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Autopsy Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

Prepares reagents, stains and solutions as necessary for processing surgical, autopsy and cytologic specimens. Assisting in slide preparation/staining during applicable procedures. Additional Duties:

Certified Histotech

Salem, OR · On-site

$32 - $48/hr

... autopsy and cytologic specimens. • Assisting in slide preparation/staining during applicable procedures. Additional Duties: • Supports team and patient care during absence of co-workers by being ...

Prepares reagents, stains and solutions as necessary for processing surgical, autopsy and cytologic specimens. * Assisting in slide preparation/staining during applicable procedures. Additional ...

Collaborate with medical examiners and coroners to facilitate pre- and post-autopsy releases for potential donor cases, ensuring alignment with investigative timelines. * Serve as a key point of ...

Histotechnician

Salem, OR · On-site

$32 - $48/hr

Prepares reagents, stains and solutions as necessary for processing surgical, autopsy and cytologic specimens. * Assisting in slide preparation/staining during applicable procedures. Additional ...

Autopsy information

See Oregon salary details

$52.3K

$94.1K

$140.6K

How much do autopsy jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for autopsy in Oregon is $94,105.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $76,100.00 and $105,200.00 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 Oregon? The most popular types of Autopsy jobs in Oregon are:
What are popular job titles related to Autopsy jobs in Oregon? For Autopsy jobs in Oregon, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Oregon are hiring for Autopsy jobs? Cities in Oregon with the most Autopsy job openings:
Infographic showing various Autopsy job openings in Oregon as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, and 20% Part Time. Highlights an 80% In-person, and 20% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $94,105 per year, or $45.2 per hour.
Deputy State Medical Examiner - Central Point

Deputy State Medical Examiner - Central Point

State of Oregon

Central Point, OR • On-site

$25K - $28K/mo

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

Posted 20 days ago


State Of Oregon rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 84 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

6th of 50 rated states


Job description

Initial Posting Date:
06/09/2026
Application Deadline:
01/06/2027
Agency:
Oregon State Department of Police
Salary Range:
$25,477 - $28,089
Position Type:
Employee
Position Title:
Deputy State Medical Examiner - Central Point
Job Description:
Posting Title: Deputy State Medical Examiner - Central Point-REQ-XXXXXX
Salary Range: $25,477 - $28,089 Monthly
Add annual salary: $305,724 - $337,068
(7.5% differential added to base pay with board certification)
Initial Posting Date: 06/09/2026
Application Deadline: 01/06/2027
Agency: Oregon State Police
Location: Central Point, Oregon
The Oregon State Police, Oregon State Medical Examiner's Office in Central Point, Oregon is hiring for one (1) Full-Time, Permanent Deputy State Medical Examiner positions.
This recruitment will remain open until January 6, 2027, or until filled, with application review dates occurring approximately every two weeks beginning June 24, 2026. We may close the announcement at any time after the review date if we have received an adequate number of applications. We cannot guarantee that we will consider applications received after this screening date. We encourage interested applicants not to delay in applying.
If you require an alternate format in order to complete the employment process, or to request a copy of the position description, please contact osp.recruiting@osp.oregon.gov and reference REQ-201337.
The State of Oregon does not request or require your age, date of birth, attendance or graduation dates from an educational institution during the application process.
What will you do?
The State Medical Examiner's Office is the sole provider of forensic pathology services throughout Oregon. Our team closely collaborates with the county medical examiners and medical legal death investigators employed by each county's death investigation program, providing technical supervision of all medicolegal death investigations.
Deputy State Medical Examiners are stationed in the Portland metro area (Clackamas), Eugene area, and Central Point, Oregon. Forensic pathologists at the State Medical Examiner's Clackamas location currently perform all medical legal autopsies for Northwestern, Eastern, and Central Oregon; however, a significant expansion of our program and other work facilities is underway. This growth includes development of a State Medical Examiner facility in Eugene. Once the Eugene building is completed, this facility in the Central Willamette Valley will accommodate autopsy services for some of the areas presently covered by the Portland area office. The Central Point position will offer opportunities to help develop our Southern Oregon office.
Our forensic pathologists are supported by a wonderful staff of well-trained autopsy technicians and administrative specialists. Our team also includes a full-time forensic anthropologist who oversees Oregon's Unidentified Human Remains program and provides consultations on skeletal remains. Toxicology testing is performed on-site by an ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB) accredited laboratory.
Our office's work includes a teaching program providing regular lectures on legal medicine and death investigation to many groups, including students from Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU) and Western University School of Osteopathic Medicine, law students, pathology residents, medical legal death investigators, police officers, and healthcare professionals.
We offer paid licensure renewals, CME, professional memberships, and annual conference attendance, as well as generous relocation expense reimbursement.
We encourage current forensic pathology fellows to apply.
You will:
  • Perform autopsies and provide expert medical consultation in appropriate cases.
  • Share autopsy responsibilities with the State Medical Examiner and other Deputy State Medical Examiners, rotating weekend, night, holiday, and vacation coverage.
  • Write autopsy reports, and other reports as appropriate, relating to death investigations.
  • Provide training, as requested, to law enforcement agencies, county medical examiners, district attorneys, and medicolegal death investigators

