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Autopsy Tech Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

... autopsy, forensic toxicology, ballistic/firearms examination, trace evidence, forensic serology, forensic anthropology, DNA technology, and interpretation of histology and clinical chemistry;

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Autopsy Tech information

See California salary details

$10

$29

$59

How much do autopsy tech jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for autopsy tech in California is $29.91, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.65 and $39.08 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Autopsy Tech, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Autopsy Tech, you need a solid understanding of anatomy, pathology, and laboratory procedures, typically supported by an associate degree in mortuary science or a related field. Familiarity with autopsy instruments, dissection tools, specimen labeling systems, and safety protocols such as OSHA guidelines is often required. Attention to detail, professionalism, and the ability to handle sensitive situations compassionately are crucial soft skills. These skills and qualities are vital to ensure accurate post-mortem examinations, maintain workplace safety, and uphold the dignity of decedents and their families.

What qualifications do you need to do autopsies?

Autopsy technicians typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, with post-secondary training or certification in mortuary science or a related field preferred. They must have knowledge of anatomy, dissection techniques, and proper use of autopsy tools, and often work under the supervision of a pathologist. Certification or licensing requirements vary by region but are not always mandatory.

How do you become an autopsy tech?

To become an autopsy technician, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, followed by post-secondary training or an associate degree in mortuary science, pathology technology, or a related field. Certification or licensing may be required depending on the state, and familiarity with dissection tools and laboratory procedures is essential.

What is the difference between Autopsy Tech vs Forensic Technician?

AspectAutopsy TechForensic Technician
CertificationsAutopsy Tech certification, CPRForensic Science certification, CPR
Work EnvironmentMedical examiner's office, morgueCrime labs, crime scenes
Job FocusAssisting with autopsies, specimen handlingCollecting evidence, scene analysis
Industry UsageMedical examiner offices, mortuariesLaw enforcement, forensic labs

Autopsy Techs primarily assist with autopsies and work in morgues, focusing on specimen handling. Forensic Technicians often work in crime labs or at crime scenes, focusing on evidence collection and analysis. While both roles support criminal investigations, Autopsy Techs are more involved in post-mortem procedures, whereas Forensic Technicians handle evidence processing.

What are some common challenges faced by Autopsy Techs in their daily work, and how can they be managed?

Autopsy Techs often encounter emotional and physical challenges, such as handling exposure to biological hazards and working with deceased individuals in sensitive circumstances. Managing these challenges typically involves strict adherence to safety protocols, use of personal protective equipment, and effective stress management techniques. Many techs also rely on strong teamwork and support from colleagues to navigate difficult cases. Regular training and open communication with pathologists and other staff help ensure a safe and professional environment.

What are autopsy techs?

Autopsy techs, also known as autopsy technicians or morgue technicians, are professionals who assist pathologists in conducting autopsies and post-mortem examinations. Their responsibilities include preparing the body, setting up and maintaining equipment, documenting findings, collecting samples, and ensuring proper safety and sanitation protocols are followed. They play a critical role in supporting forensic investigations and helping determine the cause of death. Autopsy techs may work in hospitals, medical examiner offices, or forensic laboratories.

Is autopsy tech a good job?

Autopsy technicians, also known as morgue technicians, perform tasks such as preparing bodies for autopsy, assisting pathologists, and maintaining autopsy equipment. The role typically requires attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and adherence to safety protocols, with employment often available in medical examiner offices, hospitals, or forensic laboratories. It can be a stable career for those interested in forensic science or pathology support, though it involves exposure to sensitive and sometimes disturbing situations.

Where do autopsy techs get paid the most?

Autopsy techs tend to earn higher salaries in regions with a higher cost of living and greater demand for forensic services, such as large metropolitan areas or states with specialized medical examiner offices. Salary levels are also influenced by experience, certifications, and the employing institution's funding. Generally, urban areas and states with advanced forensic programs offer the highest pay for autopsy technicians.
What are popular job titles related to Autopsy Tech jobs in California? For Autopsy Tech jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in California are hiring for Autopsy Tech jobs? Cities in California with the most Autopsy Tech job openings:
Infographic showing various Autopsy Tech job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 7% As Needed, 86% Full Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $62,203 per year, or $29.9 per hour.
Junior Specialist - Dugger Lab

Junior Specialist - Dugger Lab

University of California - Davis

Sacramento, CA • On-site

$55K/yr

Other

Posted 19 days ago


University Of California Davis rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 43 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

204th of 611 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Position overview
Salary range: A reasonable estimate for this position is $55,000 at Step 1 or $58,600 at Step 2.
Application Window

Open date: April 17, 2026

Most recent review date: Monday, May 4, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Applications received after this date will be reviewed by the search committee if the position has not yet been filled.

Final date: Monday, Aug 31, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Applications will continue to be accepted until this date, but those received after the review date will only be considered if the position has not yet been filled.

Position description

Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine
University of California, Davis, School of Medicine

The Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine at the University of California, Davis, School of Medicine invites applications for a Junior Specialist position in the Dugger Lab (Neuropathology Core).

Under the supervision of Dr. Dugger, the Junior Specialist will assist in research activities related to neuropathology and biorepository operations. The incumbent will support brain autopsy programs, tissue processing, data management, and coordination of research activities related to neurodegenerative disease research.

The incumbent will demonstrate the ability to work cooperatively and collegially in a diverse environment.

This recruitment is conducted at the Junior rank. The resulting hire will be at the Junior rank, regardless of the proposed appointee's qualifications.

