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Autopsy Technician Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Whatcom County, WA

Medical Examiner

Bellingham, WA · On-site

$29K/mo

The Medical Examiner will lead a team of Investigators, Autopsy Technicians, an Operations Manager, and temporary extra-help staff. They will effectively collaborate with law enforcement, legal, and ...

County of Chester, PA

TEMP Coroner's Transporter - PT

PA · On-site

$15.68/hr

Respond promptly to transport requests from Deputy Coroners, Autopsy Technicians and Office Supervisors * Properly prepare decedent(s) for removal with or without assistance from a Deputy Coroner ...

Johnson County Kansas

Deputy Medical Examiner

Olathe, KS · On-site

$201K - $281K/yr

This position will also manage the Forensic Autopsy Technicians and manage the student interns. This position is located at the Johnson County Medical Examiner's Office, 11894 S. Sunset Dr., Olathe ...

Johnson County Kansas

Deputy Medical Examiner

Olathe, KS · On-site

$200/hr

This position will also manage the Forensic Autopsy Technicians and manage the student interns. This position is located at the Johnson County Medical Examiner's Office, 11894 S. Sunset Dr., Olathe ...

Johnson County Kansas

Deputy Medical Examiner

Olathe, KS · On-site

$201K - $281K/yr

This position will also manage the Forensic Autopsy Technicians and manage the student interns. This position is located at the Johnson County Medical Examiner's Office, 11894 S. Sunset Dr., Olathe ...

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Autopsy Technician information

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How much do autopsy technician jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for autopsy technician in the United States is $21.13, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.55 and $21.39 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How many years does it take to be an autopsy technician?

Becoming an autopsy technician typically requires a high school diploma or equivalent, followed by completing a post-secondary program in mortuary science or a related field, which usually takes about 1 to 2 years. Some positions may also require on-the-job training or certification, and relevant skills include knowledge of anatomy, dissection, and proper handling of remains.

What is the difference between Autopsy Technician vs Forensic Technician?

AspectAutopsy TechnicianForensic Technician
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may require certificationHigh school diploma; specialized training or certification often preferred
Work EnvironmentMedical examiner's or coroner's office, morgueCrime labs, forensic laboratories, or law enforcement agencies
Job FocusAssisting with autopsies, preparing bodies, maintaining autopsy roomsCollecting and analyzing evidence from crime scenes or labs

While both roles support forensic investigations, Autopsy Technicians primarily assist with autopsies and work in morgues, whereas Forensic Technicians focus on evidence collection and analysis in labs. The roles often overlap in credentials and work environment, but their core responsibilities differ.

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

To thrive as an Autopsy Technician, you need a background in biological sciences or a related field, attention to detail, and often an associate degree or relevant certification. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, safety protocols, and data entry systems like LIMS is typically required. Strong organizational skills, discretion, and the ability to handle sensitive situations with professionalism set outstanding technicians apart. These skills are crucial for ensuring accurate postmortem examinations, maintaining safety, and supporting forensic investigations with integrity.

What qualifications do you need to be an autopsy technician?

Autopsy technicians typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, with some positions requiring postsecondary training or certification in mortuary science or a related field. Relevant skills include attention to detail, knowledge of anatomy, and familiarity with autopsy procedures and tools. Certification or training may be required depending on the employer or state regulations.

What is an autopsy technician?

Autopsy technicians are specialized professionals who assist forensic pathologists and medical examiners during autopsies and post-mortem examinations. Their duties often include preparing bodies, maintaining autopsy equipment, collecting and preserving specimens, and documenting findings. They play a crucial role in ensuring proper procedures are followed and that evidence is handled accurately. Autopsy technicians typically work in hospitals, morgues, or medical examiner offices, supporting investigations into causes of death.

How much do autopsy technicians get paid?

Autopsy technicians typically earn a median annual salary of around $40,000 to $50,000, depending on experience, location, and employer. Salaries can increase with additional certifications, specialized skills, and years of service, and the role often requires attention to detail and familiarity with medical tools and procedures.

What are some of the common challenges faced by autopsy technicians during their daily work?

Autopsy Technicians often face challenges such as managing exposure to biohazards, handling sensitive cases with emotional resilience, and maintaining meticulous attention to detail while collecting and documenting evidence. They must also work efficiently alongside pathologists and law enforcement to ensure accurate and timely results, all while adhering to strict protocols for safety and confidentiality. Successfully balancing technical duties with the emotional impact of the work is essential for long-term success in this role.

What does an autopsy technician do?

