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Per Diem Forensic Pathologist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Our team is looking to add a per diem Forensic Psychologist to our team for coverage. As part of the Court Clinic team, Forensic Psychologists provide consultation to the court and help to facilitate ...

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Per Diem Forensic Pathologist information

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$41.5K

$219.3K

$320K

How much do per diem forensic pathologist jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for per diem 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 is a Per Diem Forensic Pathologist?

A Per Diem Forensic Pathologist is a medical doctor who specializes in determining the cause of death by examining deceased individuals, often as part of legal investigations, and works on an as-needed or daily basis rather than full-time. They may be called in to perform autopsies, analyze medical evidence, and testify in court cases related to suspicious or unexplained deaths. This flexible, contract-based position is common in jurisdictions with fluctuating caseloads, allowing agencies to bring in expert help as necessary without committing to a full-time hire.

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

A Per Diem Forensic Pathologist requires a medical degree, board certification in pathology, and specialized training in forensic pathology to competently conduct autopsies and determine causes of death. Familiarity with laboratory information systems, digital imaging tools, and evidence handling protocols is essential. Strong analytical thinking, meticulous attention to detail, and effective communication skills help in producing accurate reports and testifying in legal settings. These competencies are crucial to ensure scientific integrity, legal compliance, and reliable medico-legal outcomes.

What are some common challenges faced by Per Diem Forensic Pathologists, and how can they prepare for them?

Per Diem Forensic Pathologists often face the challenge of adapting quickly to different caseloads and jurisdictions, since their assignments may vary based on need. They must be able to efficiently manage time while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail, especially when balancing multiple cases or working with unfamiliar teams. Staying current with forensic best practices and maintaining strong communication skills are key to collaborating effectively with law enforcement, attorneys, and other medical professionals. Preparation includes ongoing education, strong organizational skills, and adaptability to rapidly changing environments.
More about Per Diem Forensic Pathologist jobs
What cities are hiring for Per Diem Forensic Pathologist jobs? Cities with the most Per Diem 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 Per Diem Forensic Pathologist jobs? States with the most job openings for Per Diem Forensic Pathologist jobs include:
Infographic showing various Per Diem Forensic Pathologist job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 24% As Needed, 37% Full Time, 23% Part Time, and 16% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $219,325 per year, or $105.4 per hour.
Open Rank of Forensic Pathology

Open Rank of Forensic Pathology

University of New Mexico

Albuquerque, NM • Hybrid

Other

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 29 days ago


University Of New Mexico rating

8.5

Company rating: 8.5 out of 10

Based on 54 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

70th of 553 rated colleges and universities


Job description


The Office of the Medical Investigator, administratively housed at the University of New Mexico, is seeking three, full time, forensic pathologists to join an amazing team of forensic pathologists housing one of the most reputable forensic pathology fellowship programs that has trained 121 forensic pathologists since 1975.

The Office of the Medical Investigator is a statewide, centralized, academically based medicolegal death investigative agency for New Mexico. This agency investigates approximately 7,000 of the 18,000 deaths that occur each year in New Mexico and performs approximately 2,000 autopsies and 2,500 external examinations each year.  The office has been NAME accredited since 1976. Detailed death investigation data (1977-present) is recorded in an electronic database.

About New Mexico

New Mexico is the fifth largest state in the United States and is home to roughly 2.1 million people. New Mexico offers one of the most diverse landscapes of any U.S state, from auburn deserts, grasslands, mesas, and snow-capped mountain peaks. Experience over 300 days of sunshine and all four seasons! Outdoor pursuits await in our beautiful state.

New Mexico is also full of diversity, with roughly half the population identifying as Hispanic or Latino, and is home to the fourth largest Native American community in the U.S.

About theOMI

  • A cohesive teamof board-certified forensic pathologists, two forensic anthropologists, aforensic odontologist, two neuropathologists, pathologist's assistants, andPathology and Radiology consults at the University of New Mexico.
  • NAME accreditedand modernized facility.
  • On-siteComputed Tomography (CT) scanner used to triage every case.
  • Work/lifeBalance: An average of ten exam days per month when fully staffed. Telecommuteoptions when not performing examinations.
  • ForensicPathology Fellowship Program: Funded for four fellows with an incredibletraining track-record.
  • University ofNew Mexico: Faculty appointments within the Pathology Department.
  • RotatingPathology residents and medical students, providing ample mentor and educationopportunities.
  • Researchopportunities: A full-time epidemiologist, physicist, and staff for statisticalanalysis.
  • Grief servicesdepartment assists with family communication.
  • Completesupport staff: Investigators who respond to scenes and staff the office 24/7;morphology technicians and full administrative support staff.
  • Histologyservices provided by a local laboratory. Toxicology testing is provided by anationally recognized external laboratory.
  • Privatetransportation services for judicial hearings within New Mexico.

Benefits

  • Multipleretirement plan options
  • Definedcontribution plan options (similar to a pension) with significant employercontribution
  • Tax deferredvoluntary retirement plans (403(b) and 457(b)
  • Annual leave:21 days/year (252 hours maximum accrual)
  • Sick leave: 10working days
  • Parental leave:Up to 120 consecutive days or 17 weeks (inclusive of holidays)
  • Professionalleave: Up to 12 working days in a fiscal year
  • 3000 annually,for professional/education/travel expenses
  • Relocationpackage
  • Medical,Dental, Basic Life, and Long-Term Disability Coverage
  • TuitionRemission for employee and spouse/domestic partner

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