General responsibilities:
RESEARCH (90%):
* ~10 days/month (including nights/weekends) perform duties for on-call brain autopsy including carrying a cell phone and/or pager when on duty, responding by phone to calls 24/7 within 10 minutes of being called, reporting for duty at procurement facility within one and a half hours of being called, receiving the body from the transport company according to standard protocols, dissecting and processing the brain and associated samples according to standard protocols, and completing all documentation related to the autopsy.
* Help coordinate and manage research autopsy and sample utilization programs
* Adhere to current protocols associated with program workflows
* Manage datasets, records, and research documentation
* Aid with digital microscope techniques, including scanning of microscope slides
* Mentor student employees in the laboratory as required
* Conduct, oversee, and provide feedback including but not limited to the following laboratory techniques: 1) brain procurements and dissections, 2) database input and management; 3) tissue sample tracking and distribution; 4) quality control; and 5) tissue-related technologies-including digital microscopy.
* Correctly use and maintain laboratory equipment such as bone saw, digital slide scanner, micro-plate reader, balances, centrifuges, microscopes, pipettes, cryostat, and laminar flow hoods
* Update, modify, and revise plans for standard laboratory procedures to fulfill the needs of each research project.
* Aid with autopsy to lab program by coordinating between autopsy coordinator, transportation services, neuropathology experts, and tissue technicians while preserving sample integrity.
* Assure compliance with laboratory safety and state, federal and institutional regulation and guidelines.
* Other related jobs assigned by supervisor

PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE (5%):
* The incumbent will aid in large scale collaboration investigating the pathophysiology of Alzheimer's disease and related brain disorders, using human and non-human tissue samples. The incumbent will have opportunities to develop interpersonal and communication skills in bioscience research via coordination between autopsy coordinators, hospital or funeral home administrators, neuropathology experts, laboratory staff, and tissue technologists.
* The incumbent will be given opportunities to enhance written and verbal abilities in laboratory meetings and the departmental meeting and other on-campus events.
* The incumbent will be given the opportunities to organize clinical research activities such as clinicopathological correlation and biomarker discovery. In this capacity, the incumbent is encouraged to read appropriate literature and discuss during laboratory meetings.
* The incumbent will be encouraged to have membership with appropriate societies and participate in appropriate meetings and groups on-campus.

UNIVERSITY AND PUBLIC SERVICE (5%):
* Mentorship of volunteer and undergraduate students
* The incumbent will participate in community outreach events, such as the brain to classrooms program

Number of Positions Available: 1

Term of Appointment: One year with the possibility to extend to two maximum, based on the needs of the research project. 100% Appointment.

For the full position description and to apply, visit https://recruit.ucdavis.edu/JPF07578

Qualifications
Basic qualifications (required at time of application)

-Bachelor's degree in biological sciences or a related field
-Willingness to be on call ~10 days/month (work outside typical hours) to facilitate autopsy program
-Good communication skills and evidence of exceptional ability to follow instructions
-Knowledge of lab management and safety protocol. Ability to organize work, maintain quality control inventory and operational protocols.

Preferred qualifications (other preferred, but not required, qualifications for the position)

-Proficient computer skills including spreadsheet and database software
-Ability to create, update, maintain, retrieve, and compile information within a database
-Fair knowledge in neuroanatomy and ability to work with human tissues with respect and care
-Ability to abide by safety and patient privacy regulations. Able to safely work with tissue fixatives, dry ice, and liquid nitrogen
-Ability to coordinate with coworkers with a wide range of professional backgrounds and to communicate professionally and effectively
-Flexible to changing demands of research tasks
-Professional approach to work and attention to detail

Application Requirements
Document requirements
  • Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.

  • Cover Letter (Optional)

  • Authorization to Release Information Form - This form is required for all applicants applying to academic recruitments. Please see the Employment Disclosure Requirements webpage for more information. Download, complete, sign, and upload the form.

Reference requirements
  • 3-5 required (contact information only)
Apply link: https://recruit.ucdavis.edu/JPF07578

Help contact: mlgvang@ucdavis.edu

About UC Davis

As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct, are currently being investigated for misconduct, left a position during an investigation for alleged misconduct, or have filed an appeal with a previous employer.

  • "Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer.
  • UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
  • UC Anti-Discrimination Policy for Employees, Students and Third Parties
  • APM - 035: Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment

To implement this process, UC Davis requires all applicants for any open search to complete, sign, and upload the form entitled, "Authorization to Release Information" into UC RECRUIT as part of their application. If an applicant does not include the signed authorization with the application materials, the application will be considered incomplete, and as with any incomplete application, will not receive further consideration.

UC Davis is a smoke and tobacco-free campus.

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.

Under Federal law, the University of California may employ only individuals who are legally able to work in the United States as established by providing documents as specified in the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986. Certain UC Davis positions funded by federal contracts or sub-contracts require the selected candidate to pass an E-Verify check.

The University of California, Davis (UC Davis) is committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all employees and students. Our excellence in research, teaching, and service are embodied by members of our academic community who share our commitment to these values. A variety of resources and programs are available to academics, staff, and students that reflect the core values reflected in our strategic plan: "To Boldly Go," our Principles of Community, the Office of Academic Affairs' Mission Statement, and the UC Board of Regents Policy 4400.

UC Davis is also a national leader in inclusive practice. There are numerous links available on the About Us webpage where you can learn more about our administration, campus rankings, locations, campus safety, sustainability, visiting UC Davis and UC Davis Health.

The university is consistently ranked among the top institutions in the world for campus sustainability practices by the UI Green Metric World University Rankings. UC Davis is focused on achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions and repeatedly shown its commitment to preserving a healthy and sustainable environment for generations to come.

The University of California and UC Davis are committed to offering a wide variety of benefits for employees. The University of California Employee benefits and UC Davis New Employee benefits webpages have additional information.

As a University employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and/or collective bargaining agreements, as may be amended from time to time. Federal, state, or local government directives may impose additional requirements.

Job location
Sacramento, CA

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