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Forensic Pathologist Assistant Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

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Forensic Pathologist Assistant information

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$12

$48

$78

How much do forensic pathologist assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average hourly pay for forensic pathologist assistant in Michigan is $48.22, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $37.93 and $58.65 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a forensic pathologist assistant?

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 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 skills and qualifications are needed to be a forensic pathologist assistant?

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 are 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 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.

Is it worth becoming a forensic pathologist assistant?

A forensic pathologist assistant supports medical examiners by preparing bodies, documenting findings, and assisting with autopsies, often requiring a relevant degree and certification. The role offers steady employment in forensic laboratories or medical examiner offices, with opportunities for specialization and advancement. It can be a rewarding career for those interested in forensic science and pathology, but it involves exposure to potentially disturbing scenes and irregular hours.
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Infographic showing various Forensic Pathologist Assistant job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 27% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $100,305 per year, or $48.2 per hour.

Faculty - Forensic Pathologist

Western Michigan University

Kalamazoo, MI • On-site

$225K - $263K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Re-posted 23 days ago

Western Michigan University rating

6.7

Company rating: 6.7 out of 10

Based on 30 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

490th of 622 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Description
The Department of Pathology at Western Michigan University Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine is seeking a full-time Forensic Pathologist at the Assistant, Associate, or Full Professor level to join six (6) board-certified forensic pathologists in Kalamazoo, Michigan. The ideal candidate will perform medicolegal autopsies, supervise death investigations completed by Medical Examiner Investigators, teach medical students and the forensic pathology fellow, and develop a program of scholarly inquiry. In 2024, our office investigated over 4,800 deaths, and we performed over 1,600 postmortem examinations. We are committed to creating a workplace that provides work-life balance and allows you to pursue your academic interests. Salaries are very competitive and are based on academic rank and years of service. For additional information about our office, visit our website at mimedicalexaminer.com.
Highlights:
  • NAME Accredited.
  • Medical Examiner for 13 Michigan counties and consultant for several additional area counties in Michigan and Indiana.
  • 330,000 square foot state-of-the-art facility.
  • Full-body digital x-ray imaging device and a mobile computed tomography (CT) scanner.
  • On-site neuropathologies, anthropologists, toxicologists, and histology services.
  • Toxicology testing through AXIS Forensic Toxicology, with short turnaround times.

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BENEFITS:
  • Wellness reimbursement.
  • Continuing education and tuition reimbursement.
  • Employer-funded retirement plan.
  • Two medical plan options: PPO and High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) with employer HSA contribution.
  • Up to $6,300 annually for professional development.
  • Starting bonus (as applicable).
  • Professional liability insurance coverage.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Perform forensic pathology, hospital autopsies, and conduct activities of a medical examiner practice.
  • Interprets reports made by physicians, pathologists and toxicologists.
  • Confers with medical and investigative personnel in making determinations as to the cause and circumstance of death.
  • Consults with Law enforcement, the District Attorney, and attorneys in the preparation of court cases.
  • Provide expert testimony and advise the Prosecutor's Office in criminal proceedings relating to deaths.
  • Prepares reports of findings.
  • Participates in medical students' education through curriculum development and elective opportunities.
  • Conduct research.
  • Assists the Department Chair with National Association of Medical Examiners accreditation.
  • Availability to work on weekends or evenings to complete time-sensitive projects.
  • Acquires knowledge for new technology and policy/procedure revisions.
  • All other duties as assigned.

Compensation will be commensurate with education, experience, and qualifications.
Requirements
QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Physician (MD or DO) with board certification by the American Board of Pathology in Anatomic Pathology.
  • Board-certified/eligible with the American Board of Pathology in Forensic Pathology.
  • Candidates should be academically oriented, preferably with experience in medical education.
  • Licensure to practice in the state of Michigan.

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