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Pathologist Autopsy Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Pathologist Assistant

Washington, DC ยท On-site

$45.87 - $62.02/hr

A pathologist's assistant is qualified to perform gross dissection, description, and submission of ... Prepare for autopsy examination by obtaining patients' medical records and arranging radiographic ...

Dissects and processes frozen section specimens for evaluation by an Attending Pathologist. Assists ... May assist in the training of surgical pathology and autopsy techniques and procedures to residents ...

Pathologist Assistant (PRN)

Washington, DC ยท On-site

$45.87 - $62.02/hr

A pathologist's assistant is qualified to perform gross dissection, description, and submission of ... Prepare for autopsy examination by obtaining patients' medical records and arranging radiographic ...

A pathologist's assistant is qualified to perform gross dissection, description, and submission of ... Prepare for autopsy examination by obtaining patients' medical records and arranging radiographic ...

Dissects and processes frozen section specimens for evaluation by an Attending Pathologist. Assists ... May assist in the training of surgical pathology and autopsy techniques and procedures to residents ...

$19.91 - $26.88/hr

Assists pathologists, pathologists' assistants, and pathologists-in-training (residents and student ... Retrieves autopsy consent and charts from the Admitting Office. Notifies prosecutor of autopsy by ...

A pathologist's assistant is qualified to perform gross dissection, description, and submission of ... Prepare for autopsy examination by obtaining patients' medical records and arranging radiographic ...

Previous related experience including surgical pathology, autopsy dissection, histology procedures/techniques, gross dissection of surgical specimens, frozen sections and post-mortem examinations ...

Provides advanced technical support in both surgical and autopsy pathology. This includes the preparation and examination of tissue specimens, performance of specialized procedures, and active ...

Pathologists' Assistant

Bay Shore, NY ยท On-site

$98K - $170K/yr

Provides advanced technical support in both surgical and autopsy pathology. This includes the preparation and examination of tissue specimens, performance of specialized procedures, and active ...

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Pathologist Autopsy information

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$241.5K

$337.5K

$395.5K

How much do pathologist autopsy jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for pathologist autopsy in the United States is $337,500.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $285,000.00 and $378,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by autopsy pathologists in their daily work?

Autopsy pathologists often encounter challenges such as managing emotionally sensitive cases, communicating complex findings to both medical professionals and grieving families, and maintaining meticulous attention to detail in documentation and specimen handling. Additionally, they may need to balance a high caseload while collaborating with law enforcement or legal teams, especially in forensic cases. Staying current with evolving technologies and protocols is also essential for accurate cause-of-death determinations and quality assurance.

What does a pathologist do during an autopsy?

A pathologist performing an autopsy examines the body to determine the cause and manner of death. This involves a thorough external and internal examination, collecting tissue and fluid samples, and documenting findings. The pathologist may also review medical history and collaborate with other experts, such as toxicologists, to interpret test results. Their findings are compiled into a report that can assist with legal investigations or provide answers to families.

What is the highest paying pathology job?

The highest paying pathology jobs are often in specialized fields such as forensic pathology, molecular pathology, or surgical pathology, especially for those with extensive experience and board certifications. These roles typically require advanced training, and salaries can exceed $300,000 annually, particularly in private practice or leadership positions within hospitals or laboratories.

What qualifications do you need to do autopsies?

Pathologists performing autopsies typically need a medical degree (MD or DO), completion of a pathology residency, and board certification in pathology. Additional training in forensic or forensic pathology is often required, along with state licensure to practice medicine and perform autopsies.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Pathologist Autopsy, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Pathologist Autopsy, you need a medical degree, board certification in pathology, and specialized training in autopsy procedures and forensic pathology. Familiarity with laboratory information systems, advanced microscopy, and tissue sampling techniques is essential. Keen attention to detail, analytical thinking, and strong written and verbal communication skills distinguish top performers in this role. These competencies are crucial for accurately determining causes of death, supporting legal investigations, and ensuring clear reporting of findings.

Is it hard to become a forensic pathologist?

Becoming a forensic pathologist requires completing medical school, a residency in pathology, and a fellowship in forensic pathology, which typically takes around 13 years of education and training. The process is demanding due to the extensive training, certification requirements, and the need for strong analytical and communication skills.

Can a pathologist do an autopsy?

Yes, a pathologist, specifically a forensic or autopsy pathologist, is trained to perform autopsies to determine causes of death. They typically work in medical examiner or coroner's offices and require specialized training, certification, and knowledge of anatomy, pathology, and laboratory procedures.

What is the difference between Pathologist Autopsy vs Forensic Pathologist?

