1

Forensics Pathologist Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Forensic Autopsy Technician

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$41K - $61K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

This position will assist the forensic pathologist with moving and evisceration of bodies for autopsies, completing the forensic autopsy and restoring the body following examination by replacing ...

Forensics Pathologist information

See Iowa salary details

$13

$38

$54

How much do forensics pathologist jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for forensics pathologist in Iowa is $38.35, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $30.24 and $45.14 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Forensics Pathologist vs Medical Examiner?

AspectForensics PathologistMedical Examiner
CredentialsMedical degree, pathology residency, board certification in forensic pathologyMedical degree, pathology residency, often board-certified in forensic pathology or anatomic pathology
Work EnvironmentMedical examiner's office, morgues, crime scenesCoroner's or medical examiner's office, hospitals, morgues
Primary RolePerforming autopsies to determine cause of death, analyzing forensic evidenceInvestigating deaths, determining cause and manner of death, testifying in court

While both Forensics Pathologists and Medical Examiners perform autopsies and work in death investigations, Forensics Pathologists specialize in forensic autopsies and evidence analysis, often working in crime scene contexts. Medical Examiners may have broader roles in death investigations, including administrative duties. Both roles require similar credentials and often overlap in work environments, but their primary focus differs slightly.

How many years is it to become a forensic pathologist?

Becoming a forensic pathologist typically requires about 13 to 15 years of education and training, including a bachelor's degree, four years of medical school, a residency in pathology, and a fellowship in forensic pathology. This extensive training ensures proficiency in autopsy procedures, pathology techniques, and legal aspects of forensic investigations.

Is forensic pathology a good career?

Forensic pathology is a specialized medical field involving the investigation of death through autopsies and evidence analysis. It requires medical training, certification, and strong attention to detail, often involving irregular hours and emotional challenges. It can be a rewarding career for those interested in criminal justice and medical science, with job stability and growth prospects in forensic laboratories and medical examiner offices.

Is it hard to get a job as a forensic pathologist?

Securing a job as a forensic pathologist can be competitive due to the specialized nature of the field, which requires medical training, pathology residency, and often board certification. Job availability depends on factors such as location, experience, and the number of openings in forensic laboratories or medical examiner offices. Building relevant skills and gaining experience through internships or fellowships can improve employment prospects.

What jobs can you get as a forensic pathologist?

A forensic pathologist typically works in medical examiner or coroner offices, hospitals, or forensic laboratories, performing autopsies and determining causes of death. They may also work in crime scene investigation, legal consultation, or research settings, often requiring certification and knowledge of pathology, toxicology, and forensic science.

What are popular job titles related to Forensics Pathologist jobs in Iowa?

For Forensics Pathologist jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Forensics Pathologist jobs in Iowa look for?

The top searched job categories for Forensics Pathologist jobs in Iowa are:

Forensic Autopsy Technician

State of Iowa

Des Moines, IA • On-site

$41K - $61K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 7 days ago


State Of Iowa rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 83 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

41st of 50 rated states


Job description

Job Description The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Division of Public Health, Bureau of Iowa Office of the State Medical Examiner is seeking a Forensic Autopsy Technician to join our team. This position will assist the forensic pathologist with moving and evisceration of bodies for autopsies, completing the forensic autopsy and restoring the body following examination by replacing organs, packing cavities and suturing the body closed including washing, disinfecting and shrouding the remains. Photography will be required.

This position also includes ordering of testing and completion of paperwork. Responsibilities: Assists the forensic pathologist with autopsies, completing paperwork and taking photographs before and during autopsy. Evisceration of organs and removal of skull-cap.

Restoring the body by replacing organs, packing cavities, suturing the body closed and cleaning of the body. Keeps chain of custody when receiving, storing, or transferring/releasing of bodies, evidence, toxicology and specimens. Maintains the autopsy suite, associated areas and equipment by ensuring they are kept clean and stocked with supplies.

Observes and records facts clearly, accurately and legibly. Requirements: Must be able to move/roll heavy objects (bodies ~300 pounds or more) by oneself or with the assistance of another employee. Must be able to work 6-8 hours at a time while standing.

Tolerates and works with unpleasant sights, sounds, and odors in a sometimes-stressful environment. Will be required to work occasional weekends. Benefits Working for the State of Iowa comes with its perks.

In addition to a competitive salary, you'll enjoy a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your well-being and professional growth: Health, Dental, and Vision Coverage: Health and dental insurance packages to keep you and your family healthy at a low cost with outstanding coverage. Paid Time Off: Take time to recharge with paid time off, including vacation (96 hours/year to begin, increasing with years of service), sick leave (144 hours/year), and paid holidays (9 days/year). Retirement Plans: Participate in retirement plans such as IPERS (employees contribute 6.29% and the State of Iowa contributes 9.44%) as well as our Retirement Investors Club (RIC), Employer Sponsored Retirement Plan (the State of Iowa matches dollar for dollar up to $75/month)

Flexible Spending Accounts: Take advantage of flexible spending accounts for medical and dependent care expenses. Insurance Coverage: Benefit from life insurance and free long-term disability insurance for added peace of mind. Employee Assistance Program: Access resources and support through our Employee Assistance Program for personal and professional challenges.

Employee Discount Programs: Enjoy discounts on a variety of goods and services through our employee discount programs. For additional information on benefits click here. Click here to see how we compare with other employers or offers by using our Total Compensation Calculator.

Background Checks Applicants will be required to complete a background check to be considered for this position. The State of Iowa is an EEO/AA Employer HHS values those with "lived experience" and encourages adults who were fostered as youth, foster parents, and/or parents who were in the DHS system to apply. Minorities, women, persons with disabilities and veterans are encouraged to apply (Hearing and Speech Impaired - Relay Iowa 1-800-735-2942 TDD).

E-Verify and Right to Work The State of Iowa participates in E-Verify, a federal program that helps employers confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. Within the required timeframe, new hires will be verified through the E-Verify system to ensure authorization to work in the United States. The State of Iowa also complies with the federal Right to Work laws, which protect employees' rights to work without being required to join a labor organization.

For more information, please visitwww.e-verify.gov. All work performed on behalf of Iowa Health and Human Services must occur in the State of Iowa. Minimum Qualification Requirements Graduation from an accredited area college with an Associate's Degree in Medical Laboratory Science or any other healthcare profession; OR experience equal to one year of full-time work in hospital and/or emergency medical services; OR experience equal to one year of full-time work as a phlebotomist; OR any combination of the above

For additional information, please click on this link to view the job description.


What State Of Iowa employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


State of Iowa logo

About State of Iowa

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The State of Iowa is not a company but the governmental structure of the U.S. state of Iowa, stationed in the capital city, Des Moines. The official website, iowa.gov, is a platform dedicated to providing information and services related to the state's governance. As a governmental establishment, the State of Iowa's 'industry' primarily involves social governance, policy-making, and public administration, overseeing sectors like education, health, transportation, agriculture, and other public services.

Industry

Public administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Des Moines, IA, US

Year founded

1939