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Military Forensic Pathologist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

FORENSIC INVESTIGATOR

Baltimore, MD · On-site

$51K - $65K/yr

... assist the Forensic Pathologist in the determination of cause and manner of death. MINIMUM ... Armed Forces military service experience as a non-commissioned officer in Criminal Investigation ...

Medical Examiner

Phoenix, AZ · Hybrid

$240K - $306K/yr

Board-certified in Forensic Pathology within two (2) years of hire * Valid Arizona driver's license ... Three years of experience as a vocational medical specialist, such as corpsman/military * medic ...

Medical Examiner

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$240K - $306K/yr

Board-certified in Forensic Pathology within two (2) years of hire * Valid Arizona driver's license ... Three years of experience as a vocational medical specialist, such as corpsman/military * medic ...

Medical Examiner

Phoenix, AZ · Hybrid

$240K - $306K/yr

Board-certified in Forensic Pathology within two (2) years of hire * Valid Arizona driver's license ... Three years of experience as a vocational medical specialist, such as corpsman/military * medic ...

Diener

Rapid City, SD · On-site

$23.71 - $29.64/hr

In forensic autopsies; assists both pathologist and law enforcement with evidence collection ... AMT), or Military Laboratory Specialist OR Medical Technologist (MT) or Medical Laboratory ...

Diener

Rapid City, SD · On-site

$23.71 - $29.64/hr

In forensic autopsies; assists both pathologist and law enforcement with evidence collection ... AMT), or Military Laboratory Specialist OR Medical Technologist (MT) or Medical Laboratory ...

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Showing results 1-20

Military Forensic Pathologist information

See salary details

$41.5K

$219.3K

$320K

How much do military forensic pathologist jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for military forensic pathologist in the United States is $219,325.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $183,000.00 and $274,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some unique challenges faced by Military Forensic Pathologists compared to their civilian counterparts?

Military Forensic Pathologists often work in environments that can be more austere or unpredictable than civilian settings, sometimes including deployment to conflict zones. They may handle cases related to combat injuries, mass casualties, or incidents involving advanced weaponry, which require specialized training and adaptability. Additionally, these professionals collaborate closely with military investigators, legal teams, and international agencies, demanding strong communication skills and a deep understanding of military protocols. This role also offers opportunities to contribute to identification missions and humanitarian efforts, making it both challenging and highly impactful.

What are military forensic pathologists?

Military forensic pathologists are medical doctors specializing in determining the cause of death by examining bodies, tissues, and organs, particularly within the context of the armed forces. They perform autopsies on deceased military personnel, investigate suspicious or unexplained deaths, and provide expert testimony for military courts. Their work is critical for both medical and legal investigations, helping to ensure justice and proper care for service members. They may also consult on issues of trauma, injury patterns, and identification of remains during conflicts or disasters.

What is the difference between Military Forensic Pathologist vs Forensic Pathologist?

AspectMilitary Forensic Pathologist
CredentialsMedical degree, pathology residency, forensic pathology certification, military clearance
Work EnvironmentMilitary hospitals, field operations, military cemeteries
Employer & IndustryU.S. Department of Defense, military medical facilities
Common Search IntentMilitary forensic roles, military medical careers

While both roles require medical degrees and forensic pathology certification, Military Forensic Pathologists work within military settings, often handling cases related to service members and operating under military protocols. In contrast, Forensic Pathologists typically work in civilian medical examiner offices or hospitals, focusing on criminal investigations and civil cases. The key difference lies in their work environment and employer, with Military Forensic Pathologists serving the armed forces and Forensic Pathologists serving civilian agencies.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Military Forensic Pathologist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Military Forensic Pathologist, you need a medical degree (MD or DO), board certification in pathology, and specialized forensic pathology training, often including military protocols. Familiarity with laboratory analysis tools, autopsy equipment, and forensic information systems is essential, along with any required security clearances. Sharp analytical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to communicate complex findings clearly are crucial soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure accurate cause-of-death determinations, support military investigations, and uphold legal and ethical standards in challenging environments.
Infographic showing various Military Forensic Pathologist job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 97% Physical, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $219,325 per year, or $105.4 per hour.

Board-Certified Forensic Pathologist / Medical Examiner

CLFC Healthcare and Communications

Quantico, VA

$175 - $250/hr

Contractor

Posted 2 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