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Autopsy Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

This 9,000 square foot facility has a large main autopsy room with advanced filtration and odor mitigation. It includes hospital grade lighting with a high definition camera system. In addition, we ...

Act as a liaison between pathology departments, autopsy teams, and organ procurement organizations to facilitate processes in line with patient wishes and legal requirements. * Prepare deceased ...

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Autopsy information

See California salary details

$48.9K

$87.8K

$131.3K

How much do autopsy jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for autopsy in California is $87,841.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $71,100.00 and $98,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What qualifications do you need to do autopsies?

To perform autopsies, a forensic pathologist must complete a bachelor's degree, medical school, and a residency in pathology, followed by specialized training in forensic or anatomical pathology. Certification by a medical board is typically required, and strong skills in anatomy, pathology, and attention to detail are essential.

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

To thrive as an Autopsy Technician, you need a background in biological sciences, anatomical knowledge, and a relevant associate or bachelor's degree, often supplemented by specialized training in pathology or mortuary science. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, specimen handling protocols, and digital record-keeping systems is typically required. Attention to detail, discretion, strong communication, and the ability to handle sensitive situations are crucial soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure accurate post-mortem examinations, maintain legal and ethical standards, and support the effective functioning of forensic investigations.

What is an autopsy?

An autopsy is a thorough medical examination of a body after death to determine the cause of death and evaluate any disease or injury that may be present. It is typically performed by a forensic pathologist or medical examiner. Autopsies can be ordered by legal authorities in cases of unexpected, suspicious, or unexplained deaths, or requested by families for clarification. The findings from an autopsy can provide valuable information for legal investigations, medical research, and family closure.

How to become an autopsy worker?

To become an autopsy worker, typically one needs a background in forensic pathology, medicine, or a related field, often requiring a medical degree or specialized training in pathology. Certification or licensing may be required depending on the region, and familiarity with autopsy procedures, anatomy, and laboratory tools is essential. Entry-level roles may involve assisting pathologists or working in morgues under supervision.

What is the difference between Autopsy vs Forensic Pathologist?

AspectAutopsyForensic Pathologist
Required CredentialsMedical degree, autopsy trainingMedical degree, pathology residency, forensic certification
Work EnvironmentMedical examiner's office, hospitalsCrime labs, medical examiner's offices, hospitals
Industry UsageMedical, legal, death investigationsLegal cases, criminal investigations, death scene analysis

Autopsy is a procedure performed to examine a deceased individual, often conducted by medical professionals with specialized training. A Forensic Pathologist is a medical doctor who specializes in determining cause of death through autopsies within the context of legal investigations. While autopsies are a core part of a forensic pathologist's work, the latter's role encompasses broader responsibilities including case analysis, report writing, and courtroom testimony.

What Are the Qualifications to Get an Autopsy Job?

The duties and responsibilities of a clinical or forensic autopsy technician are to prepare for the autopsy, examine a body, and determine the cause of death. The qualifications that you need to get an autopsy job include education, investigative skills, and knowledge of autopsy procedures and tools. A forensic pathologist is a doctor (M.D.) who has completed a residency or fellowship in forensics. A forensic autopsy technician needs at least a bachelor’s degree in forensic science or a related field. You can choose to continue to a master’s degree or pursue professional certification from the American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigators (ABMDI). You may also pursue specialties such as forensic DNA or toxicology.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in autopsy services?

Professionals in autopsy services often encounter emotionally challenging situations, as they regularly work with deceased individuals and grieving families. The role requires meticulous attention to detail, as accurate documentation and analysis are critical for determining causes of death. Additionally, autopsy technicians and pathologists must adhere to strict safety and biohazard protocols, and they often collaborate closely with law enforcement and medical teams. Balancing these responsibilities while maintaining professionalism and emotional resilience is a common challenge in this field.

How much are autopsy people paid?