The responsibilities of an autopsy technician are to prepare bodies for autopsies and to assist a medical examiner with the autopsy process. Their duties include collecting samples and measurements of the body, such as height and weight, fluid or skin samples, and recording other important features noted by the medical examiner. An autopsy technician may document the process by taking forensic photographs, which may aid in a criminal investigation. They also speak with the families of the deceased to explain procedures and discuss the medical examiner’s determination of the cause of death. The qualifications you need to pursue this career include a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field.

More about Autopsy Technician jobs
What cities are hiring for Autopsy Technician jobs? Cities with the most Autopsy Technician job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Autopsy Technician jobs? The most popular types of Autopsy Technician jobs are:
What states have the most Autopsy Technician jobs? States with the most job openings for Autopsy Technician jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Autopsy Technician jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Autopsy Technician jobs are:
Autopsy Technician jobs near you
Infographic showing various Autopsy Technician job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 4% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 94% In-person, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,955 per year, or $21.1 per hour.

Medical Examiner

Whatcom County Human Resources

Bellingham, WA • On-site

$29K/mo

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 18 days ago

Job description

Whatcom County seeks an experienced and proven leader to serve as Medical Examiner, providing forensic pathology services, determining causes of death, and providing expert testimony in legal cases. Currently, the office performs an average of 20 autopsies per month.
The Medical Examiner will lead a team of Investigators, Autopsy Technicians, an Operations Manager, and temporary extra-help staff. They will effectively collaborate with law enforcement, legal, and public health agencies to meet the work, mission, goals and vision of the County.
The Whatcom County Medical Examiner's Office investigates deaths to determine jurisdiction and establish cause and manner of death for persons dying of unnatural circumstances in Whatcom County. The Medical Examiner's Office team is composed of skilled, multi-disciplinary staff with a Medical Examiner, Operations Manager, Autopsy technician, three Medicolegal Death Investigators, and additional part-time staff.
Medical Examiner services are provided 24 hours a day, seven days a week and include death scene investigation, removal, locating and notifying next of kin, performing autopsies, interpreting toxicology results, identification of decedents, consulting with partners to determine opinions for archeologically significant remains and assisting the Washington State Archeologist to coordinate repatriation and reinternment, determination of nonhuman remains, necropsies, and providing consultative services to law enforcement agencies and to the Whatcom County Prosecuting Attorney's Office.
The Office is responsible for signing death certificates for jurisdictional deaths, reviewing disposition authorizations, maintaining appropriate records, evidence collection, chain of custody, and safeguarding the personal property found with decedents. The Office also maintains responsibility for the disposition of the remains of unclaimed indigent persons who have died in Whatcom County.
If you are interested in working in our beautiful corner of the country, we'd love to hear from you! This position is open until filled.
For additional job details please see:

  • Whatcom County Medical Examiner

  • Recruitment Brochure


Qualifications

  • Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree and be eligible for or currently hold WA State license. Current WA state licensure preferred.

  • 3 years of forensic pathology and supervisory/management experience

  • Certification as a forensic pathologist by the American Board of Pathology

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE
The ideal candidate should possess a dynamic blend of effective leadership skills and a record of providing medically and scientifically accurate, well-organized documentation and testimony. Effective communication and the ability to establish relationships with and across a broad network of stakeholders and partners while navigating a political landscape. A creative problem solver, ability to advocate for and implement improvements in a resource-constrained environment.
Must have an overarching dedication and commitment to public service and desire to improve the quality of life for Whatcom County residents.

Supplemental Information

Please upload cover letter and resume with your application.

Salary

$29,104 per month

Benefits

Whatcom County offers excellent benefits at no cost to employees, including:

  • Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage for employees AND their family

  • Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) and 12 paid holidays annually. Prior related public service considered for setting accrual rate. Accrue up to 330 hours of PTO annually. Cash-out up to 40 hours over 330 maximum annually.

Employment Year Accrual - Month Accrual - Year
1st - 4th year 18.00 hours 5.4 Weeks
5th - 9th year 21.33 hours 6.4 Weeks
10th + year 24.67 hours 7.4 Weeks

  • Lifetime pension through the Washington State Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS), with joint contributions required from the employee and the County

  • Voluntary Deferred Compensation Retirement with County match

  • $50,000 Life Insurance coverage for employees

  • Voluntary Term Life Insurance and Personal Accident Insurance

  • Flexible Spending Account (FSA) available for health care and/or dependent care expenses

  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

  • Additional benefit information

Subject to satisfactory performance this position receives annual pay increases to the next step in the associated salary range (apx. 3.8%), in addition to any approved Cost of Living Adjustments (COLA).

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