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Autopsy Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

Duke Health

Decedent Care Representative

Durham, NC · On-site

$15.50 - $21/hr

Request autopsy consent on all non-medical legal deaths. Complete all appropriate decedent care paperwork (i.e. all forms, documents and authorizations), in compliance with state and federal laws.

Duke University

Decedent Care Representative

Durham, NC · On-site

$15.50 - $21/hr

Request autopsy consent on all non-medical legal deaths. Complete all appropriate decedent care paperwork (i.e. all forms, documents and authorizations), in compliance with state and federal laws.

Duke Health

Cytopathology Opportunity

Durham, NC · On-site

Participation in our autopsy service. Diagnostic responsibilities for the cytopathologist include the full range of exfoliative cytology and fine needle aspiration biopsies, including pathologist ...

Duke Health

Cytopathology Opportunity

Durham, NC · On-site

Participation in our autopsy service. Diagnostic responsibilities for the cytopathologist include the full range of exfoliative cytology and fine needle aspiration biopsies, including pathologist ...

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All JobsAutopsy JobsAutopsy Jobs in Raleigh, NC

Autopsy information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$48.1K

$86.5K

$129.3K

How much do autopsy jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for autopsy in Raleigh, NC is $86,522.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $70,000.00 and $96,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What qualifications do you need to do autopsies?

To perform autopsies, a medical degree such as a Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) is required, along with specialized training in forensic pathology. Certification by a relevant medical board and state licensure are also necessary, and forensic pathologists often complete a residency in pathology followed by a fellowship in forensic or autopsy pathology.

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 to complete a relevant degree such as a medical degree or a pathology assistant program, gain experience in a medical or forensic setting, and obtain any required state licensure or certification. Skills in anatomy, pathology, and attention to detail are essential, and employment often involves working in a morgue or forensic laboratory environment.

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 jobs pay 2000 a day?

High-paying jobs that can reach $2,000 a day often include specialized medical roles such as surgeons, anesthesiologists, and certain legal professionals like trial lawyers. These positions typically require advanced education, certifications, and experience, and may involve working in high-stakes environments or private practices. Compensation varies based on location, workload, and industry demand.

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.

What career performs autopsies?

A forensic pathologist is a medical doctor trained to perform autopsies to determine cause of death. They typically hold a medical degree, complete specialized training in pathology, and may work in hospitals, medical examiner offices, 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 Raleigh, NC? The most popular types of Autopsy jobs in Raleigh, NC are:
What are popular job titles related to Autopsy jobs in Raleigh, NC? For Autopsy jobs in Raleigh, NC, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Autopsy jobs in Raleigh, NC look for? The top searched job categories for Autopsy jobs in Raleigh, NC are:
What cities near Raleigh, NC are hiring for Autopsy jobs? Cities near Raleigh, NC with the most Autopsy job openings:
Autopsy jobs near you
Infographic showing various Autopsy job openings in Raleigh, NC as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 17% As Needed, and 83% Full Time. Highlights an 83% In-person, and 17% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $86,522 per year, or $41.6 per hour.
Decedent Care Representative

Decedent Care Representative

Duke Health

Durham, NC • On-site

$15.50 - $21/hr

Full-time

Posted 25 days ago

Duke Health rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 247 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

332nd of 872 rated healthcare providers

Job description

At Duke Health, we're driven by a commitment to compassionate care that changes the lives of patients, their loved ones, and the greater community. No matter where your talents lie, join us and discover how we can advance health together.

About Duke University Hospital

Pursue your passion for caring with Duke University Hospital in Durham, North Carolina, which is consistently ranked among the best in the United States. The largest of the four Duke Healthhospitals with 1062 patient beds, it features comprehensive diagnostic and therapeutic facilities, including a regional emergency/trauma center, an endo-surgery center, and more.


Work Arrangement - onsite

6:00 am - 2:30 pm week one

8:00 am - 5:30 pm week two

10:30 am - 7:00 pm week three

On the designated 4th weekend rotation, employees will work:

  • Monday & Tuesday: 8-hour shifts
  • Saturday & Sunday: 12-hour shifts

Occ Summary

Perform a variety of duties to assist families and staff regarding the disposition of all matters of decedent care.

Duties and Responsibilities of this Level

Coordinate with physicians and nurses to determine the appropriate time to approach the family regarding the disposition of all matters of decedent care. Meet with next of kin, and assist in completing all necessary paperwork. Arrange for body viewing as appropriate. Screen all deaths for medical examiner's jurisdiction in compliance with the state law. Request autopsy consent on all non-medical legal deaths. Complete all appropriate decedent care paperwork (i.e. all forms, documents and authorizations), in compliance with state and federal laws. Provide autopsy information to family members, medical and research personnel and others in compliance with departmental guidelines.

Act as primary liaison between Duke Hospital and funeral homes. Provide information to funeral homes, transporters, patient families, staff and security officers regarding decedent care and the hospital death policy. Release body to funeral home.

  • Transport bodies, charts, and unclaimed belong to the morgue. Store and maintain the body in a cooler.Mix and prepare preservative solutions as required. Perform incisions, evisceration of the body and special dissection techniques. File, store, and retrieve tissue specimens. Assist with disposal of tissue.

  • Inform appropriate organ banks or the anatomy department if consent for tissue donations was obtained. Assist the various tissue and organ banks by requesting all tissue donations at one time.

  • Maintain instruments and supplies. Clean, and disinfect all suites, instruments and equipment. Perform other duties to maintain supplies and equipment.

  • Maintain mortuary records and autopsy record logs.

  • Assist in training and scheduling lower-level employees.

  • Perform other related duties incidental to the work described herein.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

MAINTAIN INVENTORY LAB PROCEDURES STERILE TECHNIQUE

Minimum Qualifications

Education

Work requires knowledge of basic mortuary science and communications education. principles normally acquired through two years of post-secondary

Experience

Three years of related experience to acquire the necessary skills. OR AN EQUIVALENT COMBINATION OF RELEVANT EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE


Duke is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual's age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy and pregnancy related conditions), sexual orientation or military status.


Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideas-an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values.


Essential Physical Job Functions:

Certain jobs at Duke University and Duke University Health System may include essential job functions that require specific physical and/or mental abilities. Additional information and provision for requests for reasonable accommodation will be provided by each hiring department.


Employment Type: FULL_TIME

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