approved Local Merit System, all County of Riverside employees, except those serving "At Will," are subject to the probationary period provisions as specified in the applicable Memorandum of Understanding, County Resolution, or Salary Ordinance. Temporary and Per Diem employees serve at the pleasure of the agency/department head.
General Information
Current County of Riverside and/or current employees of the hiring department may receive priority consideration. Qualified candidates may be considered for future County vacancies.
Job postings may close without notice based on application volume. Submit your complete application by the recruitment close date; no late applications are accepted. Ensure all relevant experience/education is reflected on your application/resume, as a failure to demonstrate position requirements may disqualify applicants. A description of job duties directly copied from the job classification or job posting will not be considered.
Please read and follow any special application instructions on this posting. Click the 'Apply' link located on this page to submit your application. For additional instructions on the application process, examinations, Veteran's preference, pre-employment accommodation or other employment questions, please refer to our web site,
If you are experiencing technical problems, you may contact the governmentjobs.com applicant support desk Monday through Friday, 6 am to 5 pm Pacific Time at support@governmentjobs.com or toll-free 1-855-524-5627.
BENEFIT PROGRAM: SEI
MEDICAL/DENTAL/VISION INSURANCE: A choice of different medical, dental and visions plan are available to elect. The County provides a Flexible Benefit Credit contribution as governed by the applicable SEIU Memorandum of Understanding to contribute towards the cost of these plans.
Note: Employees on assignment through the Temporary Assignment Program (TAP) receive different benefits. See the list
MISCELLANEOUS RETIREMENT: County of Riverside has three retirement Tiers through the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS).
  • Tier I (Classic Member - Formula 3% @ 60): Applicable to current and former County of Riverside local miscellaneous employees hired prior to 08/24/2012 and did not withdraw CalPERS contributions. The employee contribution is eight (8%) percent.
  • Tier II (Classic Member - Formula 2% @ 60): Applicable to local miscellaneous employees 1) hired after 08/23/2012 through 12/31/2012; 2) Previously employed with another CalPERS contracting public agency or a reciprocal retirement system, with a break in service of less than six months between the separation date with the previous employer and the appointment date with the County of Riverside. The employee contribution is seven (7%) percent.
  • Tier III (PEPRA New Member - Formula 2% @ 62): Applicable to CalPERS local miscellaneous new members hired on or after the implementation of the Public Employees' Pension Reform Act of 2013 (PEPRA) which took effect January 1, 2013. Effective July 1, 2023 employee contributions are 7.25% and will increase to 7.75% effective July 1, 2024.

A new member is defined as any of the following:
  1. A new hire who enters CalPERS membership for the first time on or after January 1, 2013, and who has no prior membership in any California Public Retirement System.
  2. A new hire who enters CalPERS membership for the first time on or after January 1, 2013, and who was a member with another California Public Retirement System prior to that date, but who is not subject to reciprocity upon joining CalPERS.
  3. A member who first established CalPERS membership prior to January 1, 2013, and who is rehired by a different CalPERS agency after a break in service of greater than six (6) months.

CalPERS refers to all members that do not fit within the definition of a new member as "classic members".
Contribution rates are subject to change based on the County of Riverside annual actuarial valuation.
Note:
This summary is for general information purposes only. Additional questions regarding retirement formulas can be sent to or by calling the Benefits Information Line at (951) 955-4981,
Option 2.
If you have prior service credit with another CalPERS agency or within agencies, please contact CalPERS at (888) 225-7377 to determine which retirement tier would be applicable to you. CalPERS is governed by the Public Employees' Retirement Law. The Retirement Law is complex and subject to change. If there's any conflict between this summary and the law, the law will prevail over this summary.
DEFERRED COMPENSATION: Voluntary employee contribution with a choice between two 457 deferred compensation plan options.
VACATION ACCRUAL (Bi-Weekly Accrual):
0 < 3 year = 80 Hours (10 Days)
4 < 9 years = 120 Hours (15 Days)
10 or more years = 160 Hours (20 Days)
Maximum Vacation leave accumulation is 480 hours.
SICK LEAVE: Four (4) hours Sick Leave accrual per pay period with unlimited accrual.
HOLIDAYS: Normally 12 paid holidays per year.
BEREAVEMENT LEAVE: Allowed 5 days (3 days are County paid; 2 a

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