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Medical Examiner Assistant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Typical tasks include but are not limited to the following: -Completes complex and varied tasks required to assist a medical examiner in an autopsy exam. -Assists medical examiners with all aspects ...

The Assistant Medical Examiner conducts medicolegal death investigations pursuant to Texas Code of Criminal Procedure 49.25, including external examination of decedents as well as complete and ...

The Assistant Medical Examiner conducts medicolegal death investigations pursuant to Texas Code of Criminal Procedure 49.25, including external examination of decedents as well as complete and ...

Medical Examiner

Warren, MI · On-site

$70 - $85/hr

The primary goal is to determine the medical fitness of drivers and assist in patient education ... Accurately complete and sign the Medical Examination Report (MER) Form and Medical Examiner ...

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Medical Examiner Assistant information

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$36.5K

$164.7K

$337K

How much do medical examiner assistant jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for medical examiner assistant in the United States is $164,731.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $64,000.00 and $268,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a medical examiner assistant?

Medical Examiner Assistants are professionals who support medical examiners or forensic pathologists in investigating deaths, particularly those that are sudden, unexpected, or suspicious. Their duties include assisting with autopsies, collecting and preserving evidence, maintaining records, and sometimes communicating with law enforcement or families. They play a vital role in ensuring accurate death investigations and help maintain the integrity of forensic processes. Medical Examiner Assistants often have backgrounds in healthcare, laboratory science, or criminal justice, and they may work in morgues, public health departments, or forensic labs.

What does a medical examiner assistant do?

As a medical examiner assistant, you assist with forensic examinations to help determine the cause of death. You assist with evidence and sample collection, prepare bodies for autopsy, and perform tasks like weighing organs and preparing for toxicology tests. Additionally, you have administrative duties like labeling samples, updating records, protecting the chain of custody, and even dealing with budgets and supply inventory. You also write reports and organize research for use by law enforcement and the courts and assist with identification of subjects using scars, tattoos, and other markings. Ultimately, your responsibilities revolve around helping the medical examiner remain focused, effective, and efficient.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a medical examiner assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Medical Examiner Assistant, you need a background in forensic science, biology, or a related field, often with an associate’s or bachelor’s degree and relevant laboratory experience. Familiarity with autopsy procedures, laboratory instruments, and case management software is typically required. Strong attention to detail, effective communication, and the ability to handle sensitive situations with professionalism are standout soft skills. These competencies ensure accurate evidence handling, support legal investigations, and uphold the integrity of the forensic process.

What are some common challenges medical examiner assistants face in their daily work?

Medical Examiner Assistants often encounter emotionally challenging situations, as they work closely with decedents and grieving families. The role requires meticulous attention to detail when assisting with autopsies, collecting evidence, and preparing reports. Managing a high caseload and adhering to strict protocols can be demanding, but strong teamwork and communication skills help navigate these challenges. Adaptability and a professional demeanor are essential traits to succeed in this dynamic environment.

What is the difference between Medical Examiner Assistant vs Forensic Technician?

AspectMedical Examiner AssistantForensic Technician
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may require post-secondary trainingHigh school diploma; specialized training or certification often preferred
Work EnvironmentMedical examiner offices, morgues, crime labsCrime labs, morgues, forensic laboratories
Employer & Industry UsageGovernment agencies, medical examiner officesLaw enforcement agencies, forensic labs
Common Search & ComparisonMedical Examiner Assistant vs Forensic Technician

The Medical Examiner Assistant and Forensic Technician roles share similarities in work environments and industry usage, often supporting forensic investigations and autopsies. However, Medical Examiner Assistants typically have more direct involvement in assisting medical examiners with case preparation, while Forensic Technicians focus more on evidence collection and lab analysis. Both roles require relevant training and are vital in forensic and death investigation processes.

What cities are hiring for Medical Examiner Assistant jobs?

Cities with the most Medical Examiner Assistant job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Medical Examiner jobs?

The most popular types of Medical Examiner jobs are:

What states have the most Medical Examiner Assistant jobs?

States with the most job openings for Medical Examiner Assistant jobs include:

Infographic showing various Medical Examiner Assistant job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $164,731 per year, or $79.2 per hour.

