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Forensic Pathology Assistant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Forensic Pathology Assistant information

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$14

$55

$89

How much do forensic pathology assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for forensic pathology assistant in the United States is $55.33, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $43.51 and $67.31 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a Forensic Pathology Assistant?

As a Forensic Pathology Assistant, your daily tasks often include preparing morgue facilities, assisting with autopsies, collecting and labeling biological samples, maintaining detailed records, and ensuring proper chain of custody for evidence. You may also handle specimen photography, help clean and sterilize equipment, and interact with law enforcement or medical staff as needed. The work is highly detail-oriented and often performed as part of a specialized team under the supervision of a forensic pathologist. This role requires balancing technical tasks with a respect for legal procedures and the sensitivity of the situations involved.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Forensic Pathology Assistant position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Forensic Pathology Assistant, you need a background in biological sciences or mortuary science, technical laboratory skills, and attention to detail, often supported by an associate's degree or relevant certification. Proficiency with autopsy instruments, specimen handling protocols, and laboratory information management systems (LIMS) is typically required. Strong communication, teamwork, emotional resilience, and organizational skills set top candidates apart. These competencies ensure accurate, respectful handling of sensitive materials and effective support of forensic pathologists in a high-stakes environment.

What is a Forensic Pathology Assistant job?

A Forensic Pathology Assistant supports forensic pathologists in autopsies and death investigations. They help examine bodies, collect and document evidence, and may prepare reports. Their work aids in determining causes of death, often in cases involving crime, accidents, or unexplained circumstances. They typically work in medical examiner’s offices, hospitals, or forensic laboratories.

More about Forensic Pathology Assistant jobs
What cities are hiring for Forensic Pathology Assistant jobs? Cities with the most Forensic Pathology Assistant job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Forensic Pathology jobs? The most popular types of Forensic Pathology jobs are:
What states have the most Forensic Pathology Assistant jobs? States with the most job openings for Forensic Pathology Assistant jobs include:
Infographic showing various Forensic Pathology Assistant job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 92% Physical, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $115,082 per year, or $55.3 per hour.
Assistant Medical Examiner - Western District

Assistant Medical Examiner - Western District

State of Virginia

Roanoke, VA

$235K - $305K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 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

Assistant Medical Examiner - Western District

Apply now Job no: 5103151
Work type: Full-Time (Salaried)
Location: Roanoke (City), Virginia
Categories: Health and Human Services

Title: Assistant Medical Examiner - Western District

State Role Title: Physician II

Hiring Range: $235,000 - $305,000 commensurate with experience

Pay Band: 8

Agency: Virginia Department of Health

Location: CHIEF MEDICAL EXAMINR-WST

Agency Website: https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/medical-examiner/district-offices-contact-us/

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

The Virginia OCME is a statewide medical examiner system with four regional district offices encompassing 16 forensic pathologists and a Chief Medical Examiner.
The Western District of the Virginia Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (OCME) that covers the western region of Virginia is seeking one (1) experienced forensic pathologists to join the staff of three (3) current forensic pathologists, making a total of four (4) forensic pathologists. This location also has one (1) forensic pathologists' assistant on staff to support the forensic pathologists. This office is one of only twelve in the country with its own CT scanner.
The Assistant Medical Examiner's responsibilities include death investigations, postmortem exams, approximately 250 medicolegal autopsies per year, consultations with interested parties, court testimony, and supervision of staff, and other administrative oversight duties. The position advises/ supervises local medical examiners as a part of a 77-year-old statewide medical examiner system. Educational responsibilities include the instruction of forensic pathology fellows, medical students, public safety officers and others. The office has a relationship with three medical schools and multiple universities in Virginia. The pathologist will participate in educational, training and research activities and participate on committees.
The Virginia OCME does not perform autopsies on Sundays, and the office does not currently perform autopsies on Saturday.
Assistant Medical Examiners must be licensed in Virginia to practice medicine. Forensic Pathologists accreditation of the medical examiner system by the National Association of Medical Examiners (NAME) requires Board Certification in Anatomic and Forensic Pathology within two years of employment.
This position is based in Roanoke, Virginia in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains. There are abundant outdoor activities with proximity to the Appalachian Trail and well-developed greenway system. Downtown Roanoke has a thriving arts and entertainment district, including the Taubman Museum of Art, Historic Market square with farmer's market, Virginia Museum of Transportation, Mill Mountain Zoo and many restaurants. For more information about the Roanoke area, please visit https://www.virginia.org/places-to-visit/regions/virginia-mountains/roanoke/
The Virginia Department of Health offers 12 paid holidays, medical, dental, vision and life insurance, retirement plans (including 401a Cash Match and 457 Deferred Compensation Plan) as well as sick, family/personal, and annual leave. This position is eligible for an annual $2,500 allowance to attend conferences for work. Eligible candidates may be eligible for up to $10,000 sign on bonus or up to 80 hours of annual leave loaded.
University appointments are anticipated with rank determined by qualifications. Occasional overnight travel may be required.
This is an Open Until Filled Position and applications will be reviewed as they are received

Minimum Qualifications

Graduate of approved medical school, postgraduate training in anatomic and forensic pathology; certification as a specialist in forensic pathology by the American Board of Pathology; licensure to practice medicine in Virginia
Completion of approved training program in forensic pathology; (at least one year of forensic experience)
Ability to write and converse competently and clearly in the English language
Ability to get along with other professionals and community officials
Ability to communicate effectively as a teacher and a supervisor

Additional Considerations

Experience with medicolegal death investigations
Experience with testifying in court
Advanced training in cardiovascular pathology, neuropathology, pediatric pathology, law or public health is desirable
University appointment is anticipated with rank determined by qualifications

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.

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.
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.
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!
Supplemental Questions: You may be required to respond to position-specific questions at the end of this application. This information will help us evaluate your credentials and qualifications for the job.
This recruitment may qualify for exceptional recruitment and incentive options, including a sign on bonus or a leave grant, which may be offered with a 1-year tenure agreement.

Contact Information

Name: Deja Fontenot

Phone: Please email any questions

Email: deja.fontenot@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: 09 Apr 2026 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close:

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