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Autopsy Assistant Jobs in Seattle, WA (NOW HIRING)

Autopsy Assistant information

See Seattle, WA salary details

$13

$21

$30

How much do autopsy assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for autopsy assistant in Seattle, WA is $21.68, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.61 and $24.09 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.

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

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

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

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

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

Infographic showing various Autopsy Assistant job openings in Seattle, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,086 per year, or $21.7 per hour.

$29.77 - $42.39/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted yesterday


Job description

Overview

Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center is an independent, nonprofit organization providing adult cancer treatment and groundbreaking research focused on cancer and infectious diseases. Based in Seattle, Fred Hutch is the only National Cancer Institute-designated cancer center in Washington.

With a track record of global leadership in bone marrow transplantation, HIV/AIDS prevention, immunotherapy and COVID-19 vaccines, Fred Hutch has earned a reputation as one of the world's leading cancer, infectious disease and biomedical research centers. Fred Hutch operates eight clinical care sites that provide medical oncology, infusion, radiation, proton therapy and related services, and network affiliations with hospitals in five states. Together, our fully integrated research and clinical care teams seek to discover new cures to the world's deadliest diseases and make life beyond cancer a reality.

At Fred Hutch we value collaboration, compassion, determination, excellence, innovation, integrity and respect. Our mission is directly tied to the humanity, dignity and inherent value of each employee, patient, community member and supporter. Our commitment to learning across our differences and similarities make us stronger. We seek employees who bring different and innovative ways of seeing the world and solving problems.

The Diener/Autopsy Technician performs technical work in support of the Post-Mortem Collection Program's Research Pathologist in conducting postmortem research collections. The primary role of the Autopsy Technician is preparing the body for collection, assisting with external and internal examinations (dissecting, eviscerating, retracting, using bone saw, etc.), collection of samples, preparing the body for release, and cleaning bodies, instruments, and examination rooms. Additionally, the Autopsy Technician manages flow of specimens and inventory throughout the morgue/lab space and is the primary contact for funeral home and vendor personnel within the facility.

Responsibilities
  • Responsible for receiving and releasing bodies and maintaining the proper chain of custody with regard to the human remains.
  • Prepares examination room for collection including laying out supplies and instruments, transferring of body to autopsy table, undressing and documenting clothing and all property received with the body, removing blood, body fluids, and other debris from body.
  • Prepares body for autopsy; may open bodies and/or remove organs or tissues under direction from the Research Pathologist; sutures and cleans body upon completion of autopsy.
  • Respond to calls outside of traditional work hours as necessary to transport bodies and assist in postmortem collections
  • Ensures proper handling, transfers, labeling and storing of specimens
  • Clean and maintain work area and equipment using sanitation/decontamination, safety, and biohazard control measures
  • Monitors level of supplies, conducts inventories, requests supplies as needed
Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

  • A bachelor's degree in the biological sciences
  • Basic knowledge of medical terminology, anatomy and physiology
  • Six months experience handling bodies in a morgue, mortuary, or similar setting; or any combination of education or experience which would demonstrate the ability to perform the work
  • Experience interacting with research participants, with an understanding of the ethical and technical conduct of research
  • Excellent English communication skills (oral and written)
  • Organizational ability to perform multiple tasks efficiently and to prioritize duties
  • Ability to work both independently and collaboratively to achieve objectives
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications including Word, Excel, and Access and PowerPoint
  • Ability to perform basic data management tasks (data entry, data cleaning, retrieval)
  • Ability to perform basic data analysis and reporting (in words, numbers and graphics)
  • Must be able to maintain strict protocols of all confidential or sensitive information
  • This position requires willingness to work non-standard hours, including occasional long shifts, holidays, and weekends

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Experience in the processing of blood/tissues (ex. histology) is desired but not a requirement

The hourly pay range for this position is from $29.77 to $42.39 and pay offered will be based on experience and qualifications. This position may be eligible for relocation assistance. Although Fred Hutch is not sponsoring most H-1B visas at this time, candidates who already hold an H-1B sponsored by another organization and are currently in the U.S. may be eligible for this position.Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center offers employees a comprehensive benefits package designed to enhance health, well-being, and financial security. Benefits include medical/vision, dental, flexible spending accounts, life, disability, retirement, family life support, employee assistance program, onsite health clinic, tuition reimbursement, paid vacation (12-22 days per year), paid sick leave (12-25 days per year), paid holidays (13 days per year), and paid parental leave (up to 4 weeks).

Additional InformationWe are proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA) Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, ancestry, national origin, sex, age, disability (physical or mental), marital or veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, political ideology, or membership in any other legally protected class. We desire priority referrals of protected veterans. If due to a disability you need assistance/and or a reasonable accommodation during the application or recruiting process, please send a request to Human Resources at hrops@fredhutch.org or by calling 206-667-4700.Employment Type: FULL_TIME