Autopsy technicians and pathologists typically earn between $50,000 and $150,000 annually, depending on experience, education, and location. Forensic pathologists with specialized training tend to have higher salaries, often exceeding $100,000 per year. Salaries can also vary based on the employer, such as government agencies or private labs, and may include benefits like health insurance and retirement plans.

What career performs autopsies?

A forensic pathologist, also known as a medical examiner or coroner, performs autopsies to determine causes of death. They typically hold a medical degree, complete specialized training in pathology, and work in medical examiner's offices or hospitals. Autopsies require knowledge of anatomy, pathology, and the use of tools like scalpels and microscopes.
What are the most commonly searched types of Autopsy jobs in California? The most popular types of Autopsy jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Autopsy jobs? Cities in California with the most Autopsy job openings:
Infographic showing various Autopsy job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 9% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 5% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $87,841 per year, or $42.2 per hour.

Physician Pathology - Competitive Salary

UC Davis Health

Sacramento, CA

$210K - $409K/yr

Other

Re-posted 5 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 890 rated healthcare providers


Job description


Autopsy Pathologist Assistant/Associate/Full Professor

UC Davis Health, Sacramento Campus

Salary Range: The salary range for this position is $210,000 – $409,700. This position includes membership in the Health Sciences Compensation Plan.

The Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine at the University of California, Davis, School of Medicine is seeking a dynamic physician-leader at the Assistant/Associate/Professor level to serve in the Autopsy Pathology section. Leadership opportunities are available for highly qualified candidates, including as Director of the Autopsy service. The UC Davis Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, led by Chair Dr. Florette Kimberly Hazard, is an innovative and growing department.

This position reports to the Director of Anatomic Pathology. Clinical responsibilities include primary coverage of the autopsy service. Additional participation on other clinical services can be considered, in consultation with the department Chair. The candidate may participate in the residency program. Preference will be given to candidates with an interest in teaching gross anatomy and pathology to medical students. Administrative responsibilities include oversight of the Autopsy Service, which includes oversight of autopsy policies and procedures and compliance with accreditation requirements in partnership with Hospital Laboratory Services. Approximately 60% time will be spent in clinical duties involving autopsy pathology. Teaching duties will chiefly consist of clinical teaching of house staff and medical students and presenting cases at inter- and intradepartmental conferences. Experience in pediatric pathology is beneficial.

Participation in the research mission is expected, either as a collaborator or leader of clinically oriented research projects pertinent to the candidate’s areas of expertise and training. Preference will be given to candidates with an interest in establishing an autopsy research program. The Department accessions more than 21,000 surgical and 14,000 cytology specimens per year. The clinical laboratory performs more than 10 million tests per year, including point-of-care tests.

This position will be hired into Assistant/Associate/Professor level at a title of Clinical (X) or Health Sciences Clinical Professor (HSCP) series. Faculty in the Clinical X series are expected to engage in professional competence and activity, teaching, research and creative work, and University/public service. Faculty in the Health Sciences Clinical Professor series are expected to engage in teaching, professional competence and activity, scholarly or creative activities, and University/public service.

Qualified applicants should apply at https://recruit.ucdavis.edu/apply/JPF07245

Documents/materials must be submitted as PDF files and will include: (1) Curriculum Vitae; (2) Cover letter; (3) Statement of clinical, teaching and research background; (4) List of names and contact information for at least five references.

The UC Davis Health School of Medicine is part of the UC Davis Health System, which is also comprised of the UC Davis Medical Center, the Betty Irene Moore School of Nursing, and the UC Davis Medical Group, an 800-member physician practice network. UCDHS has more than 10,000 faculty and staff and an annual budget of $1.6 billion; UC Davis is an established leader in the use of telecommunications and information technology to advance health. U.S. News & World Report recently ranked the SOM among the top 50 medical schools in the nation.

UC Davis is a smoke and tobacco-free campus (http://breathefree.ucdavis.edu/).

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 for 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. More information is available at: http://www.uscis.gov/e-verify

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 also is making important progress towards our goal of achieving federal designation as a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI). 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.

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.


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