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Autopsy Assistant information

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$12

$18

$26

How much do autopsy assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for autopsy assistant in California is $18.79, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.15 and $20.87 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an autopsy assistant?

An Autopsy Assistant helps forensic pathologists by preparing bodies, collecting specimens, and maintaining the morgue. They assist in examinations, document findings, and ensure proper handling of remains. This role requires attention to detail, knowledge of anatomy, and the ability to work in a clinical or forensic setting.

What does an autopsy assistant do?

A typical day for an Autopsy Assistant involves preparing the autopsy suite, assisting the pathologist during examinations, and handling specimens for lab analysis. You may be responsible for maintaining detailed records, cleaning and sterilizing equipment, and ensuring chain-of-custody protocols are followed. The role often requires collaboration with medical examiners, law enforcement, and laboratory staff. Due to the sensitive nature of the work, maintaining professionalism and discretion is essential throughout all responsibilities. Work schedules can vary, including on-call or weekend shifts depending on the facility.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an autopsy assistant?

To thrive as an Autopsy Assistant, you need foundational knowledge in anatomy, pathology, and safe laboratory practices, usually supported by an associate degree or relevant certification in mortuary science or a related field. Familiarity with autopsy instruments, evidence-handling protocols, and digital recordkeeping systems is often required. Exceptional attention to detail, communication skills, and emotional resilience help individuals excel in this role. These skills are crucial for maintaining accuracy, ensuring legal compliance, and working smoothly within multidisciplinary forensic or pathology teams.

How do I become an autopsy assistant?

To become an autopsy assistant, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, with some positions preferring post-secondary education in biology or a related field. Relevant skills include attention to detail, knowledge of anatomy, and familiarity with autopsy procedures; certification or training in forensic or medical assisting can also be beneficial. Experience working in a medical or laboratory environment may improve job prospects.

How long does it take to be an autopsy assistant?

Becoming an autopsy assistant typically requires completing a high school diploma or equivalent, followed by relevant post-secondary education such as a certificate or associate degree in mortuary science, forensic science, or a related field. Gaining experience through internships or on-the-job training is common, and the total time can range from several months to a few years depending on educational pathways and certification requirements.

What qualifications do you need to be an autopsy assistant?

Autopsy assistants typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, with some positions preferring post-secondary education in biology, anatomy, or forensic science. Relevant skills include attention to detail, familiarity with medical terminology, and the ability to work in a morgue environment; certification is not usually required but can enhance job prospects.

What are the most commonly searched types of Autopsy jobs in California?

The most popular types of Autopsy jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Autopsy Assistant jobs in California?

For Autopsy Assistant jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Autopsy Assistant jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Autopsy Assistant jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Autopsy Assistant jobs?

Cities in California with the most Autopsy Assistant job openings:

Autopsy Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Autopsy Assistant job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, and 14% Contract. Highlights an 86% In-person, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,077 per year, or $18.8 per hour.

Autopsy Pathologist/Assistant/Associate/Full Professor

UC Davis Health System

Sacramento, CA • On-site

$245K - $420K/yr

Full-time

Posted 10 days ago

UC Davis Health rating

8.9

Company rating: 8.9 out of 10

Based on 51 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

1st of 898 rated healthcare providers

Job description

Autopsy Pathologist/Assistant/Associate/Full Professor

Position Overview:

The salary range for this position is $245,130 - $420,907. This position includes membership in the https://aadocs.ucdavis.edu/policies/apm/apm-670.pdf, which provides for eligibility for additional compensation. The salary range listed is for base compensation only and may be adjusted depending on qualifications and experience. The salary range does not include variable compensation and is subject to the individual department compensation plan.

Autopsy Pathologist - Assistant/Associate/Professor

The Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine at the University of California, Davis, School of Medicine is seeking a dynamic full-time physician-leader in the Professor of Clinical X or Health Sciences Clinical Professor series at the Assistant/Associate/Full Professor rank in the autopsy pathology section. Leadership opportunities are available for highly qualified candidates, including as Director of Autopsy service. Clinical responsibilities include primary coverage of the autopsy service. Additional participation with other clinical services can be considered if desired, in consultation with the department chair. Faculty in the Clinical X series are expected to demonstrate a high level of clinical diagnostics as well as being active in teaching, research and creative work, and University/public service. Faculty in the Health Sciences Clinical Professor series are also expected to demonstrate a high level of clinical diagnostics as well as being active in teaching, scholarly or creative activities, and University/public service.

Teaching duties will chiefly consist of clinical teaching of house staff and medical students and presenting cases at inter/intradepartmental conferences. Participation in the research mission is expected, either as a collaborator or leader of clinically oriented research projects pertinent to the candidate's area(s) of expertise and training. Preference will be given to candidates with an interest in establishing an autopsy research program.

The position will remain open until filled, but no later than June 30, 2027. For the full position description and to apply, visithttps://recruit.ucdavis.edu/JPF07821.

UC Davis conducts more than 11 million clinical tests annually in state-of-the-art clinical laboratories. Annual anatomic pathology volumes equate to: 24,000+ surgical pathology, 9,108+ gynecologic cytology, 3,777+ non-gyn cytology and 2,642 fine needle aspiration biopsies. The laboratory includes a total laboratory automation system for clinical chemistry and hematology, one of the newest and most comprehensive throughout inland northern California. Clinical services are organized into subspecialty teams to provide focused expertise for clinical teams and to enhance collaborative relationships with our clinical colleagues.

The program has many award-winning faculty educators and hosts 16 residents, most in combined Anatomic and Clinical Pathology training. Fellowships include Cytology, Hematopathology, Informatics, Transfusion Medicine and three subspecialty surgical pathology fellowships (Gynecologic/Breast, Gastrointestinal/Liver and Genitourinary/Medical Renal).

The UC Davis Department of Pathology is ranked among the top 40 academic pathology departments for NIH funding departments nationally, and our faculty are integrated as leaders and/or collaborators in every research theme within the UC Davis Health System, with special strengths in cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, novel tissue imaging and informatics/artificial intelligence. The department founded the new Center for Diagnostic Innovation (CDxI) which provides resources and expertise to support clinical trials and new test development and serves as an epicenter for scientific discovery.

UC Davis School of Medicine is part of the UC Davis Health System (UCDHS), which is also comprised of the UC Davis Medical Center, UC Davis Children's Hospital and the Betty Irene Moore School of Nursing. The UC Davis Medical Group is a more than 1000-member physician practice group practicing across Northern and Central California. UCDHS has more than 20,000 employees and an annual budget of more than $6.3 billion; UC Davis is an established leader in the use of telecommunications and information technology to advance health. U.S. News & World Report consistently ranks the SOM among the top 50 medical schools in the nation.

To apply, visit https://apptrkr.com/9786614

Compensation Information:
$245130.00 / Annually - $420907.00 / Annually

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