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Forensics Pathologist Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Morgue Assistant Resource

Grand Rapids, MI · On-site

  • Medical

  • Retirement

Job Summary Under general supervision of Forensic Pathologists, eviscerates bodies, collects and secures personal belongings, evidence and specimens. Working conditions are in a morgue with exposure ...

Morgue Assistant Resource

Grand Rapids, MI · On-site

  • Medical

  • Retirement

Job Summary Under general supervision of Forensic Pathologists, eviscerates bodies, collects and secures personal belongings, evidence and specimens. Working conditions are in a morgue with exposure ...

Forensics Pathologist information

See Michigan salary details

$12

$35

$50

How much do forensics pathologist jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for forensics pathologist in Michigan is $35.58, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $28.08 and $41.92 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How long is schooling for a forensic pathologist?

Becoming a forensic pathologist typically requires about 13 to 15 years of education and training, including four years of undergraduate studies, four years of medical school, a residency in pathology lasting about four years, and a fellowship in forensic pathology that usually takes one year. This extensive training prepares them to perform autopsies, analyze evidence, and testify in court.

Is it hard to get a job as a forensic pathologist?

Securing a job as a forensic pathologist can be competitive due to the specialized training and certification required, including medical school, residency, and board certification in pathology. Job availability depends on factors such as location, experience, and the number of openings in forensic laboratories or medical examiner offices, but strong qualifications and relevant skills improve employment prospects.

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 working in laboratories or morgues. The career offers high job stability and the opportunity to contribute to criminal justice, but it can involve emotionally challenging cases and irregular hours.

What jobs can you get as a forensic pathologist?

A forensic pathologist typically works in medical examiner offices, coroner's offices, or forensic laboratories, performing autopsies to determine cause of death. They may also work in research, teaching, or consulting roles related to forensic medicine and criminal investigations. Certification by the American Board of Pathology is often required for these positions.

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 Michigan? For Forensics Pathologist jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Forensics Pathologist jobs in Michigan look for? The top searched job categories for Forensics Pathologist jobs in Michigan are:
What cities in Michigan are hiring for Forensics Pathologist jobs? Cities in Michigan with the most Forensics Pathologist job openings:
Infographic showing various Forensics Pathologist job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 33% Full Time, 50% Part Time, and 17% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $74,012 per year, or $35.6 per hour.

Faculty - Forensic Pathologist

Western Michigan University

Kalamazoo, MI • On-site

$225K - $263K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Re-posted 11 days ago


Western Michigan University rating

6.7

Company rating: 6.7 out of 10

Based on 30 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

485th of 618 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Description
The Department of Pathology at Western Michigan University Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine is seeking a full-time Forensic Pathologist at the Assistant, Associate, or Full Professor level to join six (6) board-certified forensic pathologists in Kalamazoo, Michigan. The ideal candidate will perform medicolegal autopsies, supervise death investigations completed by Medical Examiner Investigators, teach medical students and the forensic pathology fellow, and develop a program of scholarly inquiry. In 2024, our office investigated over 4,800 deaths, and we performed over 1,600 postmortem examinations. We are committed to creating a workplace that provides work-life balance and allows you to pursue your academic interests. Salaries are very competitive and are based on academic rank and years of service. For additional information about our office, visit our website at mimedicalexaminer.com.
Highlights:
  • NAME Accredited.
  • Medical Examiner for 13 Michigan counties and consultant for several additional area counties in Michigan and Indiana.
  • 330,000 square foot state-of-the-art facility.
  • Full-body digital x-ray imaging device and a mobile computed tomography (CT) scanner.
  • On-site neuropathologies, anthropologists, toxicologists, and histology services.
  • Toxicology testing through AXIS Forensic Toxicology, with short turnaround times.

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BENEFITS:
  • Wellness reimbursement.
  • Continuing education and tuition reimbursement.
  • Employer-funded retirement plan.
  • Two medical plan options: PPO and High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) with employer HSA contribution.
  • Up to $6,300 annually for professional development.
  • Starting bonus (as applicable).
  • Professional liability insurance coverage.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Perform forensic pathology, hospital autopsies, and conduct activities of a medical examiner practice.
  • Interprets reports made by physicians, pathologists and toxicologists.
  • Confers with medical and investigative personnel in making determinations as to the cause and circumstance of death.
  • Consults with Law enforcement, the District Attorney, and attorneys in the preparation of court cases.
  • Provide expert testimony and advise the Prosecutor's Office in criminal proceedings relating to deaths.
  • Prepares reports of findings.
  • Participates in medical students' education through curriculum development and elective opportunities.
  • Conduct research.
  • Assists the Department Chair with National Association of Medical Examiners accreditation.
  • Availability to work on weekends or evenings to complete time-sensitive projects.
  • Acquires knowledge for new technology and policy/procedure revisions.
  • All other duties as assigned.

Compensation will be commensurate with education, experience, and qualifications.
Requirements
QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Physician (MD or DO) with board certification by the American Board of Pathology in Anatomic Pathology.
  • Board-certified/eligible with the American Board of Pathology in Forensic Pathology.
  • Candidates should be academically oriented, preferably with experience in medical education.
  • Licensure to practice in the state of Michigan.

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