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Medical Examiner Assistant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

... assistant students to foster education in forensic pathology. Help students develop topics for ... Represents the Medical Examiner's Office by attending and presenting at public and governmental ...

... assistant students to foster education in forensic pathology. Help students develop topics for ... Represents the Medical Examiner's Office by attending and presenting at public and governmental ...

... assistant students to foster education in forensic pathology. Help students develop topics for ... Represents the Medical Examiner's Office by attending and presenting at public and governmental ...

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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 Jun 11, 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 the highest paid medical assistant?

The highest paid medical assistants typically work in specialized settings or have advanced certifications, earning salaries above the national average of around $37,000 annually. Factors such as experience, location, and additional skills can influence higher earnings, but medical assistants generally do not reach the high salary levels of other healthcare professionals like physicians or nurse practitioners.

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 does an autopsy assistant do?

A medical examiner assistant helps prepare bodies for autopsies, assists with the examination process, and maintains the autopsy environment. They may also handle documentation, clean equipment, and support forensic pathologists during investigations, often requiring knowledge of anatomy and proper safety procedures.

What are Medical Examiner Assistants?

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 do assistant medical examiners do?

Assistant medical examiners support medical examiners by helping conduct autopsies, collecting evidence, documenting findings, and preparing reports. They often work in morgues or medical examiner offices and may need knowledge of pathology, forensic science, and proper safety procedures. Their role is essential in determining causes of death and assisting in investigations.

How do I become a Medical Examiner assistant?

To become a Medical Examiner Assistant, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, with some positions requiring post-secondary education or relevant experience. Skills in anatomy, pathology, or medical terminology are beneficial, and on-the-job training is often provided; certification is not usually mandatory but can enhance prospects.

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 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:
What job categories do people searching Medical Examiner Assistant jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Medical Examiner Assistant jobs are:
Infographic showing various Medical Examiner Assistant job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 77% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $164,731 per year, or $79.2 per hour.

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 27 days ago


Job description

Introduction

THIS POSITION IS ELIGIBLE FOR A $25,000 RECRUITMENT/HIRING BONUS FOR NEWLY HIRED MEDICAL EXAMINERS. PAYABLE AFTER COMPLETING 6 MONTHS SATISFACTORY PERFORMANCE FROM HIRE DATE.\r\n\r\n\r\nEstablished in 1939 as the nation's first statewide medical examiner system, the acclaimed OCME of Maryland is a supportive, drama-free agency with a strong institutional culture and a commitment to excellence. The OCME is NAME accredited and has been continuously striving to maintain that standard for 30 years. The OCME's forensic pathology team includes the Chief Medical Examiner, two Deputy Chief Medical Examiners, and 16.5 Assistant Medical Examiners. The agency has four ACGME accredited fellowship positions.\r\n\r\n

GRADE

9990\r\n

LOCATION OF POSITION

MDH, Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, Baltimore, Maryland\r\n

Main Purpose of Job

The Maryland Department of Health, Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, is seeking Assistant Medical Examiners to join a committed professional team of forensic pathologists, investigating deaths and performing autopsies as necessary. The primary purpose of this position is to provide certified medical and specialized pathology skills in the performance of the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner's (OCME) mandated cause and manner of death investigation.\r\n\r\n\r\nJob duties of this position include:\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Evaluates death scene information;\r\n Perform autopsies and prepares reports of postmortem examination and autopsies;\r\n Review medical records, police reports and the reports of the toxicologist as required to accurately determine the cause and manner of death;\r\n Answer inquiries from relatives and other interested parties, as to the cause and manner of death;\r\n Supervise the work of the assigned autopsy technicians;\r\n Attends and participates in daily departmental meetings;\r\n Collect evidence for law enforcement agencies during autopsy;\r\n Teach Fellows, visiting residents and medical students; and,\r\n Testifies in court and attends meetings (e.g. Child Fatality Review).\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nWhen on call, incumbent must be available to consult with the Medical Examiner's Investigators, make decisions concerning release of organs and tissues for transplantation purposes on Medical Examiner's cases.\r\n\r\n

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Qualified candidates must possess:\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Graduation from an accredited School of Medicine with a Doctor of Medicine Degree (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) or the international equivalent;\r\n Successful completion of an ACGME approved Forensic Fellowship program;\r\n Eligibility for medical licensure in the State of Maryland (Maryland licensure must be obtained prior to hire);\r\n Ability to obtain Board Certification in Forensic Pathology and Anatomic Pathology within the period of board eligibility provided by the American Board of Pathology; and,\r\n Availability to be on 24-hour call two-three (2-3) times per month and to work one weekend per month.\r\n \r\n\r\n\r\n

DESIRED OR PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Desired candidates should possess:\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Familiarity with specialized autopsy techniques;\r\n Skill in the use of a microscope and interpretation of histology findings, the use of transcription devices, autopsy equipment and photographic equipment;\r\n Excellent organizational skills and the ability to complete case reports in a timely fashion;\r\n Excellent communication skills for both written and verbal communication with criminal prosecutors, defense attorneys, law-enforcement personnel, representatives from insurance companies, and next-of-kin, and must have a pronounced ability to maintain professional neutrality to all parties in a dispute or litigation;\r\n Ability to follow standardized techniques and procedures and be able to adapt and make independent decisions; and,\r\n Ability to function in fast paced environments.\r\n \r\n\r\n\r\n

LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS

Applicants must be licensed by the Maryland Board of Physicians to practice medicine under Maryland State Law at time of hire. A copy of the current license or license number must accompany your application.\r\n\r\n

SELECTION PROCESS

This is a Special Appointment position and serves at the pleasure of the Appointing Authority. A resume must accompany your application.\r\n\r\n\r\nApplicants 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).\r\n\r\n\r\nComplete applications must be submitted by the closing date. Information submitted after this date will not be added.\r\n\r\n\r\nIncorrect application forms will not be accepted.\r\n\r\n\r\nCandidates 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.\r\n\r\n

BENEFITS

The Maryland Department of Health offers the following benefits:\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Meaningful Work\r\n Excellent Health Benefits Package, including Medical, Vision, Prescription and Dental\r\n Flexible Spending Accounts (Reduced Child and Health Care)\r\n Generous Leave Benefits (6 Personal Days, 12 Regular Holidays, Annual Leave, 15 Sick Days)\r\n Retirement\r\n Paid Parental Leave\r\n Flexible Work Schedules (where applicable)\r\n Free Mass Transit (Baltimore metro area)\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nFor a full list of the benefits of working for the State of Maryland, please click the link below:\r\n\r\nSTATE OF MARYLAND BENEFITS\r\n\r\n

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.\r\nIf additional information is required, the preferred method is to upload. If you are unable to upload, please fax the requested informationto 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.\r\nFor questions regarding this recruitment, please contact theMDH Recruitment and Selection Division at 410-767-1251.\r\nIf 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 orApplication.Help@maryland.gov.\r\nAppropriate accommodations for individuals with disabilities are available upon request by calling: 410-767-1251 or MD TTY Relay Service 1-800-735-2258.\r\nWe thank our Veterans for their service to our country.\r\nPeople with disabilities and bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply.\r\nAs an equal opportunity employer, Maryland is committed to recruitment, retaining and promoting employees who are reflective of the State's diversity.\r\n

Employment Type: Full-Time