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Forensic Medical Examiner Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Clark County

MEDICAL EXAMINER

Las Vegas, NV · On-site

$235K - $347K/yr

ABOUT THE POSITION The Clark County Office of the Coroner/Medical Examiner is seeking to fill the Medical Examiner/Forensic Pathologist position. This office serves Clark County, Nevada, which ...

Clark County, NV

MEDICAL EXAMINER

Las Vegas, NV · On-site

$235K - $347K/yr

It also has active consultation services with Forensic Neuropathologists, Forensic Anthropologists ... Provide medical records reviews for cases completed as Medical Examiner Sign-outs * Conduct ...

Maricopa

Medical Examiner

Phoenix, AZ · Hybrid

$240K - $306K/yr

E.) Forensic Autopsy Standards, document findings in narrative reports, take overnight calls from ... About the Office of the Medical Examiner Join a team dedicated to providing reliable and ...

MANITOWOC COUNTY

Medical Examiner

Manitowoc, WI · On-site

$71K - $83K/yr

... forensic specialists, and grieving families. What You'll Do As Medical Examiner, you will ... Conduct medicolegal death investigations by responding to death scenes, evaluating circumstances ...

Manitowoc County

Medical Examiner

Manitowoc, WI · On-site

... forensic specialists, and grieving families. What You'll Do As Medical Examiner, you will ... Conduct medicolegal death investigations by responding to death scenes, evaluating circumstances ...

Maricopa County, AZ

Medical Examiner

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$240K - $306K/yr

E.) Forensic Autopsy Standards, document findings in narrative reports, take overnight calls from ... About the Office of the Medical Examiner Join a team dedicated to providing reliable and ...

Whatcom County

Medical Examiner

Bellingham, WA · Hybrid

$29K/mo

Summary Whatcom County seeks an experienced and proven leader to serve as Medical Examiner, providing forensic pathology services, determining causes of death, and providing expert testimony in legal ...

Whatcom County, WA

Medical Examiner

Bellingham, WA · On-site

$29K/mo

Medical Examiner's Office Opening Date: 01/16/2026 Summary Whatcom County seeks an experienced and proven leader to serve as Medical Examiner, providing forensic pathology services, determining ...

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How much do forensic medical examiner jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for forensic medical examiner in the United States is $61,011.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $47,500.00 and $72,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a forensic medical examiner do?

A Forensic Medical Examiner is a specialized physician who investigates deaths that happen under unusual or suspicious circumstances. They perform autopsies to determine the cause and manner of death, collect medical evidence, and may testify in court as expert witnesses. Their work is vital in criminal investigations, helping law enforcement understand how and why a person died. Forensic Medical Examiners also work closely with other forensic scientists and legal professionals to ensure justice and public safety.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a forensic medical examiner?

To thrive as a Forensic Medical Examiner, you need a Doctor of Medicine (MD or DO) degree, board certification in pathology, and specialized training in forensic pathology. Expertise in using autopsy tools, toxicology analysis systems, and case management software is crucial for accurately determining causes of death. Exceptional attention to detail, analytical thinking, and strong written and verbal communication skills set top professionals apart in this field. These competencies ensure thorough, unbiased investigations and clear testimony in legal proceedings, which are essential for justice and public safety.

What are some of the unique challenges faced by forensic medical examiners when working on medico-legal cases?

Forensic medical examiners often encounter the challenge of working under tight deadlines while ensuring the accuracy and integrity of their findings, as their reports may become key evidence in legal proceedings. They must also be prepared to testify in court, sometimes facing rigorous cross-examination by legal professionals. Additionally, the role can be emotionally demanding, as it involves examining deceased individuals under sometimes distressing circumstances. Collaboration with law enforcement, attorneys, and other forensic specialists is frequent and essential for thorough investigations.

What is the difference between Forensic Medical Examiner vs Medical Examiner?

AspectForensic Medical ExaminerMedical Examiner
CredentialsMedical degree, forensic pathology certificationMedical degree, often forensic pathology certification
Work EnvironmentCoroner's office, morgue, crime scenesCoroner's office, hospital, morgue
Employer & IndustryLaw enforcement agencies, forensic labsCounty government, law enforcement
Primary RoleDetermine cause of death in suspicious casesDetermine cause of death, oversee autopsies

Both Forensic Medical Examiners and Medical Examiners have similar medical credentials and work in forensic settings. However, Forensic Medical Examiners often focus more on forensic investigations and crime scene analysis, while Medical Examiners may have broader roles in death investigations within county agencies.

Are forensic medical examiners in demand?

Forensic medical examiners are in steady demand due to the need for medical expertise in death investigations and legal cases. Employment opportunities are expected to grow as forensic science and criminal justice systems expand, requiring specialized training and certification. This role often involves working in medical examiner offices, hospitals, or law enforcement agencies.

How do I become a forensic medical examiner?

To become a forensic medical examiner, you typically need to complete a medical degree, obtain a license to practice medicine, and complete a residency in pathology or forensic medicine. Additional training or certification in forensic pathology is often required, and strong skills in anatomy, pathology, and investigation are essential for the role.

How long does it take to be a forensic medical examiner?

