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Forensic Pathologist Assistant Jobs in Washington

Forensic Pathologist Assistant information

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$16

$62

$101

How much do forensic pathologist assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for forensic pathologist assistant in Washington is $62.66, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $49.28 and $76.25 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How do you become a forensic pathologist assistant?

To become a forensic pathologist assistant, candidates typically need a bachelor's degree in biology, anatomy, or a related field, along with relevant experience or training in forensic science or pathology. Some positions require certification or on-the-job training, and strong attention to detail and knowledge of medical terminology are important for success in this role.

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.

How hard is it to become a pathologist assistant?

Becoming a forensic pathologist assistant typically requires completing a bachelor's degree, followed by a specialized postgraduate program or certification in forensic pathology assisting. Candidates often need to gain experience in a medical or laboratory setting and may need to pass certification exams, making it a competitive and structured process.

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 is the highest salary for a pathologist assistant?

The highest salary for a forensic pathologist assistant can reach around $80,000 to $90,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and employer. Advanced certifications and specialized skills may contribute to higher compensation in this field.

What do forensic pathologist assistants do?

Forensic pathologist assistants support forensic pathologists by preparing bodies for autopsy, documenting findings, and collecting evidence. They often handle tasks such as taking photographs, assisting during examinations, and maintaining autopsy equipment, requiring knowledge of human anatomy and attention to detail. The role typically involves working in a morgue or medical examiner's office and may require certification or training in forensic science or pathology support.

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 Washington? The most popular types of Forensic Pathologist jobs in Washington are:
What are popular job titles related to Forensic Pathologist Assistant jobs in Washington? For Forensic Pathologist Assistant jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Forensic Pathologist Assistant jobs in Washington look for? The top searched job categories for Forensic Pathologist Assistant jobs in Washington are:
What cities in Washington are hiring for Forensic Pathologist Assistant jobs? Cities in Washington with the most Forensic Pathologist Assistant job openings:
Infographic showing various Forensic Pathologist Assistant job openings in Washington as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Part Time, and 25% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $130,341 per year, or $62.7 per hour.
Forensic Autopsy Services Supervisor - Northern District

Forensic Autopsy Services Supervisor - Northern District

State of Virginia

Manassas, VA

$71K - $80K/yr

Other

Posted 11 days ago


State Of Virginia rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 32 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

12th of 50 rated states


Job description

Forensic Autopsy Services Supervisor - Northern District

Apply now Job no: 5105726
Work type: Full-Time (Salaried)
Location: Manassas, Virginia
Categories: Applied Sciences and Natural Resources

Title: Forensic Autopsy Services Supervisor - Northern District

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

Considerable experience directly related to anthropology and remains processing; knowledge of anatomy, physical evidence, chain of custody, confidentiality, universal precautions and OSHA
Experience with forensic autopsies and previous supervisory experience preferred
Ability to write, document, and use computer software for data entry and writing
Ability to create and maintain spreadsheets, perform inventory control, conduct standard and digital radiography for both human remains and dental identifications
Ability to lift heavy bodies; to traverse unstable grounds and assist with recovery of human remains; ability to stand for long periods of time
Ability to effectively communicate and promote good relations among personnel and other agencies

Additional Considerations

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 resume 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 qualications 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 nancial, 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: 05 Jun 2026 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close: 18 Jun 2026 Eastern Daylight Time

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