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Autopsy Assistant Jobs in Bellingham, WA (NOW HIRING)

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Autopsy Assistant information

See Bellingham, WA salary details

$12

$19

$27

How much do autopsy assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for autopsy assistant in Bellingham, WA is $19.79, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.97 and $21.97 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 job categories do people searching Autopsy Assistant jobs in Bellingham, WA look for?

The top searched job categories for Autopsy Assistant jobs in Bellingham, WA are:

What cities near Bellingham, WA are hiring for Autopsy Assistant jobs?

Cities near Bellingham, WA with the most Autopsy Assistant job openings:

Autopsy Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Autopsy Assistant job openings in Bellingham, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,156 per year, or $19.8 per hour.

Medicolegal Death Investigator I

Whatcom County, WA

Bellingham, WA • On-site

$32.41 - $46.74/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 20 days ago

Job description

Salary: $32.41 - $46.74 Hourly
Location : State Street Building - 1500 N State St, Bellingham, WA 98225
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: M527 0826 External
Department: Medical Examiner's Office
Opening Date: 08/21/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
Summary
Whatcom County is recruiting for the position of Medicolegal Death Investigator I. This position is primarily responsible for investigating deaths that come under the jurisdiction of the Medical Examiner's Office.
Essential Job Duties
  • Receives notification of deaths, determines jurisdiction within the Medical Examiner's Office standard guidelines.
  • Responds to investigate death; photographs the scene and decedent; conducts visual inspection of the decedent and makes notes of the condition of the body; collects and reviews medical records and demographic information that is pertinent to cause and manner of death.
  • Gathers, secures and transports human remains; collects, preserves and transports evidence relevant to the cause and manner of death from death scenes and autopsies.
  • Locates and notifies next-of-kin; collects, secures and releases personal property to next-of-kin; releases human remains to funeral homes. Transfers evidence via chain-of-custody to law enforcement agencies.
  • Writes complete, accurate and comprehensive statements of investigation, describing the scene and circumstances of death to assist the Medical Examiner in the determination of cause and manner of death.
  • Answers phones, performs data entry and routine office functions, maintains logs and records of work performed, works with bereaved families with respect and compassion, provides courteous, high quality service to members of the public and co-workers.
  • May be required to provide testimony in court.
  • Sets up in advance of autopsies, prepares room, selects instruments, sets up scale and specimen containers; after autopsy cleans room, instruments, equipment and containers.
  • Prepares decedents for autopsy, including obtaining weights and measurements, fingerprints, photographs and radiographs.
  • Assists with examinations as assigned, including but not limited to performing eviscerations, collecting and preserving toxicology samples and evidence, maintains detailed records, sutures and cleans body for release.
For more information, please review: Job description for Medicolegal Death Investigator I
Salary Range:
  • $32.41 - 46.74 per hour,
  • When there are 4 or 5 Medicolegal Death Investigators, additional premium pay may be provided for on-call rotation, ,$33.49 - $47.81 per hour.
  • When there are 3 or fewer Medicolegal Death Investigators,additional premium pay may be provided for on-call rotation,,$34.56 - $49.00per hour.
Hiring rate depends on qualifications. This position receives annual pay increases to the next step in the associated salary range (apx. 3.8%) subject to satisfactory performance, in addition to any negotiated Cost of Living Adjustments (COLA). We are required by State Law to list the full salary range. As a public entity, we are required to make pay decisions based on experience, qualifications, and equity with other employees. Hiring rate typically is limited to entry to mid of the posted salary range, subject to required approvals.
This position is open until filled.
Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree with coursework in biology, anatomy, and/or or physiology.
  • 3 years of experience working as an autopsy technician, or in death investigations, or work that is directly related to conducting medicolegal investigations for a medical examiner or coroner's office.

OR
  • Associate's degree with course work in biology, anatomy, and/or physiology.
  • 4 years related experience as specified above.
Additional requirements:
  • Knowledge and experience with digital photography required.
  • Certification by the American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigators (ABMDI) preferred at time of hire; required within two (2) years of hire date.

At its sole discretion, Whatcom County may consider combinations of education, experience, certifications, and training in lieu of specifically required qualifications contained herein.
Special Requirements:
  • Driving record that meets County standards.
  • Possess a valid driver's license at time of hire and throughout employment.
  • Must be eligible to cross the border between the United States and Canada at time of hire and throughout employment.
  • Background check must meet County criteria for security sensitive position.
  • Must pass job-related tests.

Distinguish yourself in public service and make a commitment to our future.
is truly special and a great place to call home!
Supplemental Information
Whatcom County offers at no cost to employees, including:
  • Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage for employees AND their family
  • Generous paid leave provisions, including vacation, sick leave, and 13 paid holidays per year
  • Eligibility for a lifetime pension through the Washington State Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS), with joint contributions required from the employee and the County
  • $50,000 Life Insurance coverage for employees
  • Option to invest in a 457 Deferred Compensation Retirement Plan
  • Flexible Spending Account (FSA) available for annual health care and/or dependent care expenses
  • Voluntary Term Life Insurance and Personal Accident Insurance
  • (EAP)
  • Additional

Whatcom County offers at no cost to employees, including:
  • Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage for employees AND their family
  • Generous paid leave provisions, including vacation, sick leave, and 13 paid holidays per year
  • Eligibility for a lifetime pension through the Washington State Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS), with joint contributions required from the employee and the County
  • $50,000 Life Insurance coverage for employees
  • Option to invest in a 457 Deferred Compensation Retirement Plan
  • Flexible Spending Account (FSA) available for annual health care and/or dependent care expenses
  • Voluntary Term Life Insurance and Personal Accident Insurance
  • (EAP)
  • Additional

01
Based on your education and experience, which of the following combinations do you meet?
  • Bachelor's degree with coursework in biology, anatomy, and/or or physiology AND 3+ years of experience working as an autopsy technician, or in death investigations, or work that is directly related to conducting medicolegal investigations for a medical examiner or coroner's office.
  • Associate's degree with coursework in in biology, anatomy, and/or or physiology AND 4+ years of experience working as an autopsy technician, or in death investigations, or work that is directly related to conducting medicolegal investigations for a medical examiner or coroner's office.
  • I do not meet either combination

02
Do you have knowledge and experience with digital photography sufficient for photographing death scenes and decedents?
  • Yes
  • No

03
Please describe your knowledge and experience with digital photography sufficient for photographing death scenes and decedents.
04
This position is not a typical office job. It requires the ability to deal with death and human remains in various stages of decomposition, disease, and trauma; handle the psychological effects of death; communicate sensitively with families and associates of the deceased; assist in autopsies; maneuver and transport human cadavers with assistance; and perform duties outside of normal office hours.Do you acknowledge and accept these working conditions?
  • Yes
  • No

05
Do you have Certification by the American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigators (ABMDI)?
  • Yes
  • No

06
This position requires the ability to travel to Canada and cross the U.S. - Canada border. Are you currently authorized and able to lawfully cross the U.S. - Canadian border?Canadian officials prohibit entrance into Canada for various reasons, including having been convicted of a crime or convicted of driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
  • Yes
  • No

Required Question

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