1

Forensic Pathologist Assistant Jobs in California

Forensic Pathologist Assistant information

See California salary details

$14

$54

$88

How much do forensic pathologist assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for forensic pathologist assistant in California is $54.60, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $42.93 and $66.44 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What Does a Forensic Pathologist Assistant Do?

A forensic pathologist assistant assists during autopsies and criminal investigations by collecting specimens for analysis in a laboratory. In this career, you often collect and photograph evidence on-site. Your duties also involve careful and thorough documentation to preserve the chain of evidence. You may work in the field, a morgue, or a laboratory setting. You are typically part of a team led by a medical examiner or coroner. Most forensic pathologist assistants find employment with local or state governments.

What are Forensic Pathologist Assistants?

Forensic Pathologist Assistants are trained professionals who support forensic pathologists in the examination of bodies to determine the cause and manner of death, particularly in cases involving suspicious or unexplained circumstances. Their duties include assisting in autopsies, preparing and maintaining detailed reports, collecting and preserving evidence, and sometimes testifying in court. They work closely with law enforcement, medical examiners, and other forensic specialists to help provide critical information for legal investigations. These assistants require specialized education, typically a bachelor's degree in a related field, followed by specific on-the-job training.

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

To thrive as a Forensic Pathologist Assistant, you need a solid background in biological sciences, experience in laboratory procedures, and typically an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in a relevant field. Familiarity with autopsy tools, laboratory instruments, and case management software is essential, and certification through the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) can be beneficial. Attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and the ability to communicate findings clearly are vital soft skills for this role. These capabilities ensure accurate, efficient support for forensic pathologists and contribute to reliable medico-legal investigations.

What is the difference between Forensic Pathologist Assistant vs Forensic Autopsy Technician?

AspectForensic Pathologist AssistantForensic Autopsy Technician
Required CredentialsAssociate degree, certification often preferredHigh school diploma or equivalent, on-the-job training
Work EnvironmentMedical examiner offices, morgues, labsMorgues, medical examiner offices, forensic labs
Job ResponsibilitiesAssist in autopsies, prepare reports, support pathologistsAssist with specimen collection, prepare bodies, maintain equipment

While both roles support forensic autopsies, Forensic Pathologist Assistants typically have formal education and assist pathologists directly, whereas Forensic Autopsy Technicians focus on specimen handling and body preparation with less formal education.

What are some common challenges faced by forensic pathologist assistants in their daily work?

Forensic pathologist assistants often encounter emotionally challenging situations due to frequent exposure to traumatic cases, including homicides and accidental deaths. They must maintain meticulous attention to detail while assisting with autopsies, documenting findings, and managing sensitive evidence. Additionally, the role requires strict adherence to legal and ethical guidelines, which can be demanding in high-pressure or time-sensitive environments. Strong communication and collaboration with pathologists, law enforcement, and other medical professionals are essential to ensure accuracy and integrity throughout the investigative process.
What are the most commonly searched types of Forensic Pathologist jobs in California? The most popular types of Forensic Pathologist jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Forensic Pathologist Assistant jobs in California? For Forensic Pathologist Assistant jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Forensic Pathologist Assistant jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Forensic Pathologist Assistant jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Forensic Pathologist Assistant jobs? Cities in California with the most Forensic Pathologist Assistant job openings:
Infographic showing various Forensic Pathologist Assistant job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $113,575 per year, or $54.6 per hour.
Deputy Medical Examiner II-25415909

Deputy Medical Examiner II-25415909

County of San Diego

San Diego, CA

$300K - $335K/yr

Other

Posted 4 days ago


County Of San Luis Obispo rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 14 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

505th of 832 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

Job Summary The County of San Diego Medical Examiner's Department is currently recruiting for Deputy Medical Examiners. Apply Today for an exciting career with an award-winning agency. The application process is open until filled.

Board-certified Forensic Pathologists with non-forensic subspecialty training (i.e., Neuropathology, Cardiac Pathology, Pediatric Pathology, etc.) are encouraged to apply. The hiring step for this position will be based on the candidate's qualifications and experience. Future Salary Increases: ** June 2027 - 4.60% increase to base pay (3% Across-the-Board + 1.60% Market Adjustment) Recruitment Bonus: $1,250 Upon completion of the hiring process $1,250 After successful completion of the probation period **May be eligible for relocation allowance up to $8,000

