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Forensics Pathologist Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

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Forensics Pathologist information

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$16

$46

$66

How much do forensics pathologist jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for forensics pathologist in Washington is $46.24, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $36.49 and $54.47 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 Washington? For Forensics Pathologist jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Forensics Pathologist jobs in Washington look for? The top searched job categories for Forensics Pathologist jobs in Washington are:
What cities in Washington are hiring for Forensics Pathologist jobs? Cities in Washington with the most Forensics Pathologist job openings:
Forensics Pathologist jobs near you

Board-Certified Forensic Pathologist / Medical Examiner

CLFC Healthcare and Communications

Quantico, VA

$175 - $250/hr

Contractor

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

Board-Certified Forensic Pathologist / Medical Examiner

Location: Quantico, VA / Washington, D.C. metropolitan area
Employment Type: Independent Contractor
Compensation: $175-$250/hour, commensurate with experience and federal consulting history
Schedule: Part-time to full-time, flexible based on caseload requirements

Position Overview

CLFC Healthcare & Communications is seeking an exceptionally qualified board-certified forensic pathologist for a federal law enforcement consulting role in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. This position provides clinical pathology consultation services supporting federal investigative operations involving child abductions, homicides, suspicious deaths, and complex death investigations. The forensic pathologist serves as the authoritative medical and scientific voice translating physical evidence into investigative direction for federal agents and prosecutors. This is not a laboratory services position. It is an embedded forensic consultation capability within one of the nation's premier federal investigative operations.

Key Responsibilities

  • Conduct on-site forensic pathology case consultations, reviewing autopsy reports, crime scene photographs, medical records, and investigative summaries alongside federal analysts and case agents
  • Provide telephone conference consultations to federal, state, local, and international law enforcement agencies requiring real-time forensic pathology expertise on evidence collection, scene interpretation, and autopsy findings
  • Prepare comprehensive written case consultations documenting forensic findings, interpretations, and recommendations suitable for investigative use and federal court proceedings
  • Determine cause and manner of death in complex cases involving ambiguous circumstances, staged crime scenes, and cases where initial findings may have been misinterpreted
  • Identify injury patterns, timeline indicators, and weapon characteristics that redirect investigations and narrow investigative focus
  • Correlate clinical autopsy findings with behavioral evidence, toxicology, ballistics, DNA analysis, and other forensic disciplines to build unified case theories
  • Provide expert witness testimony in federal court proceedings, communicating complex medical evidence to judges and juries under adversarial conditions
  • Identify cross-jurisdictional patterns in death investigations that local medical examiners may not recognize in isolation

Required Qualifications (75th Percentile Standard)

  • Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) from an accredited institution
  • Board certification in Forensic Pathology through the American Board of Pathology
  • Minimum 10 years of post-fellowship forensic pathology practice
  • Minimum 2,000 medicolegal autopsies performed or supervised
  • Demonstrated experience providing forensic consultation to law enforcement agencies (federal preferred)
  • Documented expert witness testimony in criminal proceedings (homicide, child abuse, or violent crime cases)
  • Experience with child death investigation, including distinction between inflicted and accidental pediatric injuries
  • Active, unrestricted medical license in at least one U.S. state
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a federal security clearance (Top Secret preferred)
  • U.S. citizenship required

Preferred Qualifications

  • Fellow or member of the National Association of Medical Examiners (NAME)
  • Prior experience consulting with federal agencies (FBI, DEA, ATF, USMS, military CID)
  • Academic appointment or teaching experience in forensic pathology
  • Experience with mass casualty events, disaster victim identification, or terrorism-related death investigation
  • Published research in forensic pathology or medicolegal death investigation
  • Experience handling cases involving classified or law enforcement sensitive information
  • Proficiency in forensic toxicology interpretation, neuropathology, and pediatric forensic pathology subspecialties

About CLFC Healthcare & Communications

CLF Consultants LLC (DBA: CLFC Healthcare & Communications) is a Small Disadvantaged Business providing specialized healthcare staffing to federal agencies nationwide, deploying over 500 healthcare professionals to the Department of Veterans Affairs, Department of Defense, Indian Health Service, and Department of Homeland Security.

CLFC Healthcare & Communications is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or veteran status.

Employment Type: CONTRACTOR

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