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Autopsy Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Pathologist Assistant

Oak Park, IL · On-site

$41.44 - $60.14/hr

This position is responsible for assisting the pathologists in the surgical and autopsy pathology areas. This position requires teamwork to achieve common goals and meet deadlines to provide quality ...

Pathologist Assistant

Oak Park, IL · On-site

$41.44 - $60.14/hr

This position is responsible for assisting the pathologists in the surgical and autopsy pathology areas. This position requires teamwork to achieve common goals and meet deadlines to provide quality ...

This position is responsible for assisting the pathologists in the surgical and autopsy pathology areas. This position requires teamwork to achieve common goals and meet deadlines to provide quality ...

Under the direction of the Physician, the Pathologist Assistant assists in the autopsy and surgical pathology department of the hospital and lab. Performs essential tasks, such as examining specimens ...

Under the direction of the Physician, the Pathologist Assistant assists in the autopsy and surgical pathology department of the hospital and lab. Performs essential tasks, such as examining specimens ...

Pathologist Assistant

Munster, IN · On-site

$45.48 - $69.64/hr

Under the direction of the Physician, the Pathologist Assistant assists in the autopsy and surgical pathology department of the hospital and lab. Performs essential tasks, such as examining specimens ...

Under the direction of the Physician, the Pathologist Assistant assists in the autopsy and surgical pathology department of the hospital and lab. Performs essential tasks, such as examining specimens ...

Pathologist Assistant

Munster, IN · On-site

$45.48 - $69.64/hr

Under the direction of the Physician, the Pathologist Assistant assists in the autopsy and surgical pathology department of the hospital and lab. Performs essential tasks, such as examining specimens ...

Under the direction of the Physician, the Pathologist Assistant assists in the autopsy and surgical pathology department of the hospital and lab. Performs essential tasks, such as examining specimens ...

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Autopsy information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$51K

$91.7K

$137K

How much do autopsy jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for autopsy in Chicago, IL is $91,690.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $74,200.00 and $102,500.00 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 Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Autopsy jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Autopsy jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Autopsy job openings:

Infographic showing various Autopsy job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 11% As Needed, 68% Full Time, and 21% Part Time. Highlights an 95% In-person, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $91,690 per year, or $44.1 per hour.

Pathologist Assistant

Rush

Oak Park, IL • On-site

$41.44 - $60.14/hr

Other

Re-posted 15 days ago


Job description

Location: Oak Park, Illinois
Business Unit: Rush Oak Park
Hospital: Rush Oak Park Hospital
Department: Laboratory
Work Type: Full Time (Total FTE between 0.9 and 1.0)
Shift: Shift 1
Work Schedule: 8 Hr (7:00:00 AM - 3:30:00 PM)
Rush offers exceptional rewards and benefits learn more at our Rush benefits page (https://www.rush.edu/rush-careers/employee-benefits).
Pay Range: $41.44 - $60.14 per hour
Rush salaries are determined by many factors including, but not limited to, education, job-related experience and skills, as well as internal equity and industry specific market data. The pay range for each role reflects Rush's anticipated wage or salary reasonably expected to be offered for the position. Offers may vary depending on the circumstances of each case.
Summary:
This position is responsible for assisting the pathologists in the surgical and autopsy pathology areas. This position requires teamwork to achieve common goals and meet deadlines to provide quality care to clients and patients. Exemplifies the Rush mission, vision and values and acts in accordance with Rush policies and procedures.
Other information:
Required Job Qualifications:
• Bachelor's/Master's degree from an accredited Pathology Assistant program.
• Certified Pathologist Assistant.
• Ability to work on multiple projects with frequently changing priorities.
• Ability to learn and instruct others in new procedures.
• Excellent organizational skills and efficiency necessary.
• Travel outside the metropolitan Chicago area may be required.
Preferred Job Qualifications:
Physical Demands:
• Must be able to perform repetitive motions required for use of pipette, saw, microtome, and other laboratory equipment.
• Position is located in laboratory with exposure to potentially infectious or hazardous materials, including formaldehyde and xylene.
• Potential for injury due to scalpel blades, razor blades, and caustic substances.
Responsibilities:
• Performs surgical pathology grossing, dictation, and frozen sections per established procedures.
• Processes and labels specimens accurately, being conscientious to avoid errors.
• Readily displays a devotion to provide high quality patient care to our customers.
• Oversight over at least one area of the lab, which could include the Gross Room, student programs, the autopsy area, and/or a biorepository. This could include any combination of the following:
• Ordering and maintaining supply inventory
• Maintain inspection readiness
• Initiate/Maintain clinical databases
• Write technical procedures
• Participate in the development of Employee Engagement Activities
• Insure the work area is maintained as a safe and uncluttered environment
• Meets turnaround time expectations by prioritizing and organizing the workload for the shift.
• Utilizes time effectively and seeks out additional job duties when shift tasks are complete.
• Keeps work area neat, clean, organized, and well stocked at all times
• Helps instruct students, residents, and new employees. Evaluates their performances within the established deadlines.
• Accepts and/or volunteers for special projects and completes them within an agreed upon time frame.
• Participates in procedure implementation and training of new staff and students.
• Encouraged to identify and participate in process improvement projects.
• Identifies areas for process improvement, and initiates procedures or programs to respond to the deficiency identified.
• Initiates Safety Events to document unsafe situations.
• Responds to Safety Events, and complaints in a timely manner.
• Maintains overall responsibility for rapid autopsy service at the Rush laboratory and coordinates participant autopsies at outside sites.
• Responsible for autopsy coordination; guides and assists Study Coordinators with trouble-shooting autopsy-related matters and guides and assists back-up on-call autopsy technicians.
• Maintains overall responsibility for the coordination and performance of biospecimen dissections for distribution.
• Maintains responsibility for routine maintenance and proper working condition of biospecimen freezers, refrigerators, and associated alarm system.
• Develops and implements quality assurance and quality control measures to ensure optimal biospecimen acquisition, storage, and accounting.
• Implements new autopsy and dissection protocols, training staff in required new techniques and methods. Develops training videos and aids.
• Makes recommendations regarding acquisition of laboratory instruments and capital equipment.
Rush is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics.