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Autopsy Nurse Jobs (NOW HIRING)

... nursing students, and other trainees, including providing direct supervision and instruction in autopsy performance as well as providing instructional presentations and lectures Participates in ...

... nursing students, and other trainees, including providing direct supervision and instruction in autopsy performance as well as providing instructional presentations and lectures Participates in ...

... autopsy departments, and researchers for tissue and specimen procurement for scientific research. * Provide "just in time" education to physicians, nursing staff, and families regarding cause of ...

Provides surgical pathology, clinical pathology, or autopsy diagnostic services including frozen ... nursing, and administrative staff. * Publication in professional journals is highly desirable.

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Autopsy Nurse information

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$38

$65

How much do autopsy nurse jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 15, 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Autopsy Nurse, and why are they important?

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.

What are autopsy nurses and what do they do?

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.

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 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.

How to make $300,000 as a nurse?

Autopsy nurses typically do not earn $300,000 annually; high salaries in nursing are often achieved through advanced roles such as nurse anesthetists, nurse practitioners, or nurse executives, which require additional certifications and experience. Gaining specialized skills, working in high-demand settings, and pursuing leadership positions can increase earning potential, but reaching $300,000 is uncommon for most nursing roles.

How much does an autopsy nurse make?

Autopsy nurses, also known as forensic or death investigators, typically earn between $50,000 and $80,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and employer. They often require specialized training in forensic nursing and may work irregular hours in medical examiner or coroner offices.

Can a nurse work in autopsy?

Autopsy nurses, also known as forensic or death investigators nurses, can work in autopsy settings by assisting with post-mortem examinations, collecting evidence, and documenting findings. They typically need specialized training in forensic nursing, certification, and knowledge of pathology and legal procedures to perform these duties effectively.

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.

Can an RN be a forensic nurse?

Yes, a registered nurse (RN) can become a forensic nurse by obtaining specialized training and certification in forensic nursing. Forensic nurses often work in hospitals, law enforcement, or forensic laboratories, and they need knowledge of legal procedures, evidence collection, and patient care in trauma or abuse cases.
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 July 2026, with employment types broken down into 7% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 93% In-person, and 7% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $80,321 per year, or $38.6 per hour.
Assistant Medical Examiner

Assistant Medical Examiner

Harris County

Houston, TX

$300K/yr

Other

Re-posted 16 days ago


Harris County rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 118 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

320th of 693 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

Position Description Mission The Mission of the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences is to provide medical examiner and crime laboratory services of the highest quality in an unbiased manner with uncompromised integrity. Vision To provide consistent, quality death investigation and laboratory analysis for the benefit of the entire community. To create a technological strongpoint for legal agencies to facilitate justice in criminal and civil proceedings.

To establish an academic environment for training in the field of Forensic Science. Brief Assistant Medical Examiner Overview: The Assistant Medical Examiner conducts medicolegal death investigations pursuant to Texas Code of Criminal Procedure 49.25, including external examination of decedents as well as complete and partial autopsies, with appropriate evidence collection; provides testimonial evidence in court regarding medicolegal death investigations and evidence collected from bodies; and teaches trainees (forensic pathology fellows, pathology residents, medical residents, medical students, nursing students) about various aspects of medicolegal death investigation. Duties & Responsibilities: Conducts and completes medicolegal death investigations pursuant to Texas Code of Criminal Procedure 49.25, including performing autopsies and external examinations of decedents; collecting histologic, toxicologic, and physical evidence; interpreting gross anatomic pathology and microscopic pathology; interpreting toxicologic results; reviewing and synthesizing of medical records and police reports; crafting timely and thorough autopsy reports; and signing death certificates on a timely basis Provides expert testimony in criminal and civil court matters relating to medicolegal death investigations (including substitute testimony for other Assistant Medical Examiners who may not be available for testimony); prepares for testimony by attending depositions and pretrial conferences with prosecutor, plaintiff, and defense attorneys as needed Participates in ongoing quality assurance and quality improvement activities within the Pathology Division, including regular attendance at daily case assignment and review conferences, and weekly quality assurance and consensus conferences Is fully engaged in teaching activities at the Department including mentoring forensic pathology fellows, supervising medical residents, and providing guidance to medical students, nursing students, and other trainees, including providing direct supervision and instruction in autopsy performance as well as providing instructional presentations and lectures Participates in administrative aspects of the medical examiner operation, including weekly administrative meetings, and performing other tasks as required (participation in regular review / revision of standard operating procedures, participation in various accreditation preparation activities) This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are requested of the employee for this position

Management may, at its discretion, assign, or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. Harris County is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, genetic information, or any other protected class in accordance with applicable federal and state laws. Harris County is an Equal Opportunity Employer https://hrrm.harriscountytx.gov/Pages/EqualEmploymentOpportunityPlan.aspx If you need special services or accommodations, please call (713) 274-5445 or email ADACoordinator@bmd.hctx.net

This position is subject to a criminal history check. Only relevant convictions will be considered and, even when considered, may not automatically disqualify the candidate. Requirements Education: Doctor of Medicine (MD), Doctor of Osteopathy (DO), or Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) Licensure: Licensed to practice medicine in the state of Texas by the date of employment Certification by the American Board of Pathology in anatomic pathology by the date of employment Maintain a valid Texas Driver's License and ability to safely operate a motor vehicle Additional Requirements: Must pass criminal background check and drug / alcohol screening (prior to and randomly after employment) Knowledge, Skills & Abilities: Expertise in forensic pathology, general anatomic pathology, and broad foundational knowledge of other medical and surgical specialties Ability to communicate effectively with lay, technical, medical, and legal audiences; ability to provide empathetic consultation with family members of decedents, dictate autopsy findings, edit autopsy reports, and provide testimony as required in civil and criminal proceedings Must be able to calmly, effectively, and convincingly express complex analytical conclusions and medical decisions in adversarial situations Excellent time management skills, strategies, and abilities; ability to work independently with minimal supervision, prioritizing and handling multiple tasks simultaneously Basic computer skills including Microsoft Office NOTE: Qualifying education, experience, knowledge, and skills must be documented on your job application.

You may attach a resume to the application as supporting documentation but ONLY information stated on the application will be used for consideration. "See Resume" will not be accepted for qualifications. General Information Location: Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences - 1861 Old Spanish Trail Houston, TX 77054 Position Type, and Typical Hours of Work: Full time; Monday-Friday, plus weekend and holiday rotation.

Consistently requires > 40 hours per week Hours may vary based on needs of Department Must be available to work during severe weather events or other emergencies if necessary Work Environment: Morgue / office setting Routine exposure to deaths of adults and children that resulted from violence, natural disease, environmental hazards, and toxins Will be exposed to biohazardouses materials and offensive odors Physical Demands: Medium work. Requires physical strength to push, pull, and lift up to 20 pounds frequently and repeatedly Must be physically able to stand for extended periods Must be able to effectively don and doff appropriate personal protective equipment (including N95 mask, gown, face protection, as well as self-contained breathing apparatus as required), and be able to wear personal protective gear for extended periods (hours) while conducting intricate postmortem examinations Additional Information: Reports To: Deputy Chief Medical Examiner FLSA Status: Exempt Employment may be contingent on passing a drug screen and meeting other standards. Due to a high volume of applications positions may close prior to the advertised closing date or at the discretion of the Hiring Department.


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About Harris County

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Harris County is the third largest county in the United States with more than 4.7 million residents. There are four precincts in Harris County. The four elected commissioners, along with an elected county judge, serve as members of the Harris County Commissioners Court, the administrative head of the county's government.

Industry

Public administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Houston, TX, US

Year founded

2000

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