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Autopsy Jobs in Utah (NOW HIRING)

Prepares for autopsy by receiving the body, obtaining necessary documentation, and setting up environment to facilitate autopsy procedures. Maintains cleanliness of the autopsy suite by performing ...

Autopsy information

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$45.1K

$81K

$121.1K

How much do autopsy jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for autopsy in Utah is $81,029.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $65,500.00 and $90,600.00 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.

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

The most popular types of Autopsy jobs in Utah are:

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

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

What cities in Utah are hiring for Autopsy jobs?

Cities in Utah with the most Autopsy job openings:

Infographic showing various Autopsy job openings in Utah as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 86% In-person, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $81,029 per year, or $39 per hour.

Grossing Technician I

Salt Lake City, UT • On-site

ARUP
Construction • 10K+ employees

$21.16/hr

Full-time

Posted 21 days ago


Job description

Schedule:
Monday - Friday (40 hrs/wk)
12:30 PM - 9:00 PM
Training Schedule:
Monday - Friday
12:30 PM - 9:00 PM

Department: AP Processing-373

Primary Purpose:

Provides services of both a technical and non-technical nature in the laboratory service areas. Duties include the examination, gross dictation and dissection of surgical pathology specimens, preparation of tissue for frozen section diagnosis, providing direct assistance to staff and residents in the performance of postmortem examinations, performance and documentation of quality control activities and selected equipment maintenance, data handling and input, and answering the telephone. Ensures that procedures and methods are performed according to section protocol. Performs a variety of support functions to ensure timely completion of pathology services.

About ARUP:

ARUP Laboratories is a national clinical and anatomic pathology reference laboratory and an enterprise of the University of Utah and its Department of Pathology. Based in Salt Lake City, Utah.

ARUP proudly hires top talent to create a work environment of diversity, professional growth and continuous development. Our workforce is committed to the important service we provide to over one million patients each month. We always strive for excellence and have a strong desire to have involvement with the advances in medicine and the role laboratory services plays within each patient’s life. We never forget that there is a patient behind every specimen we receive.

We are looking for individuals who want to contribute to ARUP's culture of accountability, integrity, service, and excellence. Consider joining our dynamic team.

Essential Functions:

Understands appropriate specimen collection, handling, and transport procedures. Prepares specimens for analysis and determines acceptability of samples within established guidelines. Has thorough knowledge of specimen acceptance/rejection policies for section.

Triage and accessioning surgical specimens in accordance with established procedures.

Masters all Laboratory Information System (LIS) functions utilized by the section.

Prepares gross description and dissection of surgical specimens including:

Assuring appropriate accessioning of surgical specimens.

Obtaining clinical history.

Describing and dictating gross anatomic features.

Dissecting surgical specimens.

Preparing tissue for histologic processing.

Performing necessary special procedures to prepare specimen (decal, inking).

Photographing all pertinent gross specimens or as requested.

Assessing and assigning appropriate specimen codes.

Grossing authorized specimen types only (See GR-JA-2012A: Surgical Specimen Authorization List).

Prepares frozen sections at the authorized level.

Prepares all cut specimens for histologic submission in accordance with established procedures:

Submitting all cassettes labeled appropriately.

Submitted with all required paperwork and/or logs.

Submitted in a timely manner to ensure proper processing to achieve high quality specimen for embedding, cutting, and staining.

Maintains the Gross Dissection Lab:

Ensures a clean, well-organized work area. Cleans bench surfaces, cutting stations, and equipment as required and documents.

Performs required daily cleaning and maintenance for the Cryostat in accordance with established procedure and appropriate documentation.

Performs daily stain maintenance in accordance with established procedure and appropriate documentation.

Ensures adequate supplies to complete the daily-required tasks.

Assists pathology residents and staff pathologists with comprehensive autopsy procedures (pre, during and post) at UUHSC. 

Prepares for autopsy by receiving the body, obtaining necessary documentation, and setting up environment to facilitate autopsy procedures. 

Maintains cleanliness of the autopsy suite by performing post examination cleaning and sterilization as per procedure. 

Performs documents and reviews departmental quality control following appropriate procedures. 

Assists in properly labeling, identifying, and preparing of autopsy specimens. 

Completes all necessary paperwork in accordance with established procedures in a concise, legible and timely manner with all required information.

Complies with safety and biohazard regulations in accordance with established procedures.

Follows all Quality Control/Assurance and Improvement regulations in accordance with established procedures, documenting all QC as appropriate.

Participates in annual competency testing as directed by the laboratory supervisor in accordance with APHP-POLICY-3021: Anatomic Pathology Group I Expectations.

Performs new procedures, with appropriate orientation and training, as directed by the laboratory supervisor.

Assists in the orientation and training of new personnel, as directed by the laboratory supervisor or senior staff.

Observes principles of data security and patient confidentiality. Maintains ethical standards in the performance of testing and interactions with patients, co-workers, and other health care professionals.

Maintains open and effective communication with personnel in work teams, and with members of other teams throughout the organization.

Demonstrates professional demeanor, in personal appearance and behavior, in all work-related interactions inside and outside of the laboratory.

Other duties as assigned.

Physical and Other Requirements:

Stooping: Bending body downward and forward by bending spine at the waist.

Reaching: Extending hand(s) and arm(s) in any direction.

Mobility: The person in this position needs to occasionally move between work sites and inside the office to access file cabinets, office machinery, etc.

Communicate: Frequently and effectively communicate with others.

PPE: Biohazard laboratory environment that requires use of personal protective equipment in accordance with CDC and OSHA regulations and company policies. 

ARUP Policies and Procedures: To conduct self in compliance with all ARUP Policies and Procedures.

Medium Work: Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 30 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects, including the human body.

Vision: Having close, far, and peripheral visual acuity to perform a variety of tasks such as make general observations of depth and distance.

Fine Motor Control: Picking, pinching, typing or otherwise working, primarily with fingers rather than with the whole hand as in handling.

Continuing Education: Continual assessment of current literature and best practices.