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Forensic Pathologist Assistant Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

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Forensic Pathologist Assistant information

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$14

$54

$89

How much do forensic pathologist assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for forensic pathologist assistant in Virginia is $54.85, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $43.12 and $66.73 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.
More about Forensic Pathologist Assistant jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Forensic Pathologist jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Forensic Pathologist jobs in Virginia are:
What are popular job titles related to Forensic Pathologist Assistant jobs in Virginia? For Forensic Pathologist Assistant jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Forensic Pathologist Assistant jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Forensic Pathologist Assistant jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Forensic Pathologist Assistant jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Forensic Pathologist Assistant job openings:
Forensic Pathologist Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Forensic Pathologist Assistant job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $114,095 per year, or $54.9 per hour.
Forensic Autopsy Services Supervisor

Forensic Autopsy Services Supervisor

Virginia Department of Human Resource Management

Manassas, VA • On-site

$71K - $80K/yr

Full-time

Posted 7 days ago

New

Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority rating

4.9

Company rating: 4.9 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

681st of 693 rated public administrative organizations

Job description

Forensic Autopsy Services Supervisor
Job no: 5107244
Work type: Full-Time (Salaried)
Location: Manassas, Virginia
Categories: Applied Sciences and Natural Resources
Title: Forensic Autopsy Services Supervisor
State Role Title: Laboratory & Research Spec II
Hiring Range: $71,000 - $80,000
Pay Band: 4
Agency: Virginia Department of Health
Location: CHIEF MEDICAL EXAMINER-NO
Agency Website: www.vdh.virginia.gov
Recruitment Type: General Public - G
Job Duties
Assists the Assistant Chief Medical Examiner (forensic pathologist) in the external and internal examination of deceased individuals. Recruits, supervises and trains forensic autopsy technician staff and provides general supervision in autopsy service activities. Admits and releases bodies in accordance with policies, procedures and regulations, and provides leadership and supervisory oversight to other forensic technicians and support staff. Other characteristic duties include weighing, measuring and photographing bodies for identification, inspecting bodies for abnormalities and notifying pathologist, radiography, assisting with initial incisions, removing and weighing of organs, opening the head, collecting and preserving all evidence such as bullets and broken knife blades as well as collecting and retaining tissue and body fluids. Regularly reviews work products of staff and prepares written reports essential for sudden, unexpected or violent deaths. Designs spreadsheets, composes correspondence, and oversees research/purchase of autopsy supplies/equipment.
Minimum Qualifications
1. Considerable experience directly related to anthropology and remains processing
2. Knowledge of anatomy, physical evidence, chain of custody, confidentiality, universal precautions and OSHA
3. Forensic autopsy supervisory experience
4. Ability to write, document, and use computer software for data entry and writing
5. Ability to create and maintain spreadsheets and perform inventory control
6. Conduct standard and digital radiography for both human remains and dental identifications
7. Ability to lift heavy bodies; to traverse unstable grounds and assist with recovery of human remains; ability to stand for long periods of time
8. Ability to effectively communicate and promote good relations among personnel and other agencies
Additional Considerations
1. Experience/training in physical or forensic anthropology, forensic science, biology or anatomy
Special Instructions
You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to "Your Application" in your account to check the status of your application for this position.
VDH accepts only on-line applications. Faxed, mailed, or e-mailed applications will not be considered. Applications are accepted until 11:55 p.m. on the job closing date. Applications and/or resumes should include relevant work history which indicates your qualifications for this position. Supplemental questions are encouraged to be answered in a comprehensive manner and reference any pertinent knowledge, skills, and abilities as well as any previous experience that relates to the position.
Employment is contingent upon satisfactory results of a state and federal criminal history background check and the Department of Social Service's Child Abuse and Neglect Central Registry check, U.S. HHSIG Exclusion List check, employment reference check and E-Verify. Other financial, credit, driving, background checks or completion of Statement of Economic Interests may be required for certain positions.
It is the policy of the Commonwealth and VDH that all aspects of human resource management be conducted without regard to race (or traits historically associated with race including hair texture, hair type, and protective hairstyles such as braids, locks, and twists); sex; color; national origin; religion; sexual orientation; gender identity or expression; age; veteran status; political affiliation; disability; genetic information; and pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions. VDH employees have a shared Code of Ethics, which can be found in the bottom banner of our website: www.vdh.virginia.gov.
If you have been affected by DHRM Policy 1.30 layoff and possess a valid Interagency Placement Screening Form (Yellow Card) or a Preferential Hiring Form (Blue Card), you must submit the card before the closing date for this position. The Card may be submitted with the state application as an attachment.
As a V3 (Virginia Values Veterans) employer VDH Welcomes Veterans to apply!
Contact Information
Name: Vontrell Hodges
Phone: 804-461-7605
Email: Vontrell.Hodges@vdh.virginia,gov
In support of the Commonwealth's commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.
Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.
Advertised: 10 Jul 2026 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close: 22 Jul 2026 Eastern Daylight Time
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