You must be able to provide credible sworn testimony in a criminal or civil proceeding arising from the performance of duties. This includes cogently, accurately, and appropriately qualifying and explaining any results, conclusions, and opinions so their significance is understood.
*Please Note: As a condition of employment and / or to routinely work in any of the Forensic Service and Pathology Division's laboratories in any capacity, all individuals are required to provide appropriate samples for inclusion into the Confidential Staff DNA Identification Index, as well as maintain a valid Driver's License.
To learn more about the various Divisions, Programs, Sections or Units within Oregon State Police, click here.
What's in it for you?
  • Work/life balance.
  • Paid vacation, sick leave, 11 holidays and up to 24 hours of personal business leave a year.
  • Medical, vision, dental, and life insurance as well as additional optional benefits.
  • Retirement programs through the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) and optional deferred compensation programs through the Oregon Savings Growth Plan.
  • Abundant advancement opportunities within the agency and throughout State of Oregon government that carries your seniority and benefits with you.
  • Opportunities to expand your technical and professional skills.
  • Meaningful work with others who are passionate about public service.
  • Make a difference in the lives of Oregonians.

Minimum Qualifications (these must be addressed in your resume for full consideration):
Graduation from an approved school of medicine with an MD or DO degree. Board certification or qualification for certification in anatomic or clinical/anatomic pathology from the American Board of Pathology (ABP) at time of hire. Board certification in forensic pathology within two years of hiring. Licensed to practice medicine in Oregon or the ability to obtain one at time of hire.
Note: If you are selected to move forward in the selection process, you must provide official transcripts from all institutions of higher education that were used in the award of your degree.
A salary differential of 7.5% of base pay will be added upon board certification.
Preferred Skills:
  • Must be able to work cooperatively, cheerfully, and respectfully with other members of the medical examiner team.
  • Must have good communication skills and be able to work effectively with other agencies.
  • In addition to carrying an equitable share of the office caseload, it is expected that the successful applicant will assist in teaching pathology residents and medical students.
  • Experience crafting and executing policy recommendations and/or participation in quality assurance activities
  • On occasion, take part in public outreach in the form of lectures or conference attendance on behalf of the office.
  • Must, at all times, exhibit the utmost respect for the decedents entrusted to our care.

Special Qualifications:
  • Must possess a valid Driver's License.
  • Must be able to provide credible sworn testimony in a criminal or civil proceeding arising from the performance of duties.
  • As a condition of employment and / or to routinely work in any of the Forensic Services and Pathology Division's laboratories in any capacity, all individuals are required to provide appropriate samples for inclusion into the Confidential Staff DNA Identification Index.

Selection Process:
The process will be comprised of the following evaluation assessment (subject to change).
  • Interview

How to Apply:
Apply in Workday by the deadline listed above, failure to submit your application by 11:59PM of the above listed date will result in automatic disqualification of your application. You must submit a resume demonstrating your experience as it relates to the minimum qualifications for the position. In addition to a resume, please submit a cover letter - no more than two pages in length - addressing how you meet each preferred skill for this position. Please submit these documents in either MS Word or PDF format. Documents submitted in formats other than MS Word or PDF will not be reviewed and will result in disqualification of your application. Please only attach documents that are requested in this posting. Any additional documents that are submitted at this stage will not be reviewed. After applying be sure that you answer the questionnaires related to citizenship and Veteran's Preference points. In order to receive Veteran's Preference points, this is a required questionnaire.
The Oregon State Police does not offer visa sponsorships.
U.S. Veteran and/or Oregon National Guard Servicemember Status Designation
Eligible veterans and Oregon National Guard servicemembers (current and former) who meet the qualifications of the position will be awarded candidate preference.
For more information, please visit Veterans Resources
Additional Information:
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at OSP
Background Hiring Information
Employee Benefits
Pay Equity Information & Resources
What You Need to Know to Get the Job

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About State of Oregon

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Not a traditional company, the State of Oregon is a governmental entity that serves the citizens of Oregon, United States. Based in the capital city of Salem, its industry spans a wide range of public services from health care, education, and transportation, to natural resources, housing, and public safety. Founded with the admission of Oregon to the Union in 1859, it operates on the judicious use of finite resources to enhance the quality of life for present and future generation. Its primary mission is to serve the public through their core values of integrity, accountability, excellence, and equity.

Industry

Public administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Salem, OR, US

Year founded

1859

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