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Autopsy Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

$90K/yr

... and autopsy services as evidenced and anatomy and skill to recognize pathologic abnormalities in a wide variety of gross specimens. This definition of specialized experience is typical of work ...

Host Forensics Analyst

Arlington, VA · On-site

$131K - $149K/yr

EnCase, FTK, SIFT, X-Ways, Volatility, WireShark, Sleuth Kit/ Autopsy, Snort, Splunk or other EDR Tools (Crowdstrike, Carbon Black, Etc) * Proficiency with conducting all-source research Desired ...

Host Forensics Analyst

Arlington, VA · On-site

$131K - $149K/yr

EnCase, FTK, SIFT, X-Ways, Volatility, WireShark, Sleuth Kit/ Autopsy, Snort, Splunk or other EDR Tools (Crowdstrike, Carbon Black, Etc) * Proficiency with conducting all-source research Desired ...

EnCase, FTK, SIFT, X-Ways, Volatility, WireShark, Sleuth Kit/ Autopsy, Snort, Splunk or other EDR Tools (Crowdstrike, Carbon Black, Etc) * Proficiency with conducting all-source research Desired ...

EnCase, FTK, SIFT, X-Ways, Volatility, WireShark, Sleuth Kit/Autopsy, Splunk, Snort, Other EDR Tools (Crowdstrike, Carbon Black, Etc) • Proficiency with conducting all-source research. • BS ...

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Autopsy information

See Virginia salary details

$49.1K

$88.2K

$131.9K

How much do autopsy jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for autopsy in Virginia is $88,243.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $71,400.00 and $98,600.00 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 Virginia?

The most popular types of Autopsy jobs in Virginia are:

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

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

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Autopsy jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Autopsy job openings:

Infographic showing various Autopsy job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 60% Full Time, 36% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $88,243 per year, or $42.4 per hour.

Forensic Autopsy Technician - Western District

State of Virginia

Roanoke, VA • On-site

$23.50 - $25/hr

Full-time, Part-time

Posted 17 days ago


State Of Virginia rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 33 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

10th of 50 rated states


Job description

Forensic Autopsy Technician - Western District

Apply now Job no: 5108713
Work type: Wage (Hourly)
Location: Roanoke (City), Virginia
Categories: Applied Sciences and Natural Resources

Title: Forensic Autopsy Technician - Western District

State Role Title: Laboratory & Research Spec I

Hiring Range: $23.50 - $25.00

Pay Band: 3

Agency: Virginia Department of Health

Location: CHIEF MEDICAL EXAMINR-WST

Agency Website: www.vdh.virginia.gov

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

This is a part-time hourly wage position and is required to work less than 1500 hours per year. Virginia's Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (OCME) has been a model statewide medical examiner system since 1946. The OCME has four regional offices throughout the Commonwealth that is staffed with administrative, autopsy services, medicolegal death investigators, Assistant Chief Medical Examiners, and other support staff who work diligently to ensure medicolegal death investigations are completed within a timely manner and in compliance with the National Association of Medical Examiners (NAME) accreditation standards. All four regional offices are currently NAME accredited.
OCME staff members take pride in performing their day-to-day job responsibilities which ensures that the cause and manner of death for decedents are determined in a timely manner. All OCME staff members recognize that families are grieving the loss of their loved one; therefore, they dedicate the needed attention to families to ensure they understand OCME procedures and how their loved one died. The OCME interacts with several external organizations (e.g., funeral homes, law enforcement agencies, hospitals) that are critical to the OCME being able to provide excellent medical examiner services to the people of Virginia.
If you have a genuine care for others and enjoy a fast-paced environment, then the OCME may be the employer for you!
Wage employees are subject to the following conditions of employment:
Wage employees serve at the will and pleasure of the appointing authority.
Continuing employment is based on available funding and business need.
Wage employees are not covered by the provisions of the Virginia Personnel Act. Therefore, they are not eligible for benefits which are provided to salaried employees, such as leave credits, holiday pay, insurance, access to the grievance procedure, etc.
Wage employees are paid only for the hours they actually work.
Virginia state law currently requires that agencies not permit wage employees to work in excess of 29 hours per week on average over the course of a year. Wage employees may not work for VDH beyond 1,500 hours during the period of May 1 - April 30 of the following year (the Standard Measurement Period).
Once a wage employee works the maximum of 1,500 hours during the Standard Measurement Period, the employee may be rehired as a wage employee of VDH only after the next Standard Measurement Period has begun.
Wage employees are eligible to apply for all classified positions for which recruitment has been initiated, including those limited to State Employees Only.
If a wage employee becomes employed in a classified position, he/she will be eligible to purchase retirement credit for the time worked as a wage employee.
Continuing employment is based on available funding and business need.

