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Autopsy Nurse Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Pathologist Assistant

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$120 - $150/hr

... nursing homes, the Montefiore Medical Group, faculty practices, and voluntary physicians' offices ... Knowledgeable in all established autopsy protocols and perform/assist in organ evisceration and ...

... nursing homes, the Montefiore Medical Group, faculty practices, and voluntary physicians' offices ... Knowledgeable in all established autopsy protocols and perform/assist in organ evisceration and ...

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Autopsy Nurse information

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$17

$38

$65

How much do autopsy nurse jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for autopsy nurse in the United States is $38.62, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $29.57 and $43.27 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an autopsy nurse?

Autopsy nurses are registered nurses who assist pathologists during autopsies, helping to prepare bodies, collect specimens, maintain detailed records, and ensure safety protocols are followed. They play a key role in post-mortem examinations by providing clinical expertise and supporting the investigative process to determine causes of death. Their work may also involve communicating with families, maintaining chain-of-custody for evidence, and working closely with law enforcement or other medical professionals. Autopsy nurses typically work in hospitals, medical examiner offices, or forensic labs.

What does an autopsy nurse do?

An autopsy nurse is also known as a medical examiner nurse. In this career, you assist physicians with the postmortem examination of deceased people. Some nurses also perform tests or examine other evidence that investigators collected at a crime scene, or may even collect evidence at the crime scene themselves. Your job duties include helping with equipment and procedures during the autopsy, recording results, collecting and documenting evidence, and typing reports that explain the cause of death and other information. Once you have completed your reports, you share the findings with attorneys and law enforcement investigators that are involved in the case.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an autopsy nurse?

To thrive as an Autopsy Nurse, you need a nursing degree, RN licensure, and a solid understanding of anatomy, pathology, and postmortem procedures. Experience with autopsy instruments, specimen collection, body handling protocols, and infection control systems is crucial, and specialized certifications in forensic nursing can be beneficial. Attention to detail, emotional resilience, and strong communication skills help manage sensitive situations and collaborate with pathologists and law enforcement. These skills ensure accurate postmortem documentation, maintain biohazard safety, and support respectful handling of decedents and their families.

How does an autopsy nurse typically collaborate with pathologists and other forensic professionals during an autopsy?

Autopsy Nurses play a critical role in supporting pathologists by preparing the body, documenting findings, and ensuring all necessary specimens are collected accurately. They work closely with forensic technicians, law enforcement personnel, and sometimes families, facilitating communication and maintaining strict chain-of-custody protocols. This collaboration requires strong attention to detail, excellent organizational skills, and a high degree of professionalism, as the nurse's contributions are essential for accurate post-mortem analysis and legal documentation.

What is the difference between Autopsy Nurse vs Forensic Nurse?

AspectAutopsy NurseForensic Nurse
CredentialsRegistered Nurse (RN), often with specialized training in autopsy proceduresRegistered Nurse (RN), with additional forensic or crime scene investigation training
Work EnvironmentHospitals, morgues, medical examiner officesHospitals, crime scenes, forensic laboratories, law enforcement agencies
Employer & IndustryMedical examiner offices, hospitalsLaw enforcement, forensic labs, hospitals

Autopsy nurses primarily assist in post-mortem examinations within medical or morgue settings, focusing on the autopsy process. Forensic nurses, on the other hand, work at the intersection of healthcare and law enforcement, often involved in crime scene investigations and forensic evidence collection. While both roles require nursing credentials, forensic nurses typically have additional training in forensic science. The choice depends on whether you prefer working directly with autopsies or in forensic investigations involving crime scenes.

What cities are hiring for Autopsy Nurse jobs?

Cities with the most Autopsy Nurse job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Autopsy Nurse jobs?

The most popular types of Autopsy Nurse jobs are:

What states have the most Autopsy Nurse jobs?

States with the most job openings for Autopsy Nurse jobs include:

Infographic showing various Autopsy Nurse job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $80,321 per year, or $38.6 per hour.

