Forensic scientist vs forensic pathologist

The differences between forensic scientists and forensic pathologists can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 2-4 years to become a forensic scientist, becoming a forensic pathologist takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a forensic scientist has an average salary of $71,351, which is higher than the $57,239 average annual salary of a forensic pathologist.

The top three skills for a forensic scientist include laboratory equipment, physical evidence and analytical procedures. The most important skills for a forensic pathologist are body fluids, , and .

Forensic scientist vs forensic pathologist overview

	Forensic Scientist	Forensic Pathologist
Yearly salary	$71,351	$57,239
Hourly rate	$34.30	$27.52
Growth rate	11%	16%
Number of jobs	43,335	20,624
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 80%	Bachelor's Degree, 67%
Average age	38	46
Years of experience	4	2

Forensic scientist vs forensic pathologist salary

Forensic scientists and forensic pathologists have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Forensic Scientist	Forensic Pathologist
Average salary	$71,351	$57,239
Salary range	Between $45,000 And $112,000	Between $26,000 And $122,000
Highest paying City	Lincoln, NE	-
Highest paying state	Alaska	-
Best paying company	Alere	-
Best paying industry	Health Care	-

Differences between forensic scientist and forensic pathologist education

There are a few differences between a forensic scientist and a forensic pathologist in terms of educational background:

	Forensic Scientist	Forensic Pathologist
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 80%	Bachelor's Degree, 67%
Most common major	Biology	Biology
Most common college	California State University - Bakersfield	Stanford University

Forensic scientist vs forensic pathologist demographics

Here are the differences between forensic scientists' and forensic pathologists' demographics:

	Forensic Scientist	Forensic Pathologist
Average age	38	46
Gender ratio	Male, 43.1% Female, 56.9%	Male, 47.6% Female, 52.4%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 10.0% Unknown, 6.0% Hispanic or Latino, 15.7% Asian, 10.5% White, 56.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1%	Black or African American, 8.7% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 11.4% Asian, 6.6% White, 68.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%
LGBT Percentage	8%	12%

Differences between forensic scientist and forensic pathologist duties and responsibilities

Forensic scientist example responsibilities.

Perform organic and robotic DNA extraction, real-time PCR, serology testing, data maintenance/analysis/comparison, documentation, and report writing.
Prepare STR products for size separation via CE on ABI [].
Extract, quantify (RT-PCR), amplify (PCR), and analyze human DNA.
Experience with GC/MS, ELISA, FPIA, HPLC/DAD, UV-Vis spectroscopy, GC/FID, GC/NPD, and LC/QQQ.
Skil in STR mixture deductions.
Maintain, calibrate and clean pipettes.

Forensic pathologist example responsibilities.

Supervise and manage pathology, microbiology and biochemistry laboratory.
Work independently under protocols for treatment to provide STI risk assessment, treatment, and prophylaxis including emergency contraception.
Work independently under protocols for treatment to provide STI risk assessment, treatment, and prophylaxis including emergency contraception.

Forensic scientist vs forensic pathologist skills

Common forensic scientist skills

Laboratory Equipment, 11%
Physical Evidence, 10%
Analytical Procedures, 5%
Extraction, 5%
Criminal Justice, 5%
Test Results, 5%

Common forensic pathologist skills

Body Fluids, 100%

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Forensic Scientist vs Forensic Pathologist

Updated January 8, 2025

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