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Autopsy Assistant Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Pathologist Assistant

Oak Park, IL · On-site

$41.44 - $60.14/hr

This position is responsible for assisting the pathologists in the surgical and autopsy pathology ... Required Job Qualifications: • Bachelor's/Master's degree from an accredited Pathology Assistant ...

Pathologist Assistant

Oak Park, IL · On-site

$41.44 - $60.14/hr

This position is responsible for assisting the pathologists in the surgical and autopsy pathology ... Required Job Qualifications: • Bachelor's/Master's degree from an accredited Pathology Assistant ...

This position is responsible for assisting the pathologists in the surgical and autopsy pathology ... Required Job Qualifications: • Bachelor's/Master's degree from an accredited Pathology Assistant ...

Under the direction of the Physician, the Pathologist Assistant assists in the autopsy and surgical pathology department of the hospital and lab. Performs essential tasks, such as examining specimens ...

Under the direction of the Physician, the Pathologist Assistant assists in the autopsy and surgical pathology department of the hospital and lab. Performs essential tasks, such as examining specimens ...

Pathologist Assistant

Munster, IN · On-site

$45.48 - $69.64/hr

Under the direction of the Physician, the Pathologist Assistant assists in the autopsy and surgical pathology department of the hospital and lab. Performs essential tasks, such as examining specimens ...

Pathologist Assistant

Munster, IN · On-site

$45.48 - $69.64/hr

Under the direction of the Physician, the Pathologist Assistant assists in the autopsy and surgical pathology department of the hospital and lab. Performs essential tasks, such as examining specimens ...

Under the direction of the Physician, the Pathologist Assistant assists in the autopsy and surgical pathology department of the hospital and lab. Performs essential tasks, such as examining specimens ...

Under the direction of the Physician, the Pathologist Assistant assists in the autopsy and surgical pathology department of the hospital and lab. Performs essential tasks, such as examining specimens ...

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Autopsy Assistant information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$11

$18

$25

How much do autopsy assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for autopsy assistant in Chicago, IL is $18.60, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.96 and $20.67 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 Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Autopsy jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What are popular job titles related to Autopsy Assistant jobs in Chicago, IL?

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

What job categories do people searching Autopsy Assistant jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Autopsy Assistant jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Autopsy Assistant jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Autopsy Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Autopsy Assistant job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, and 50% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $38,694 per year, or $18.6 per hour.

Pathologist Assistant

Rush University

Oak Park, IL • On-site

$41.44 - $60.14/hr

Other

Re-posted 18 days ago


Rush University rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 41 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

338th of 622 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Job Description

Location: Oak Park, Illinois

Business Unit: Rush Oak Park

Hospital: Rush Oak Park Hospital

Department: Laboratory

Work Type: Full Time (Total FTE between 0.9 and 1.0)

Shift: Shift 1

Work Schedule: 8 Hr (7:00:00 AM - 3:30:00 PM)

Rush offers exceptional rewards and benefits learn more at our Rush benefits page (https://www.rush.edu/rush-careers/employee-benefits).

Pay Range: $41.44 - $60.14 per hour

Rush salaries are determined by many factors including, but not limited to, education, job-related experience and skills, as well as internal equity and industry specific market data. The pay range for each role reflects Rush’s anticipated wage or salary reasonably expected to be offered for the position. Offers may vary depending on the circumstances of each case.

Summary:

This position is responsible for assisting the pathologists in the surgical and autopsy pathology areas. This position requires teamwork to achieve common goals and meet deadlines to provide quality care to clients and patients. Exemplifies the Rush mission, vision and values and acts in accordance with Rush policies and procedures.

Other information:

Required Job Qualifications:

• Bachelor's/Master's degree from an accredited Pathology Assistant program.

• Certified Pathologist Assistant.

• Ability to work on multiple projects with frequently changing priorities.

• Ability to learn and instruct others in new procedures.

• Excellent organizational skills and efficiency necessary.

• Travel outside the metropolitan Chicago area may be required.

Preferred Job Qualifications:

Physical Demands:

• Must be able to perform repetitive motions required for use of pipette, saw, microtome, and other laboratory equipment.

• Position is located in laboratory with exposure to potentially infectious or hazardous materials, including formaldehyde and xylene.

• Potential for injury due to scalpel blades, razor blades, and caustic substances.

Responsibilities:

• Performs surgical pathology grossing, dictation, and frozen sections per established procedures.

• Processes and labels specimens accurately, being conscientious to avoid errors.

• Readily displays a devotion to provide high quality patient care to our customers.

• Oversight over at least one area of the lab, which could include the Gross Room, student programs, the autopsy area, and/or a biorepository. This could include any combination of the following:

• Ordering and maintaining supply inventory

• Maintain inspection readiness

• Initiate/Maintain clinical databases

• Write technical procedures

• Participate in the development of Employee Engagement Activities

• Insure the work area is maintained as a safe and uncluttered environment

• Meets turnaround time expectations by prioritizing and organizing the workload for the shift.

• Utilizes time effectively and seeks out additional job duties when shift tasks are complete.

• Keeps work area neat, clean, organized, and well stocked at all times

• Helps instruct students, residents, and new employees. Evaluates their performances within the established deadlines.

• Accepts and/or volunteers for special projects and completes them within an agreed upon time frame.

• Participates in procedure implementation and training of new staff and students.

• Encouraged to identify and participate in process improvement projects.

• Identifies areas for process improvement, and initiates procedures or programs to respond to the deficiency identified.

• Initiates Safety Events to document unsafe situations.

• Responds to Safety Events, and complaints in a timely manner.

• Maintains overall responsibility for rapid autopsy service at the Rush laboratory and coordinates participant autopsies at outside sites.

• Responsible for autopsy coordination; guides and assists Study Coordinators with trouble-shooting autopsy-related matters and guides and assists back-up on-call autopsy technicians.

• Maintains overall responsibility for the coordination and performance of biospecimen dissections for distribution.

• Maintains responsibility for routine maintenance and proper working condition of biospecimen freezers, refrigerators, and associated alarm system.

• Develops and implements quality assurance and quality control measures to ensure optimal biospecimen acquisition, storage, and accounting.

• Implements new autopsy and dissection protocols, training staff in required new techniques and methods. Develops training videos and aids.

• Makes recommendations regarding acquisition of laboratory instruments and capital equipment.

Rush is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics.

Position Pathologist Assistant

Location US:IL:Oak Park

Req ID 27532


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