1

Forensic Pathologist Assistant Jobs in Austin, TX

... Assist at crime scenes and pathology labs to include but not limited to photography, videotaping ... or forensic science, or related field, preferred One year in crime scene related activities ...

Forensic Pathologist Assistant information

See Austin, TX salary details

$14

$54

$89

How much do forensic pathologist assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for forensic pathologist assistant in Austin, TX is $54.84, 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 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 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 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 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 popular job titles related to Forensic Pathologist Assistant jobs in Austin, TX?

For Forensic Pathologist Assistant jobs in Austin, TX, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Forensic Pathologist Assistant jobs in Austin, TX look for?

The top searched job categories for Forensic Pathologist Assistant jobs in Austin, TX are:

What cities near Austin, TX are hiring for Forensic Pathologist Assistant jobs?

Cities near Austin, TX with the most Forensic Pathologist Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Forensic Pathologist Assistant job openings in Austin, TX as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 6% Locum Tenens, 78% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $114,070 per year, or $54.8 per hour.

$50K - $53K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 10 days ago


Job description

Description Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, include the responsibilities, knowledge, skills, and other characteristics listed below. This list of responsibilities is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by positions in this class. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.

Other duties may be assigned. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Summary Under general supervision, responds as directed to potential crime scenes following standardized principles, practices, and procedures to include but not limited to collecting, storing, recording, documenting, processing and/or releasing evidence/property.

The work environment will be indoors as well as outdoors. The employee will act as a point of contact for citizens, officers, and attorneys. This position must have a strong work ethic, superior organizational skills, must follow directions, meet deadlines, have good attendance, be punctual, be reliable, be motivated, have initiative, have honesty, have integrity, be free from moral turpitude, and have a proper attitude.

Employee must be available to always communicate with others. Individual serves at the pleasure of the elected official Responsibilities Prepare, collect, document, process, maintain and dispose of evidence in accordance with Texas Code of Criminal Procedure and/or ordered directive Prepare reports and other written documentation as needed Provide internal and external customer service Communicate and assist law enforcement officials and others regarding evidence status Testify in court as a witness as required Receives, collects evidence/property, maintain care, custody and control, and release or destroy evidence and any other stored property in accordance with established operating procedures (SOP) Develop evidence/property statistics and reports Research, locate, and return property to appropriate owner/custodian using established procedures Photograph, video-record, diagram, scan and preserve any area designated as a potential crime scene including those item(s) contained within the scene, the surrounding area or other areas as directed Research, update, and modify law enforcement database information appropriately Collect, process, preserve, package, store, transport and dispose of hazardous material and bio-hazardous material in accordance with established laws and SOP Transport evidence and property to authorized storage locations, laboratories, processing plants, and criminal court for trials while maintaining chain of custody Process and or analyze all collected evidence to include, but not limited to fingerprints, palm prints, footprints, DNA and trace evidence, etc. Assume care, custody, and control of evidence/property in accordance with established rules of evidence and procedures Assist at crime scenes and pathology labs to include but not limited to photography, videotaping, inked rolled impressions, or as directed by the attending pathologist, Detective or Supervisor Available to respond after normal work hours to any active crime scene when requested Transport, arrange, coordinate, and facilitate the destruction and disposal of evidence/property in accordance with Texas Statutes Work with law enforcement to identify, isolate and secure the crime scene Work with law enforcement to establish a restricted perimeter around the crime scene as to not compromise evidence Work with law enforcement to define a clear set of restrictions regarding nonessential personnel and investigative personnel Preserve, collect, and record impressions, including tool marks, footprints, tire marks, bite marks, and fingerprints Collect DNA evidence, including blood, semen, hair, skin, blood stain patterns, bodily fluids, and nails Collect trace evidence, including gunshot residue, fibers, accelerant, glass, etc.

Collect firearms evidence, including weapons, spent cartridges, and bullet fragments Requires the employee to be able to render credible testimony in any court proceeding to include Justice Courts, County Courts, District Courts, and any U.S. Federal Court Perform other duties as assigned Education and/or Experience High School Diploma or GED Bachelor's degree in natural or forensic science, or related field, preferred One year in crime scene related activities, preferred Two to three years of work experience in a police evidence room or other law enforcement work, preferred Three to five years experience in Evidence/Property Room Management, preferred Three to five years experience Forensic Photographer, preferred Three to five years experience with death and sexual assault crime scene processing, preferred Other Qualifications, Certificates, Licenses, Registrations Current Class C Texas Driver's License Expert Witness, preferred.