AspectPathologist AutopsyForensic Pathologist
CredentialsMedical degree, pathology residency, board certificationMedical degree, pathology residency, forensic pathology fellowship, board certification
Work EnvironmentHospitals, medical examiner offices, laboratoriesMedical examiner offices, crime labs, hospitals
Industry UsageMedical diagnosis, education, researchLegal investigations, criminal justice, medicolegal cases

Both Pathologist Autopsy and Forensic Pathologist require medical degrees and pathology training. However, Pathologist Autopsy primarily focuses on diagnosing diseases through autopsies in medical settings, while Forensic Pathologists specialize in investigating deaths related to legal cases, often working in crime scenes and legal environments. The roles overlap in autopsy skills but differ in purpose and context.

More about Pathologist Autopsy jobs
What job categories do people searching Pathologist Autopsy jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Pathologist Autopsy jobs are:
Infographic showing various Pathologist Autopsy job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 7% As Needed, 65% Full Time, 27% Part Time, and 1% Temporary. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $337,500 per year, or $162.3 per hour.
Pathologist Assistant

Pathologist Assistant

MFA

Washington, DC โ€ข On-site

$45.87 - $62.02/hr

Full-time

Posted 14 days ago


Job description

Position Summary
A pathologist's assistant provides anatomic pathology services under the direction and supervision of an attending pathologist. A pathologist's assistant is qualified to perform gross dissection, description, and submission of tissue specimens for surgical pathology examination, preparation of tissue specimens for intraoperative consultation/frozen section examination, and dissection and examination of organs and tissues during autopsy examination.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Other duties may be assigned.
  • Perform gross dissection, description, and submission of tissue specimens for histologic processing and surgical pathology examination.
  • Provide a detailed and accurate description of tissue specimens using an electronic dictation system.
  • Perform gross dissection, description, and preparation of tissue specimens for intraoperative consultation/frozen section examination, including preparation of cryostat sections and smears/imprints and staining of slides for microscopic examination.
  • Preparation and submission of tissue specimens and other biological specimens for special laboratory studies, including flow cytometric and molecular analyses.
  • Perform dissection and examination of organs and tissues during an autopsy examination.
  • Prepare for autopsy examination by obtaining patients' medical records and arranging radiographic examinations.
  • Perform gross and microscopic photography of specimens.
  • Participate in teaching pathology residents in gross tissue dissection and description techniques, intraoperative consultation/frozen section examination, and autopsy dissection and examination.
  • Assist in the preparation of materials for educational conferences.
  • Assist with departmental quality assurance/quality improvement activities and compliance with all CLIA, CAP, TJC, and DC DOH standards.
  • Clean and maintain surgical pathology, autopsy, and other equipment.
  • Perform duties relating to the administrative maintenance of surgical pathology protocols, procedures, reports, and data
  • Assist in standardizing and implementing new protocols and procedures, as necessary.
  • May be exposed to disagreeable odors and infectious diseases; therefore, must take proper safety precautions necessary to protect their health and well-being.

Minimum Qualifications
Education
  • Master of Science degree from a NAACLS-accredited Pathologists' Assistant training program.
  • Graduated from an ACGME-accredited Anatomic Pathology residency training program

Licensure/Certifications
  • Current and valid certification as a Pathologist Assistant by the American Society of Clinical Pathology (ASCP).
  • If you are a physician, then you must have graduated from an ACGME-accredited Anatomic Pathology residency training program and have an unrestricted medical license for the District of Columbia. The ASCP certification is waived.

Physical Requirements
  • Sit, stand, bend, reach, and walk for long periods of time in an office setting.
  • Must be able to occasionally lift, carry, push, or pull over 100 lbs. as part of the role.
  • Regularly exposed to healthcare settings that may require personal protective equipment.
  • Requires manual dexterity to operate a computer keyboard, calculator, copier machine, and other equipment.

About GW MFA
MFA physicians provide comprehensive patient care, offering one practice for the whole person with 52 medical and surgical specialties. As members of the GW School of Medicine and Health Sciences faculty, MFA providers are teachers and mentors for medical students, residents, fellows, and researchers preserving the rich tradition of academics, research, and healing. In addition to maintaining a closely integrated alliance with The George Washington University and The George Washington University Hospital (GWUH) which is separately owned and operated by Universal Health Services (UHS), the GW MFA has active referring relationships with 12 area hospitals.
The GW MFA's leading healthcare presence in the DC metro region is complemented by a network of community-based practices in DC, Maryland, and Virginia. Given its geographic location in central NW Washington, DC, and proximity to more than 175 resident embassies, the MFA continues to evolve its international clinical outreach.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.