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Autopsy Assistant Jobs in Rochester, NY (NOW HIRING)

Autopsy Assistant information

See Rochester, NY salary details

$12

$18

$26

How much do autopsy assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for autopsy assistant in Rochester, NY is $18.78, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.11 and $20.87 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an autopsy assistant do?

An autopsy assistant supports forensic pathologists by preparing bodies, collecting evidence, and assisting during autopsies. They may handle tools, document findings, and ensure the autopsy environment remains sterile, often requiring knowledge of anatomy and proper safety procedures.

What does a forensic autopsy assistant salary?

A forensic autopsy assistant typically earns between $30,000 and $50,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and employer. The role often requires knowledge of anatomy, pathology, and the use of autopsy tools, with some positions offering additional benefits or overtime pay.

What is an Autopsy Assistant job?

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 a typical workday look like for an Autopsy Assistant?

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 in the Autopsy Assistant position, and why are they important?

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.

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.

How do I become a coroners assistant?

To become a coroners assistant, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, along with strong organizational and communication skills. Some positions require post-secondary education or training in forensic science, criminal justice, or related fields, and familiarity with autopsy procedures and medical terminology can be beneficial.
What are popular job titles related to Autopsy Assistant jobs in Rochester, NY? For Autopsy Assistant jobs in Rochester, NY, the most frequently searched job titles are:
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What cities near Rochester, NY are hiring for Autopsy Assistant jobs? Cities near Rochester, NY with the most Autopsy Assistant job openings:
Infographic showing various Autopsy Assistant job openings in Rochester, NY as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $39,068 per year, or $18.8 per hour.
Pathologists' Assistant (Per Diem, Variable Day Shift)

Pathologists' Assistant (Per Diem, Variable Day Shift)

Rochester Regional Health

Rochester, NY • On-site

$103K - $140K/yr

Part-time

Re-posted 6 days ago


Rochester Regional Health rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 216 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

265th of 884 rated healthcare providers


Job description

6Job Title: Pathologists' Assistant
Department: Pathology
Location: Unity Professional Office Building | 1561 Long Pond Rd. Rochester, NY 14626
Hours Per Week: Per Diem
Schedule: Monday - Friday, variable day shift
SUMMARY
Professional duties and responsibilities encompass the wide spectrum of Anatomic Pathology including autopsy and surgical pathology under the direction of a Pathologist. Autopsy pathology involves the description, prosection, preliminary anatomical diagnosis and selection of appropriate tissue for microscopic study. Surgical pathology responsibilities include description, dissection, and selection of appropriate tissue for microscopic study and gross diagnosis of surgical specimens.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Surgical Pathology - Under the supervision of staff pathologists, PA performs accurate and timely description and dissection of a wide variety of surgical specimens, including selection of appropriate tissues for microscopic study and gross diagnosis of selected surgical specimens in accordance with all departmental policies and regulatory standards.
  • Intraoperative Consultations- PA assists pathologists with intraoperative consultations, including frozen sections, touch preps and harvesting tissue for other purposes.
  • Autopsy Pathology - Under supervision of staff pathologists, PA performs accurate and timely description, prosection, preliminary anatomical diagnosis and selection of appropriate tissue for microscopic study in accordance with all departmental policies and regulatory standards. PA also supervises and directs morgue technician during autopsies.
  • Digital photography-PA photographs surgical pathology and autopsy specimens as needed and enters images into Anatomic Pathology database.
  • Additional duties and responsibilities as requested by Director of Anatomic Pathology (or designee).

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Bachelor's degree in biology or related sciences
  • Graduate of accredited Pathology Assistant Program (BS plus 2 years) or equivalent
  • ASCP certified as a PA or eligible to be certified the year of graduation from a Pathologist's Assistant Program

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Two years minimum full-time experience as a Pathologist Assistant preferred

EDUCATION:
LICENSES / CERTIFICATIONS:
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
M - Medium Work - Exerting 20 to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or 10 to 25 pounds of force frequently, and/or greater than negligible up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects; Requires frequent walking, standing or squatting.
For disease specific care programs refer to the program specific requirements of the department for further specifications on experience and educational expectations, including continuing education requirements.
Any physical requirements reported by a prospective employee and/or employee's physician or delegate will be considered for accommodations.
PAY RANGE:
$103,000.00 - $140,000.00
CITY:
Rochester
POSTAL CODE:
14626
The listed base pay range is a good faith representation of current potential base pay for a successful full time applicant. It may be modified in the future and eligible for additional pay components. Pay is determined by factors including experience, relevant qualifications, specialty, internal equity, location, and contracts.
Rochester Regional Health is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, predisposing genetic characteristics, marital or familial status, military or veteran status, citizenship or immigration status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

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