Autopsy Pathologist/Assistant/Associate/Full Professor

UC Davis Health System

North Highlands, CA • On-site

$245K - $420K/yr

Other

Posted 8 days ago


UC Davis Health rating

8.9

Company rating: 8.9 out of 10

Based on 51 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

1st of 898 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Autopsy Pathologist/Assistant/Associate/Full Professor

Position Overview:

The salary range for this position is $245,130 - $420,907. This position includes membership in the https://aadocs.ucdavis.edu/policies/apm/apm-670.pdf, which provides for eligibility for additional compensation. The salary range listed is for base compensation only and may be adjusted depending on qualifications and experience. The salary range does not include variable compensation and is subject to the individual department compensation plan.

Autopsy Pathologist - Assistant/Associate/Professor

The Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine at the University of California, Davis, School of Medicine is seeking a dynamic full-time physician-leader in the Professor of Clinical X or Health Sciences Clinical Professor series at the Assistant/Associate/Full Professor rank in the autopsy pathology section. Leadership opportunities are available for highly qualified candidates, including as Director of Autopsy service. Clinical responsibilities include primary coverage of the autopsy service. Additional participation with other clinical services can be considered if desired, in consultation with the department chair. Faculty in the Clinical X series are expected to demonstrate a high level of clinical diagnostics as well as being active in teaching, research and creative work, and University/public service. Faculty in the Health Sciences Clinical Professor series are also expected to demonstrate a high level of clinical diagnostics as well as being active in teaching, scholarly or creative activities, and University/public service.

Teaching duties will chiefly consist of clinical teaching of house staff and medical students and presenting cases at inter/intradepartmental conferences. Participation in the research mission is expected, either as a collaborator or leader of clinically oriented research projects pertinent to the candidate's area(s) of expertise and training. Preference will be given to candidates with an interest in establishing an autopsy research program.

The position will remain open until filled, but no later than June 30, 2027. For the full position description and to apply, visithttps://recruit.ucdavis.edu/JPF07821.

UC Davis conducts more than 11 million clinical tests annually in state-of-the-art clinical laboratories. Annual anatomic pathology volumes equate to: 24,000+ surgical pathology, 9,108+ gynecologic cytology, 3,777+ non-gyn cytology and 2,642 fine needle aspiration biopsies. The laboratory includes a total laboratory automation system for clinical chemistry and hematology, one of the newest and most comprehensive throughout inland northern California. Clinical services are organized into subspecialty teams to provide focused expertise for clinical teams and to enhance collaborative relationships with our clinical colleagues.

The program has many award-winning faculty educators and hosts 16 residents, most in combined Anatomic and Clinical Pathology training. Fellowships include Cytology, Hematopathology, Informatics, Transfusion Medicine and three subspecialty surgical pathology fellowships (Gynecologic/Breast, Gastrointestinal/Liver and Genitourinary/Medical Renal).

The UC Davis Department of Pathology is ranked among the top 40 academic pathology departments for NIH funding departments nationally, and our faculty are integrated as leaders and/or collaborators in every research theme within the UC Davis Health System, with special strengths in cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, novel tissue imaging and informatics/artificial intelligence. The department founded the new Center for Diagnostic Innovation (CDxI) which provides resources and expertise to support clinical trials and new test development and serves as an epicenter for scientific discovery.

UC Davis School of Medicine is part of the UC Davis Health System (UCDHS), which is also comprised of the UC Davis Medical Center, UC Davis Children's Hospital and the Betty Irene Moore School of Nursing. The UC Davis Medical Group is a more than 1000-member physician practice group practicing across Northern and Central California. UCDHS has more than 20,000 employees and an annual budget of more than $6.3 billion; UC Davis is an established leader in the use of telecommunications and information technology to advance health. U.S. News & World Report consistently ranks the SOM among the top 50 medical schools in the nation.

To apply, visit https://apptrkr.com/9786614


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