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Forensic Pathologist Assistant Jobs in Charleston, SC

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Forensic Pathologist Assistant information

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$13

$51

$84

How much do forensic pathologist assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for forensic pathologist assistant in Charleston, SC is $51.78, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $40.72 and $62.98 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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Forensic Pathologist Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Forensic Pathologist Assistant job openings in Charleston, SC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $107,696 per year, or $51.8 per hour.

Forensic Pathologist

North Charleston, SC • On-site

Charleston County, SC
See more jobs at Charleston County, SCexternal

$275K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 17 days ago

Job description

Salary: $275,000.00 Annually
Location : 4000 Salt Pointe Pkwy, North Charleston, SC 29405, SC
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: CO209714
Department: Coroner
Opening Date: 09/23/2024
Description
JOB PURPOSE: The principal function and responsibility of an employee in this class is to assist the Coroner in caring out the statutory functions of the Charleston County Coroner's to investigate, sudden, unattended, unexpected, or violent deaths within Charleston County. Considerable leeway is granted for the exercise of independent judgment and initiative. The nature of the work performed requires that an employee in this class establish and maintain effective relationships internally and externally with the law-enforcement community, court officials, appropriate medical personnel, other County employees and the public. The principal duties of this class are performed in the autopsy room with some exposure in the field. This employee may be exposed to health and environmental hazards.
HIRING SALARY: $275,000 (Estimated Annual Salary)
APPLICATION DEADLINE: OPEN UNTIL FILLED.
Duties and Responsibilities
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: (Order of Essential Functions does not indicate importance of functions.)
* Examines human bodies in order to determine the cause and manner of death using various sources of information a well as the performance of an autopsy.
* Determines the cause of all violent, sudden, accidental, traumatic, or unusual deaths; unattended deaths; death in which a criminal act is suspected, and other deaths as provided in South Carolina statutes.
* Reviews cases and provides input based on medical judgement to determine if an autopsy needs to be conducted.
* Observed, records, and preserves any objects or personal property related to deaths, including objects such as medication and suicide notes, DNA, evidence, fingerprints, trace evidence fibers etc.
* Examines scenes of death/crime at the request of the Coroner
* Provides assistance to law enforcement agencies, organ procurement agencies and communicates directly to investigative team of the Coroner's Office in cooperation with the Coroner.
* Provides expert testimony in criminal proceedings related to deaths which were investigated by the Coroner's Office.
* Keeps abreast of current research, principles, practices, standards, and new developments in assigned work area and assists with the formulation of policy for the same
* Assists Locum Tenens with investigations/testimony/case completion if necessary.
* Performs other duties or assumes other responsibilities as apparent or assigned.
SUCCESS FACTORS:
* Take action in solving problems while exhibiting judgment and a systematic approach to decision making; identify the important dimensions of a problem, determine potential causes, obtain relevant information, and specify alternate solutions that result in effectiveness.
* Create positive energy in both individuals and groups to build high morale and group commitments to goals and objectives.
* Embrace change and actively support all efforts to improve processes, increase cooperation, communication, and collaboration between and among co-workers, departments, County officials, officials from other jurisdictions, the business community, and the public.
* Respond positively to a work environment that will change day-to-day, requiring quick departure from and re-organization of one's schedule.
* Demonstrate sound time-management skills by effectively or efficiently delegating, organizing, prioritizing, and completing multiple assignments on or before the designated deadline.
* Safeguard confidential information and use it or disclose it only as expressly authorized or specifically required in the course of performing specific job duties.
* Contribute to overall County effectiveness by providing critical staff support to task forces and by participating, as necessary, in assisting all other teams.
* Utilize high level of conflict resolution skills with staff, community members, elected officials and all stakeholders.
* Represent the Department professionally and effectively to the community and Department members.
* Attentive to the County's standards for customer service, accuracy, quality, efficiency and all County policies and procedures ensuring that all work performed, and all staff members meet those standards while exhibiting consistent treatment of all staff
Minimum Qualifications
QUALIFICATIONS:
* Must be a licensed as a physician to practice medicine in the State of South Carolina.
* Must be a pathologist certified by the American Board of Pathology in anatomic pathology or board eligible in forensic pathology within (6 months of hire).
* Forensic pathologists in fellowship training may be considered eligible in lieu of above.
* Knowledge of anatomy, pathology, anthropology and other related disciplines for identification and investigative purposes
* Knowledgeable of firearms and other instruments of death
* Knowledgeable of rules of evidence and court procedures.
* Knowledgeable of vehicular crash analysis
* Adhere to NAME autopsy performance standards and requirements
* Knowledgeable of federal, state, and local laws related to the operation of the county coroner's function
* Skilled in performing autopsies, external examinations, and medical records reviews of decedents.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
* Clarity of speech and hearing or other communication capabilities, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to communicate effectively with medical and law-enforcement personnel, funeral directors, and the general public.
* Vision or other powers of observation, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee operate photographic equipment to investigate, identify, preserve, and maintain evidence.
* Manual dexterity, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to operate computers and other general office equipment.
* Personal mobility and physical reflexes, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to operate a vehicle, lift heavy objects, and to easily move about in a way that will not disturb evidence.
* Able to stand for extended amounts of time in different conditions.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
* Employee may be exposed to health and environmental hazards.
* Standard work hours must be flexible, will include days, evenings, overnights, weekends, and holidays. May be greater than 40 hours per week, and may be called to report to duty at any time.
* Work is performed inside and outside. Exposure to cold, heat and elements of weather and nature may be encountered.
* May be exposed to significant workplace pressure and irregular hours.
* The incumbent is subject to call out in emergency situations
Charleston County offers competitive pay and a comprehensive benefits package to its employees, including but not limited to:
  • Health, Dental, Vision and Life Insurance
  • Optional Life and Disability Insurance
  • Optional Medical and Dependent Care Spending Accounts
  • Annual and Sick Leave
  • Fourteen (14) recognized Holidays
  • South Carolina Retirement System (SCRS) State Retirement Plan
  • Police Officers Retirement System (PORS - as applicable)
  • Optional Deferred Compensation Program
  • Longevity and Merit Pay Increases
  • Leadership, Professional and Skill Development Training
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Employee Well-being Program
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