Becoming a forensic medical examiner typically requires completing a bachelor's degree, followed by medical school to earn an MD or DO degree, which takes about four years. After medical school, candidates must complete a residency in pathology or forensic pathology, usually lasting three to four years, and may pursue board certification, totaling approximately 10-12 years of education and training.
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Forensic Medical Examiner jobs near you
Infographic showing various Forensic Medical Examiner job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $61,011 per year, or $29.3 per hour.

Deputy Medical Examiner - Pathologist

Suffolk County, NY

Hauppauge, NY • On-site

$208K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 4 days ago

Suffolk County (New York) rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 9 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

573rd of 846 rated public administrative organizations

Job description

The Suffolk County Office of the Medical Examiner (OME) is seeking applicants for the position of Deputy Medical Examiner (Forensic Pathologist).
An employee in this class performs postmortem examinations in cases coming under the jurisdiction of the Medical Examiner's Office in order to determine cause of death and manner of death. The work also involves visiting scenes of deaths and examining undisturbed bodies in cases where there may be a concern of a homicidal manner of death, as well as working with law enforcement and the District Attorney to assist in directing the preliminary investigation of such cases. Performs related work under the direction of the Chief Medical Examiner, as required.
OUR MISSION
The Suffolk County Office of the Medical Examiner is a multi-agency accredited forensic science resource. Using both national and internationally approved standards of science, we strive to improve the public health, safety, and wellbeing of our residents.
POSITION DETAILS:
  • Performs postmortem examinations;
  • Collects, reviews, and ensures proper disposition of physical evidence, as warranted;
  • Evaluates the results of postmortem ancillary studies including but not limited to toxicology, histology, chemistry, and microbiology;
  • Reviews antemortem medical records; consults with clinicians, and communicates with decedents' family, friends, and associates, as needed;
  • Generates written reports of findings and conclusions of examinations and investigations;
  • Provides guidance to Medical Forensic Investigators;
  • Provides quality assurance for cremation clearances and cases referred to, but not accepted by, the Medical Examiner's Office;
  • Communicates with law enforcement and the District Attorney regarding cases;
  • May testify at a variety of legal proceedings concerning findings and observations;
  • Teaches and oversees medical and physician assistant students and residents;
  • May perform related duties and responsibilities as directed by the Chief Medical Examiner.

Salary: $208,000
Position Schedule: Monday through Friday
*Note: There is rotating weekend and holiday coverage, and rotating evening call.
*This position does not offer relocation assistance at this time
**Sponsorship is not available for this role
**Residence in Suffolk, NY is not a requirement.
ROLE REQUIREMENTS:
Possession of a license to practice medicine in the State of New York, and valid certification by the American Board of Pathology in Anatomic Pathology (AP) or Anatomic and Clinical Pathology (AP/CP); and either:
a) Valid certification by the American Board of Pathology in Forensic Pathology (FP); or
b) Completion of twelve (12) months of training in a forensic pathology program accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME).
ADDITIONAL POSITION DETAILS:
  • Thorough knowledge of the principles, practices, methods, techniques, literature, and current developments in the fields of anatomic pathology and forensic pathology
  • Good knowledge of principles, practices, methods, techniques, literature, and current developments in the fields of general medicine and surgery
  • Ability to tactfully obtain accurate information from outside sources through interviews and observations
  • Ability to exercise independent judgment, critical thinking, deductive reasoning, and ingenuity in addressing complex problems
  • Ability to communicate tactfully and professionally with colleagues, outside agencies, and the general public
  • Ability to present ideas effectively both orally and in writing
  • Honesty
  • Integrity
  • Discretion/confidentiality
  • Physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position.

About Suffolk County Medical Examiner Department
  • The Office of the Suffolk County Medical Examiner Department is an 85,000 square foot facility physically located in Hauppauge in the North County Complex off of Veterans Memorial Highway. The Division is comprised of the Medical Forensic, Toxicology, and Crime Laboratory Sections. The Public and Environmental Health Laboratory is housed in the same facility, but under the administration of the Division of Environmental Quality.
  • The Medical Forensic Section investigates about 6200 deaths per year and performs about 1300 autopsy examinations per year. The Forensic Medical Investigators are all Registered Physician Assistants, and the Pathologists are fulltime Medical Examiners.
  • Medicolegal death investigations are conducted by staff physician assistants, who play an active role in establishing the database for the pathologists.

Our Community
The Office of the Suffolk County Medical Examiner is located in Hauppauge, New York, centrally located in Suffolk County, Long Island which is widely accessible by the Long Island Regional Railroad (LIRR) to New York City's Penn Station. Suffolk County offers a rich variety of recreational activities, including beaches, parks, hiking, excellent wineries, and many revitalized downtown communities. It is home to several colleges and universities, including Stony Brook University, Farmingdale State College, and Suffolk County Community College. It is also home to the Long Island Ducks, a professional baseball team in the independent Atlantic League.
Suffolk County's Commitment to Diversity, Inclusion & Equity:
  • Our focus is to promote, support, and implement the County-wide diversity and inclusion strategic plan.
  • We achieve results in all our responsibilities through the use of diversity and inclusion best practices.
  • We maintain a familiarity with Diversity & Inclusion trends and best practices.

Suffolk County is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against applicants or employees on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, disability that can be reasonably accommodated without undue hardship, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, citizenship, marital or veteran status, or any other legally protected status.

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