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Autopsy Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

PathGroup

Pathologist

Chattanooga, TN

No autopsy requirement About the Practice * Hospital-based pathology team supporting Erlanger Health System * Large tertiary care referral center and comprehensive cancer program * Teaching hospital ...

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All JobsAutopsy JobsAutopsy Jobs in Tennessee

Autopsy information

See Tennessee salary details

$44.9K

$80.8K

$120.7K

How much do autopsy jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for autopsy in Tennessee is $80,784.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $65,300.00 and $90,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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 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 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.

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.

How do I get into doing autopsy?

To become an autopsy technician or pathologist assistant, you typically need a bachelor's degree in biology, anatomy, or a related field, followed by specialized training or certification in forensic pathology or autopsy procedures. For pathologists, completing medical school, a residency in pathology, and obtaining state licensure are required; this role often involves working in a medical examiner's or coroner's office. Strong attention to detail, knowledge of human anatomy, and familiarity with autopsy tools are essential skills for this career.

What career performs autopsies?

A forensic pathologist, also known as a medical examiner or coroner, is a medical doctor trained to perform autopsies to determine causes of death. They typically hold a medical degree, complete specialized training in pathology, and work in hospitals, morgues, or forensic laboratories. Certification by relevant medical boards is often required for this role.
More about Autopsy jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Autopsy jobs in Tennessee?

The most popular types of Autopsy jobs in Tennessee are:

What are popular job titles related to Autopsy jobs in Tennessee?

For Autopsy jobs in Tennessee, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Autopsy jobs in Tennessee look for?

The top searched job categories for Autopsy jobs in Tennessee are:

What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Autopsy jobs?

Cities in Tennessee with the most Autopsy job openings:

Autopsy jobs near you
Infographic showing various Autopsy job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 91% In-person, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $80,784 per year, or $38.8 per hour.

Medicolegal Death Investigator- Forensic Center

The University of Tennessee

Memphis, TN • On-site

$22.77/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 22 days ago

Job description

Market Range: 10

Hiring Salary: $22.77/Hourly

The Medicolegal Death Investigator assists with the investigation of deaths reported to the West Tennessee Regional Forensic Center, Office of the Medical Examiner, particularly as it pertains to the seeking, gathering, and documentation of pertinent circumstantial, historical, and other medicolegal data. Aids the Medical Examiner with identification of the decedent, determination of cause and manner of death, preservation of evidence, and anticipated future questions.  This position is considered essential and is required to report to work as scheduled during weather or other related emergencies or when the university has otherwise suspended or delayed operations.

EDUCATION: Bachelor's Degree. (Master's Degree preferred) (TRANSCRIPT REQUIRED)

EXPERIENCE: Two (2) years acceptable and proven experience in death investigation; law enforcement; and/or Licensed Paramedic/EMT; OR a combination of related education and work experience to equal six (6) years of related experience. Must have valid Driver's license. 

LICENSE/CERTIFICATION: Certification from the American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigators is required within one (1) year of hire date.    (COPY OF LICENSE/CERTIFICATION REQUIRED)        

TYPICAL WORKING ENVIRONMENT:  Work is generally performed in a clinical setting or exam room.  Position will occasionally be exposed to environmental elements such as heat, rain, or cold when conducting on-site crime scene investigations.  Position will also be exposed to biohazards and chemicals necessary for the autopsy procedures during the pre- and post-mortem process.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

  • Knowledge of laws and standards of medico legal investigation, anatomy, physiology, medical terminology, and forensic pathology.
  • Knowledge of the rules and regulations affecting the operation of the Medical Examiner's Office.
  • Knowledge of company policies and procedures.
  • Knowledge of customer service and telephone etiquette.
  • Knowledge of safety procedures; Knowledge of the rules of evidence and court procedures.
  • Ability to follow oral and written instructions.
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships; Ability to interface with personnel from various outside entities including law enforcement. 
  • Ability to draw logical conclusions and exercise independent judgement.
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.

WORK SCHEDULE: Must be available to work rotating shift, overnight, weekends, and holidays.

  1. Receives and responds to the initial report of a death or request for cremation.
  2. Creates an office record with the preliminary information.
  3. Seeks and gathers facts and additional data necessary to establish the Medical Examiner's jurisdiction.
  4. Communicates and coordinates with the Medical Examiner, family members, employers, witnesses, and personnel from law enforcement, hospital, medical, civil, mortuary, insurance, and other fields.
  5. Responds as appropriate to the death or injury scene or body location; Inspects and documents by means of notes, diagrams, sketches, and photography the appearance and condition of the locale, body, and other pertinent objects on or near or associated with the body.
  6. Makes preliminary external examination of the body as appropriate with reference to identification of findings and factors related to time, place, manner, and cause of injury, disease, or death, and with reference to routine physical characteristic documentation and identity.
  7. Obtains pertinent past and present medical, social, family, and other history from persons and sources associated with the decedent, including family, physicians, hospitals, coworkers, employers, and law enforcement agencies.
  8. Prepares for collection and removal the body and any pertinent valuables or evidentiary materials and removes or transports the body or materials to the appropriate location or facility.
  9. Ensures the preservation and storage of evidentiary items and materials, available records, the body, and any associated clothing, valuables, or personal effects.
  10. Performs other related duties as assigned.

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