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Forensic Pathologist Assistant Jobs in Silver Spring, MD

State of Maryland

FORENSIC INVESTIGATOR

Baltimore, MD · On-site

$52K - $67K/yr

... assist the Forensic Pathologist in the determination of cause and manner of death. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Experience : Three years of experience investigating the circumstances of death at death ...

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Forensic Pathologist Assistant information

See Silver Spring, MD salary details

$15

$57

$92

How much do forensic pathologist assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average hourly pay for forensic pathologist assistant in Silver Spring, MD is $57.20, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $45.00 and $69.57 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 Silver Spring, MD as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $118,969 per year, or $57.2 per hour.

FORENSIC INVESTIGATOR

State of Maryland

Baltimore, MD • On-site

$52K - $67K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 22 days ago

State Of Maryland rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 127 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

25th of 50 rated states

Job description

GRADE
ASTD12
LOCATION OF POSITION
MDH Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (OCME)
900 W. Baltimore Street
Baltimore, MD 21223
Main Purpose of Job
A Forensic Investigator is full performance level work that conducts investigation of cases that are referred to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (OCME). Investigations include screening cases, gathering information, conducting an examination of the body at location of the incident and producing an investigation report that will assist the Forensic Pathologist in the determination of cause and manner of death.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Experience: Three years of experience investigating the circumstances of death at death scene incidents.
Notes:
1. Candidates may substitute the possession of an Associate of Arts degree in Health Sciences, Police Science, or Forensics from an accredited college or university and one year of experience investigating the circumstances of death at death scene incidents for the required experience.
2. Candidates may substitute experience assisting in the autopsies of human corpses on a month-for-month basis for a maximum of six months of the required experience.
3. Candidates may substitute one year of experience as a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner for the required experience.
4. Candidates may substitute college internships, conferences, and seminar education in forensics, death investigation, and trauma of forty (40) hours for an equivalency of three months, for a maximum of one year of the required experience.
5. Candidates may substitute U.S. Armed Forces military service experience as a non-commissioned officer in Criminal Investigation classifications or Criminal Investigation specialty codes in the Inspection, Investigation, Enforcement, and Compliance field of work on a year-for-year basis for the required experience.
DESIRED OR PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
The desired candidate should possess experience in death investigations with a medical examiner/coroner system.
LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS
Employees in this classification will be assigned duties which require the operation of a motor vehicle. Employees will be required to possess a motor vehicle operator's license valid in the State of Maryland.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
1. Employees in this classification are subject to call-in 24 hours a day, and therefore, will be required to provide the employing agency with a phone number where they can be reached.
2. Employees in this classification are subject to substance abuse testing in accordance with Code of Maryland Regulations 17.04.09, Testing for Illegal Use of Drugs.
3. Employees in this classification must possess registration as a death scene investigator with the American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigators within two (2) years of hiring date. Once certification is received, employees are required to maintain the certification.
SELECTION PROCESS
Applicants who meet the minimum (and selective) qualifications will be included in further evaluation. The evaluation may be a rating of your application based on your education, training and experience as they relate to the requirements of the position. Therefore, it is essential that you provide complete and accurate information on your application. Please report all related education, experience, dates and hours of work. Clearly indicate your college degree and major on your application, if applicable. For education obtained outside the U.S., any job offer will be contingent on the candidate providing an evaluation for equivalency by a foreign credential evaluation service prior to starting employment (and may be requested prior to interview).
Complete applications must be submitted by the closing date. Information submitted after this date will not be added.
Incorrect application forms will not be accepted. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed application.
Candidates may remain on the certified eligible list for a period of at least one year. The resulting certified eligible list for this recruitment may be used for similar positions in this or other State agencies.
BENEFITS
STATE OF MARYLAND BENEFITS
FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS
Online applications are highly recommended. However, if you are unable to apply online, the paper application (and supplemental questionnaire) may be submitted to MDH, Recruitment and Selection Division, 201 W. Preston St., Room 114-B, Baltimore, MD 21201. Paper application materials must be received by 5 pm, close of business, on the closing date for the recruitment, no postmarks will be accepted.
If additional information is required, the preferred method is to upload. If you are unable to upload, please fax the requested information to 410-333-5689. Only additional materials that are required will be accepted for this recruitment. All additional information must be received by the closing date and time.
For questions regarding this recruitment, please contact the MDH Recruitment and Selection Division at 410-767-1251.
If you are having difficulty with your user account or have general questions about the online application system, please contact the MD Department of Budget and Management, Recruitment and Examination Division at 410-767-4850 or Application.Help@maryland.gov.
Appropriate accommodations for individuals with disabilities are available upon request by calling: 410-767-1251 or MD TTY Relay Service 1-800-735-2258.
We thank our Veterans for their service to our country.
People with disabilities and bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply.
As an equal opportunity employer, Maryland is committed to recruitment, retaining and promoting employees who are reflective of the State's diversity.

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