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Overnight Forensic Pathologist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Maricopa

Medical Examiner

Phoenix, AZ · Hybrid

$240K - $306K/yr

E.) Forensic Autopsy Standards, document findings in narrative reports, take overnight calls from ... Must be Board Certified in Anatomic/Clinical Pathology by time of hire * Board-certified in ...

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 ... Must be Board Certified in Anatomic/Clinical Pathology by time of hire * Board-certified in ...

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Overnight Forensic Pathologist information

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$41.5K

$219.3K

$320K

How much do overnight forensic pathologist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for overnight 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.

Is there a shortage of overnight forensic pathologists?

There is a recognized shortage of forensic pathologists overall, including those working overnight shifts, due to retirements, increased caseloads, and a limited number of training programs. This shortage can lead to longer wait times for autopsies and increased demand for qualified professionals in forensic pathology roles with night shift responsibilities.

What is an overnight forensic pathologist?

Overnight Forensic Pathologists are medical doctors who specialize in examining bodies after death to determine the cause and manner of death, often working night shifts to ensure timely investigations. Their work typically involves performing autopsies, collecting evidence, and collaborating with law enforcement agencies. Overnight schedules are common in busy jurisdictions or in cases where rapid results are necessary, such as suspicious or high-profile deaths. These professionals play a crucial role in the criminal justice system by providing expert medical opinions and testimony.

Do overnight forensic pathologists work night shifts?

Overnight forensic pathologists typically work night shifts as part of their role in examining and determining causes of death, often requiring availability during off-hours to respond to cases promptly. Their schedules can include overnight, weekend, and holiday shifts depending on the caseload and department policies.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an overnight forensic pathologist?

To thrive as an Overnight Forensic Pathologist, you need a medical degree, board certification in pathology, and specialized training in forensic pathology. Expertise in laboratory and autopsy procedures, familiarity with evidence documentation systems, and proficiency with toxicology and imaging tools are typically required. Exceptional attention to detail, analytical thinking, and clear communication are essential soft skills for interpreting complex evidence and working with law enforcement. These skills ensure accurate cause-of-death determinations and support legal investigations, especially during overnight shifts with urgent caseloads.

What unique challenges do overnight forensic pathologists face, and how do they manage them?

Overnight forensic pathologists often encounter unique challenges such as working with limited resources, making critical decisions under time constraints, and handling cases that arrive unexpectedly during night hours. They must be adept at functioning independently, while also maintaining clear communication with law enforcement, medical examiners, and support staff who may not all be present on-site. Managing fatigue and ensuring the accuracy of findings are crucial, so pathologists often develop strong organizational habits and rely on established protocols to maintain high standards of work during less traditional hours.

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

AspectOvernight Forensic PathologistForensic Medical Examiner
CredentialsMedical degree, pathology certification, forensic pathology fellowshipMedical degree, forensic pathology certification, often a medical examiner license
Work EnvironmentHospitals, morgues, crime labs, often overnight shiftsMedical examiner offices, morgues, courtrooms, variable hours including overnight
Employer & IndustryHospitals, forensic labs, law enforcement agenciesCounty or state government, forensic labs, law enforcement

Overnight Forensic Pathologists and Forensic Medical Examiners both perform autopsies and analyze death scenes, often working in morgues and forensic labs. The main difference lies in their employment settings and certification requirements. While both roles require medical and forensic pathology credentials, forensic medical examiners are typically employed by government agencies and may have additional licensing. The overnight forensic pathologist specifically works overnight shifts, often in hospital-affiliated settings, focusing on forensic autopsies during those hours.

More about Overnight Forensic Pathologist jobs
What cities are hiring for Overnight Forensic Pathologist jobs? Cities with the most Overnight Forensic Pathologist job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Forensic Pathologist jobs? The most popular types of Forensic Pathologist jobs are:
What states have the most Overnight Forensic Pathologist jobs? States with the most job openings for Overnight Forensic Pathologist jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Overnight Forensic Pathologist jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Overnight Forensic Pathologist jobs are:
Overnight Forensic Pathologist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Overnight Forensic Pathologist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 21% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $219,325 per year, or $105.4 per hour.

Medicolegal Death Investigator- Forensic Center

The University of Tennessee

Memphis, TN • On-site

$22.77/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 9 days ago

Job description


Market Range: 10
Hiring Salary: $22.77/Hourly
The Medicolegal Death Investigator assists with the investigation of deaths reported to the West Tennessee Regional Forensic Center, Office of the Medical Examiner, particularly as it pertains to the seeking, gathering, and documentation of pertinent circumstantial, historical, and other medicolegal data. Aids the Medical Examiner with identification of the decedent, determination of cause and manner of death, preservation of evidence, and anticipated future questions. This position is considered essential and is required to report to work as scheduled during weather or other related emergencies or when the university has otherwise suspended or delayed operations.
Responsibilities
  1. Receives and responds to the initial report of a death or request for cremation.
  2. Creates an office record with the preliminary information.
  3. Seeks and gathers facts and additional data necessary to establish the Medical Examiner's jurisdiction.
  4. Communicates and coordinates with the Medical Examiner, family members, employers, witnesses, and personnel from law enforcement, hospital, medical, civil, mortuary, insurance, and other fields.
  5. Responds as appropriate to the death or injury scene or body location; Inspects and documents by means of notes, diagrams, sketches, and photography the appearance and condition of the locale, body, and other pertinent objects on or near or associated with the body.
  6. Makes preliminary external examination of the body as appropriate with reference to identification of findings and factors related to time, place, manner, and cause of injury, disease, or death, and with reference to routine physical characteristic documentation and identity.
  7. Obtains pertinent past and present medical, social, family, and other history from persons and sources associated with the decedent, including family, physicians, hospitals, coworkers, employers, and law enforcement agencies.
  8. Prepares for collection and removal the body and any pertinent valuables or evidentiary materials and removes or transports the body or materials to the appropriate location or facility.
  9. Ensures the preservation and storage of evidentiary items and materials, available records, the body, and any associated clothing, valuables, or personal effects.
  10. Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications
EDUCATION: Bachelor's Degree. (Master's Degree preferred) (TRANSCRIPT REQUIRED)
EXPERIENCE: Two (2) years acceptable and proven experience in death investigation; law enforcement; and/or Licensed Paramedic/EMT; OR a combination of related education and work experience to equal six (6) years of related experience. Must have valid Driver's license.
LICENSE/CERTIFICATION: Certification from the American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigators is required within one (1) year of hire date. (COPY OF LICENSE/CERTIFICATION REQUIRED)
TYPICAL WORKING ENVIRONMENT: Work is generally performed in a clinical setting or exam room. Position will occasionally be exposed to environmental elements such as heat, rain, or cold when conducting on-site crime scene investigations. Position will also be exposed to biohazards and chemicals necessary for the autopsy procedures during the pre- and post-mortem process.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
  • Knowledge of laws and standards of medico legal investigation, anatomy, physiology, medical terminology, and forensic pathology.
  • Knowledge of the rules and regulations affecting the operation of the Medical Examiner's Office.
  • Knowledge of company policies and procedures.
  • Knowledge of customer service and telephone etiquette.
  • Knowledge of safety procedures; Knowledge of the rules of evidence and court procedures.
  • Ability to follow oral and written instructions.
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships; Ability to interface with personnel from various outside entities including law enforcement.
  • Ability to draw logical conclusions and exercise independent judgement.
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.

WORK SCHEDULE: Must be available to work rotating shift, overnight, weekends, and holidays.

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