Minimum Qualifications

Experience effectively communicating effectively verbally and in writing
Must have general working knowledge of anatomy, evidence collection, chain of custody, autopsy assistance, morgue operations, and confidentiality through direct experience or equivalent education
Must have experience with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook), database usage and data entry with strong keyboarding skills
Required to push/pull/maneuver weights up to 500+ pounds, with and without assistance, stand for long periods of time, traverse uphill, rocky or otherwise unstable terrain
Must be able to respond to mass disaster scenes and other out-of-district assignments for up to a 2-week rotation
Basic photography skills: to include knowledge of digital photography with a digital camera and the ability to save images on various types of media (CD, USB, digital server)

Additional Considerations

Previous experience with human remains in a hospital, morgue, funeral home or medical examiner's facility.
Relevant training and experience in forensic sciences, health sciences, or related field preferred.
Training as an autopsy technician or medicolegal death investigator is preferred.
Experience with obtaining/maintaining/shipping collected specimens for analyses, consultations, etc.
Training and experience in digital radiography and digital dental radiography preferred.
Knowledge of OSHA regulations for biohazard and chemical work environments preferred.

Special Instructions

You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or resume is submitted successfully. Please refer to "Your Application" in your account to check the status of your application for this position.

VDH accepts only on-line applications. Faxed, mailed, or e-mailed applications will not be considered. Applications are accepted until 11:55 p.m. on the job closing date. Applications and/or resumes should include relevant work history which indicates your qualications for this position. Supplemental questions are encouraged to be answered in a comprehensive manner and reference any pertinent knowledge, skills, and abilities as well as any previous experience that relates to the position.
Employment is contingent upon satisfactory results of a state and federal criminal history background check and the Department of Social Service's Child Abuse and Neglect Central Registry check, U.S. HHSIG Exclusion List check, employment reference check and E-Verify. Other nancial, credit, driving, background checks or completion of Statement of Economic Interests may be required for certain positions.
It is the policy of the Commonwealth and VDH that all aspects of human resource management be conducted without regard to race (or traits historically associated with race including hair texture, hair type, and protective hairstyles such as braids, locks, and twists); sex; color; national origin; religion; sexual orientation; gender identity or expression; age; veteran status; political affiliation; disability; genetic information; and pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions. VDH employees have a shared Code of Ethics, which can be found in the bottom banner of our website: www.vdh.virginia.gov.
If you have been affected by DHRM Policy 1.30 layoff and possess a valid Interagency Placement Screening Form (Yellow Card) or a Preferential Hiring Form (Blue Card), you must submit the card before the closing date for this position. The Card may be submitted with the state application as an attachment.
As a V3 (Virginia Values Veterans) employer VDH Welcomes Veterans to apply!

Contact Information

Name: Kourtney Dudley

Phone: 804-659-6366

Email: kourtney.dudley@vdh.virginia.gov

In support of the Commonwealth's commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.

Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.

Advertised: 04 Aug 2026 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close: 18 Aug 2026 Eastern Daylight Time

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