Employee Referral Program: ***Hard-to-recruit positions qualify for the Employee Referral Reward Program. If a current County of San Diego employee referred you to apply for this position, please indicate the employee's name on your job application in the space provided.*** Deputy Medical Examiners determine the cause of death for the deceased in the custody of the Medical Examiner. Deputy Medical Examiner II is the journey-level class for the Deputy Medical Examiner series

Incumbents in this class possess Board Certification in Forensic Pathology and are specialized physicians responsible for conducting post-mortem examinations to determine the probable cause of death. They confer with the Chief Medical Examiner, Chief Deputy Medical Examiner, and law enforcement agencies to assist them in interpreting autopsy findings for the purpose of reconstructing events leading to a suspected or actual homicide or suicide. Desirable Traits In addition, the department desires candidates that can communicate effectively, is a knowledge worker, is customer focused, values and respects others, is driven to excel, enjoys teamwork and collaboration, desires and values continuous learning, demonstrates ethical behavior, and is supportive of change.

Hiring Process and Timeline The timeline for this recruitment is outlined below. Job Offer and Background Process begins: Shortly after the interviews. Note: Current County employees may be excluded from additional background screening.

Pre-employment Medical Screening: Approximately 3 days following successful background investigation results. Anticipated Start Date: Start date will be based upon successful completion of medical screening or other mutually agreed upon date. If you are not selected for this interview process, you may have the opportunity to compete for future vacancies.

Minimum Qualifications A valid license to practice medicine in the State of California is required at the time of appointment (State of California Business and Professions Code 2135); AND, At least one (1) year of experience in the field of medical legal death investigations and possession of Board Certification in Forensic Pathology. Please read the Deputy Medical Examiner II job description for more information. Blind Applicant Screening The Department of Human Resources removes personally identifiable information from all new recruitments.

This practice, called Blind Applicant Screening, will hide a candidate's personal information that could influence or bias a hiring decision. Personal information includes name, phone number, address, gender, age and race. This process will help contribute to a fair and equitable selection process leading to a more diverse and inclusive workforce.

The most highly qualified candidates, based on the evaluation results, will be referred for an interview. Be sure to include your experience in meeting the minimum requirements in both the Work Experience section and the Supplemental Questionnaire section of the Application. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of the application Work History and/or supplemental questionnaire.

Condition of Employment As part of the County of San Diego's pre-employment process, prospective candidates will undergo a background check (including fingerprinting) and a pre-employment medical screening prior to beginning County employment. Additional types of background investigations may be conducted based on the job-related activities of the position. Current County employees may be excluded from this process.

Evaluation The names of qualified candidates will be placed on a twelve (12) month employment list based on scores received during the evaluation of information contained in their employment application and supplemental questionnaire. Please ensure all information is complete and accurate as the responses you provide on the supplemental application form will be reviewed using an automated evaluation system. If you are successful in the initial screening process your application will be reviewed individually to confirm that the information you provided is accurate and qualifying.

Accommodation Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable a qualified individual with disabilities to perform the essential functions of a job, on a case-by-case basis. As an employer of over 19,000 employees, the County of San Diego is an organization committed to veteran hiring, retention, and professional development. We recognize the contributions and sacrifices made by our veterans and value the unique expertise and leadership qualities they bring to our workforce.

We strive to provide veterans with the resources and tools necessary to maximize their employment opportunities, and to assist veterans with their transition into civilian life by applying the valuable skills, knowledge and training acquired in service to positions and career paths at all levels within our large organization. Click on the resource links below to learn more about how the County of San Diego supports its veterans. Veteran's Preference Policy The County of San Diego offers preferential credits for military service to assist qualified applicants in transitioning from military to civilian careers with the County of San Diego.

Please read the Veteran's Preference Policy for additional information. Military Skills Translator Do you need assistance translating your military experience into civilian experience. This tool can help.

Please read the Military Skills Translator to access the tool. The County of San Diego and its employees embrace the vision of: a just, sustainable, and resilient future for all. Our values include: integrity, equity, access, belonging, excellence, and sustainability.

Each of which are infused throughout our operations. While also embracing a mission of strengthening our communities with innovative, inclusive, and data driven services through a skilled and supported workforce. Click here for more information on our Strategic Plan (sandiegocounty.gov)

Disaster Service Worker Under California Government Code Sections 3100 - 3109, public employees are designated as disaster service workers. The term "public employees" includes all persons employed by the state or any county, city, state agency, or public district. Disaster service workers are required to participate in such disaster service activities as may be assigned to them by their employer or by law.

The County of San Diego is committed to valuing diversity and practicing inclusion because our diverse workforce is our greatest asset and our customers are our number one priority.


What County Of San Luis Obispo employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom