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Autopsy Assistant Jobs in Kent, WA (NOW HIRING)

Autopsy Assistant information

See Kent, WA salary details

$13

$21

$29

How much do autopsy assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for autopsy assistant in Kent, WA is $21.49, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.46 and $23.89 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 popular job titles related to Autopsy Assistant jobs in Kent, WA?

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

What job categories do people searching Autopsy Assistant jobs in Kent, WA look for?

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

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

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

Infographic showing various Autopsy Assistant job openings in Kent, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,699 per year, or $21.5 per hour.

Pathologists' Assistant, UWMC - Montlake Gross Room (Intermittent)

Uw

Seattle, WA

$51.99/hr

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

New


University Of Washington rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 87 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

152nd of 627 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Job Description

Who we're looking for:

The UW Medicine - Department of Laboratory Medicine & Pathology (DLMP) in Seattle, WA has a fantastic opportunity for an intermittent (per diem) Pathologists' Assistant with the Gross Room at the University of Washington Medical Center - Montlake.

The Pathologists' Assistant functions under the direct supervision of a board-certified anatomic pathologist and the Gross Room Manager. Serves as a subject matter expert supporting the clinical, educational, research, and operational missions of DLMP and UW Medicine. Adheres to all applicable regulatory (TJC, CAP, CLIA, DOH, etc.), UW Medicine, School of Medicine, DLMP, and Anatomic Pathology Division policies, procedures, and standards within the scope of practice of the Pathologists' Assistant profession. Demonstrates flexibility in response to evolving departmental priorities while maintaining a patient-centered focus.

Work schedule:

  • Intermittent/per diem
  • 0-20 hours per week anytime between 6:30am and 8pm
  • Hours can be scheduled on weekdays, weekends, evenings, and holidays

What you'll contribute:

Clinical and Surgical Pathology Operations

Duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

  • Gross examination and dissection of pathology specimens including dictation of all applicable report components, tissue section selection and submission, accessioning and labeling verification, chain-of-custody compliance, gross photography, documentation of gross only cases, specimen triage for ancillary testing, etc.
  • Medical autopsy support in collaboration with pathology faculty and autopsy service staff as needed.
  • Pathology resource regarding correct specimen collection methods, orientation, processing, and troubleshooting of specimen-related and workflow issues as the first line of operational support.

Quality, Regulatory, and Operational Responsibilities

Duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

  • Participate in quality assurance, patient safety, and process improvement initiatives
  • Assist with development and maintenance of grossing procedures, workflow improvement, equipment oversight, preventive maintenance coordination, supply management, specimen accessioning review, labeling verification, and discrepancy resolution.
  • Collaborates during regulatory and accreditation inspections and audits, ensuring operational compliance and adherence.
  • Participate in applicable meetings, committees, work groups, professional development, and continuing education activities as assigned.

Education, Training, and Mentorship

Duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

  • Support educational initiatives including orientation, instruction, mentorship, competency assessment, and training for (e.g., medical students, post-sophomore fellows, pathology residents, fellows, pathologists' assistant students) in support of UW medicine programs as assigned.

Research Support

Duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

  • Support institutional research initiatives involving human tissue procurement occurring in the gross/frozen room or operating room environment in accordance with approved protocols and institutional requirements.

Professionalism

Duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

  • Maintain professional conduct consistent with UW Medicine policies, values and high standards of quality, efficiency, service, reliability, attendance, and collaboration with faculty, trainees, staff, researchers, and clinical partners.

What you'll need:

  • A bachelor's degree in science and completion of a NAACLS-accredited Pathologists' Assistant training program.
  • Two years of experience as a Pathologists' Assistant.
  • Certification as a Pathologists' Assistant with the American Society for Clinical Pathology (PA(ASCP)) or equivalent certifying organization; or certification with specialty organization appropriate to the laboratory.

Equivalent education/experience will substitute for all minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license/certification/registration.

Desired qualifications:

  • Experience working in a high-volume academic medical center.
  • Experience teaching or mentoring pathology residents, fellows, medical students, Pathologists' Assistant students, or other laboratory learners.
  • Experience supporting quality improvement, CAP inspections, accreditation activities, or regulatory compliance.
  • Experience supporting research tissue procurement or biobanking activities.

What we offer:

  • Vacation time and sick time off that accrue monthly, including 12 paid holidays.
  • State Employee Tuition Exemption Program covering up to 6 credits of qualifying coursework per quarter at the University of Washington or other participating colleges or universities.
  • Fully subsidized public transit pass (U-PASS) that covers multiple forms of public transportation in the region.
  • Excellent healthcare, dental, disability, retirement, and other plan options.
  • Lots of free fantastic fitness, healthy eating, finance, and stress reduction classes offered through the Whole U.
  • And much more!

About the Department of Laboratory Medicine & Pathology:

A regional resource for clinical laboratory services required for innovative patient care, research and educational programs, the Department of Laboratory Medicine & Pathology at UW Medicine combines the sophisticated testing and informatics capabilities of fully accredited laboratories with the resources of an academic institution in its delivery of clinical and anatomic pathology services. Recognized for excellence in clinical training, world-class research initiatives, and a commitment to community service, we serve labs and medical facilities both nationally and internationally.

Please visit our website to learn more about our department.

About UW Medicine:

UW Medicine is Washington's only health system that includes a top-rated medical school and an internationally recognized research center. UW Medicine's mission is to improve the health of the public by advancing medical knowledge, providing outstanding primary and specialty care to the people of the region, and preparing tomorrow's physicians, scientists and other health professionals.
All across UW Medicine, our employees collaborate to perform the highest quality work with integrity and compassion and to create a respectful, welcoming environment where every patient, family, student and colleague is valued and honored. Nearly 29,000 healthcare professionals, researchers, and educators work in the UW Medicine family of organizations that include Harborview Medical Center, UW Medical Center - Montlake, UW Medical Center - Northwest, Valley Medical Center, UW Medicine Primary Care, UW Physicians, UW School of Medicine, and Airlift Northwest.

Become part of our team. Join our mission to make life healthier for everyone in our community.

Compensation, Benefits and Position Details

Pay Range Minimum:

$51.99 hourly

Pay Range Maximum:

$74.40 hourly

Other Compensation:

-

Benefits:

For information about benefits for this position, visit https://www.washington.edu/jobs/benefits-for-temporary-per-diem-and-less-than-half-time/

Shift:

Alternate Work Shift (United States of America)

Temporary or Regular?

This is a temporary position

FTE (Full-Time Equivalent):

0.00%

Union/Bargaining Unit:

Not Applicable

About the UW

Working at the University of Washington provides a unique opportunity to change lives - on our campuses, in our state and around the world.

UW employees bring their boundless energy, creative problem-solving skills and dedication to building stronger minds and a healthier world. In return, they enjoy outstanding benefits, opportunities for professional growth and the chance to work in an environment known for its diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits and natural beauty.

Our Commitment

The University of Washington is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful and welcoming community for all. As an equal opportunity employer, the University considers applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, pregnancy, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, or veteran status consistent with UW Executive Order No. 81.

To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450 or dso@uw.edu.

Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington state law.


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