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Overnight Forensic Pathologist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 ...

Overnight Forensic Pathologist information

See salary details

$41.5K

$219.3K

$320K

How much do overnight forensic pathologist jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 15, 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.

How many hours a day does a forensic pathologist work?

A forensic pathologist typically works around 40 hours per week, but may have to work additional hours or be on call to handle autopsies and investigations, which can sometimes extend into evenings or weekends. The job often requires attention to detail and the ability to manage irregular or emergency schedules.

Is there a high demand for forensic pathologists?

Forensic pathologists are in steady demand due to the need for medical examiners and death investigations, especially in regions with growing populations and legal systems requiring forensic expertise. Job opportunities are often available in government agencies, hospitals, and medical examiner offices, with a requirement for medical licensing and specialized training in forensic pathology.

What are Overnight Forensic Pathologists?

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.

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

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 are some unique challenges faced by overnight forensic pathologists, and how do they typically 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.

What is the highest paid forensic pathologist?

The highest paid forensic pathologists typically earn over $200,000 annually, especially those with extensive experience, specialized skills, or working in high-cost regions. Senior forensic pathologists or those in leadership roles, such as medical examiners or directors, tend to have the highest salaries in the field.

What is the easiest forensic job to get?

Forensic pathology is a specialized field that typically requires medical degrees, licensing, and extensive training, making it challenging to enter. Generally, entry-level forensic jobs such as crime scene technician or forensic technician are easier to obtain, often requiring relevant certifications and technical skills but less extensive education than a forensic pathologist role.
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:
Infographic showing various Overnight Forensic Pathologist job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $219,325 per year, or $105.4 per hour.
C/S Forensic Investigator I

C/S Forensic Investigator I

State of Delaware

Wilmington, DE • On-site

$24.03/hr

Other

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


State Of Delaware rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 79 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

13th of 50 rated states


Job description

Summary Statement
The level I position will perform forensic death investigations to assist in determining the circumstances, jurisdiction, and cause and manner of death, including but not limited to accidents, homicides, suicides, and suspicious deaths. Forensic death investigations include conducting interviews, photographing the scene and body, and gathering and preserving evidence. This position also requires transferring deceased individuals from the death scene to a stretcher and transporting the decedent to the Division of Forensic Science. This work involves significant exposure to unpleasant sights, smells, and sounds, including exposure to disease and hazardous body fluids and gases. Scheduling requires alternating overnight, weekend, and holiday coverage.
Essential Functions
Essential functions are fundamental, core functions common to all positions in the class series and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all job duties for any one position in the class. Since class specifications are descriptive and not restrictive, incumbents can complete job duties of similar kind not specifically listed here.
  • Investigates circumstances of death at the scene by questioning police, witnesses, medical personnel, and others present; preserving evidence; photographing the scene and the body.
  • Determines compliance with medicolegal death investigation laws, rules, regulations, standards, policies, and procedures.
  • Conducts investigations to gather additional information, such as interviewing relatives of the deceased to ascertain medical history, recent health and other pertinent factors concerning the circumstances surrounding the death; contacts decedent's physician, hospital personnel, dentists, law enforcement, attorneys, and others who may have pertinent information.
  • Prepares body for transport while preserving body evidence, transports the body to the office, tags and photographs the body in the autopsy room.
  • Coordinates with a tissue procurement agency, the forensic pathologist, and relatives of the deceased to facilitate anatomical gifts.
  • Prepares various investigative reports of findings to include statistical data, body condition, body receipts, personal effects receipts, and other forms associated with the disposition of the body.
  • Participates in mass fatality preparedness and drills.
  • Uses a Laboratory Information Management Database System to provide data for drug overdose deaths to the Department of Public Health, Federal DPA, and other agencies.
  • Assists in the conduct of autopsies by labeling specimen containers, opening and suturing the body, and cleaning the area and instruments; and taking x-rays of bodies.

Job Requirements
JOB REQUIREMENTS for Forensic Investigator I Applicants must have education, training and/or experience demonstrating competence in each of the following areas:
  1. Six months experience in conducting investigations such as conducting interviews to obtain confidential information, preserving evidence and documenting findings.
  2. Six months experience in determining compliance with laws, rules, regulations, standards, policies or procedures.
  3. Six months experience in narrative report writing.
  4. Knowledge of forensic, medical, and legal terminology.
  5. Knowledge of digital photographic techniques and photographic equipment such as cameras, flash, tripod and related equipment.
  6. Possession of a valid Driver's License (not suspended, revoked or cancelled, or disqualified from driving).

Additional Posting Information
This is a Casual/Seasonal position which is a non-pension eligible position without healthcare and/or other benefits.
The State of Delaware recognizes the value of telework and flexible working schedules. This position is eligible for Alternative Work Schedules according to the State of Delaware's Alternative Work Arrangement Policy. More information will be shared at the time of interview.
Conditions of Hire
Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. The State of Delaware Executive Branch participates in the Federal E-Verify system where the State will provide the federal government with each new hires Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S. For more information refer to our job seeker resources.
This position is a classification organized under an exclusive bargaining representative (labor organization) that has been elected by employees as their representative for collective bargaining and other applicable terms and conditions of employment, in accordance with Title 29, Chapter 59 and Title 19, Chapter 13 and 16. This position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement based on its individual terms.
As a Condition of Hire, a satisfactory background check (including a fingerprint-based background check administered by the Delaware State Police) is required. The selected candidate will be required to submit a buccal swab for DNA upon employment and subject to randomized drug testing during the term of their employment.
All new hires are required to report to the Statewide New Employee Orientation (SNEO) on their first day of employment. Sessions are held at designated locations in Kent or New Castle County.
Selection Process
The application and supplemental questionnaire are evaluated based upon a rating of your education, training and experience as they relate to the job requirements of the position. It is essential that you provide complete and accurate information on your application and the supplemental questionnaire to include dates of employment, job title and job duties. For education and training, list name of educational provider, training course titles and summary of course content. Narrative information supplied in response to the questions must be supported by the information supplied on the application including your employment, education and training history as it relates to the job requirements.
Once you have submitted your application on-line, all future correspondence related to your application will be sent via email. Please keep your contact information current. You may also view all correspondence sent to you by the State of Delaware in the "My Applications" tab at StateJobs.Delaware.gov.
Accommodations
Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities in all phases of the application and employment process.
Individuals who use TDD may request auxiliary aid or service by calling (800) 232-5470 or by visiting delawarerelay.com.
If you need assistance with an accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or general applicant support, you may call (302) 739-5458 or email jobs@delaware.gov.
The State of Delaware is an Equal Opportunity employer and values a diverse workforce. We strongly encourage and seek out a workforce representative of Delaware including race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression.

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