Medical Examiner Assistant

City of New York

Manhattan, NY • On-site

Full-time

Posted 15 days ago


City Of New York rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 81 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

624th of 852 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

Job Description

The Office of Chief Medical Examiner (OCME) investigates cases of persons who die within New York City from criminal violence, by accident, by suicide, suddenly when in apparent health, when unattended by a physician, in a correctional facility or in any suspicious or unusual manner or where an application is made pursuant to law for a permit to cremate a body of a person.
Our core purpose is to protect public health and serve impartial justice through forensic science and medicine. We exist to provide answers in support of families and communities during times of profound need.
The core values of CARES guide our work for communities and inform our behavior toward each other and all those we serve.
- Commitment: Dedicated to the mission at all times
- Accountability: Responsible to each other and the community
- Resilience: Adapt in the face of adversity
- Excellence: Achieve and maintain the highest quality
- Service: Innovate to meet evolving needs
JOB DESCRIPTION
The core values of the OCME are to put the mission of the agency first, to be truly dedicated and to have integrity in every aspect of our professional life. Typical tasks include but are not limited to the following:
- Completes complex and varied tasks required to assist a medical examiner in an autopsy exam.
- Assists medical examiners with all aspects of the postmortem examination including evisceration, dissection and restoration of the body.
- Coordinates with faculty to support the training of fellows, residents, medical students, and other personnel.
- Works with medical examiners and pathology coordinators to arrange and assist with specialized examinations (ie. neuropathology & cardiopathology)
- Performs advanced fingerprint and identification techniques.
- Coordinates with mortuary offices to support operations and resolve problems when on site; or from a central location, coordinates with mortuary supervisors or other appropriate staff concerning problems requiring immediate resolution.
- Coordinates with senior pathology and mortuary staff to resolve issues related to the recovery and transport of decedents, as well as case oversight of case check-in/check-out, resolves problems or issues with CMS; works with funeral directors on release of decedents to their care; works with the Tour Commander to coordinate death scene investigations and with recovery of decedents.
- Oversees the work of mortuary staff, motor vehicle operators, and auxiliary staff; holds staff meetings as needed to resolve mortuary issues and develop and implement procedures; evaluates staff performance.
- Works with management to develop autopsy and mortuary SOPs.
- Liaises with 3rd party (i.e. HHC and NYU) autopsy services.
- Verifies recorded information in CMS (i.e. personal property).
- Works with the Medical Investigator in-charge or Tour Commander to resolve assignment or case related issues city-wide, ensuring smooth and effective operations.
- Assists in signing in/out decedents during "off hours" at any of our three borough mortuary offices.
- Reports to accident locations involving agency staff/vehicles and to death scenes as needed.
- Coordinates City Burial operations as needed.
- Liaises with NYPD, FDNY, NYCEM, etc. as needed.
- Handles any administrative issues that arise involving the agency and communicates with leadership as necessary for direction.
- Prepares reports and keeps records.
- Liaises with Health and Safety Officer.
- Required to operate a motor vehicle.
- Perform Mortuary equipment maintenance and accountability.
- Ensure the autopsy suites and mortuary areas are properly stocked.
- Ensure that the autopsy suites are operationally prepared at all times.
- Performs other duties as required.
LICENSE REQUIREMENT
A motor vehicle driver license valid in the state of New York is required for this assignment. License must be maintained for the duration of employment.
All employees must obtain any licenses, certifications, or endorsements that are required for their position by any regulatory agency of appropriate jurisdiction. Any such required license, certification or endorsement shall be obtained within three months of appointment to the title, unless otherwise specified. Any required licenses, certifications, or endorsements must be maintained for the duration of the assignment and must be updated or renewed whenever the regulatory agency issues a modification or revision to the requirement.
SPECIAL NOTE
1. Selected candidates will be required to provide a DNA sample by swabbing.
2. This position has been identified as "essential." During emergency events, "essential" positions may require 24-hour availability.
FORENSIC MORTUARY TECHNICIAN - 52040

Qualifications

1. A four year high school diploma or its educational equivalent approved by a State's Department of Education or a recognized accrediting organization and one year of full-time satisfactory experience in mortuary and/or autopsy work.
For Assignment to Level II
In addition to meeting the "Qualification Requirements" described above, to be assigned
to Assignment Level II candidates must have one additional year of the experience described above, for a total of two years of experience.
For Assignment to Assignment Level III
In addition to meeting the "Qualification Requirements" described above, to be assigned to Assignment Level III candidates must have three additional years of experience as described above, for a total of four years of experience; two years of the experience must have been in a supervisory capacity.

Additional Information

The City of New York is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.


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