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Autopsy Jobs in Rochester, NY (NOW HIRING)

Autopsy information

See Rochester, NY salary details

$48.8K

$87.8K

$131.2K

How much do autopsy jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for autopsy in Rochester, NY is $87,820.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $71,000.00 and $98,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 pathology residency, and obtain board certification in forensic pathology. Autopsies are conducted in medical examiner or coroner offices, often requiring knowledge of anatomy, pathology, and legal procedures.
What are the most commonly searched types of Autopsy jobs in Rochester, NY? The most popular types of Autopsy jobs in Rochester, NY are:
What are popular job titles related to Autopsy jobs in Rochester, NY? For Autopsy jobs in Rochester, NY, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Autopsy jobs in Rochester, NY look for? The top searched job categories for Autopsy jobs in Rochester, NY are:
What cities near Rochester, NY are hiring for Autopsy jobs? Cities near Rochester, NY with the most Autopsy job openings:
Infographic showing various Autopsy job openings in Rochester, NY as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 3% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 97% In-person, and 3% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $87,820 per year, or $42.2 per hour.

Surgical Pathology Physician

Rochester Regional Health

Rochester, NY • On-site

$300K - $350K/yr

Full-time

Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 16 days ago


Rochester Regional Health rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 218 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

305th of 887 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Rochester Regional Health, located in Rochester, New York is seeking general surgical pathologists at both Rochester General Hospital and Unity Hospital. Candidates must be board-eligible or certified (preferred) in Anatomic Pathology or Anatomic & Clinical Pathology (preferred). Fellowship training is preferred, including (but not limited to) oncologic pathology, cytopathology, head & neck pathology, gynecologic pathology, pulmonary/thoracic pathology or another surgical pathology subspecialty.
  • Join a multispecialty group of twenty-four experienced Rochester Regional Health (RRH) Rochester-based pathologists supporting anatomic and clinical pathology services for a six-hospital comprehensive healthcare system.
  • Work with colleagues committed to diagnostic excellence, teamwork, and clinical collaboration, diagnosing a challenging variety of surgical and cytology cases across a wide range of surgical subspecialties, including 80,000 surgical pathology cases/year. No adult autopsy duties required. Interest in performing fetal autopsy is welcome.
  • Collaborate with Lipson Cancer Institute Hematology-Oncology colleagues, caring for patients across western Upstate New York and in the North Country (St. Lawrence County), supporting a regional Academic Comprehensive Cancer Program, accredited by the American College of Surgeons' Commission on Cancer, a growing Acute Leukemia & Stem Cell Transplant and Cellular Therapy Program and the Mary M. Gooley Hemophilia Center.
  • Participate in shared laboratory directorship responsibilities for a network of regional acute care laboratories.
  • Share in the education of fellows, residents, and medical students as well as opportunities to serve as an Instructor in the RGH Clinical Laboratory Technology Program, the 2nd oldest NAACLS-accredited medical technologist training program in the United States.

Starting salary is $320,000, with generous vacation time and CME allowance. Benefits include a defined pension plan, fully covered relocation services, sign-on bonus and tuition discount at selected local colleges.
For consideration for this position, please forward your CV to Gena Dioguardi at gena.dioguardi@rochesterregional.org.
PAY TRANSPARENCY
In addition to the base pay range, certain provider positions may be eligible for variable compensation in accordance with health system pay practices. This may include: productivity and/or value-based clinical incentives, bonus compensation, or other forms of variable pay.
EDUCATION:
DO, MD
LICENSES / CERTIFICATIONS:
Physician - New York State Education Department (NYSED)New York State Education Department (NYSED)
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
L - Light Work - Exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly; requires occasional walking, standing or squatting.
For disease specific care programs refer to the program specific requirements of the department for further specifications on experience and educational expectations, including continuing education requirements.
Any physical requirements reported by a prospective employee and/or employee's physician or delegate will be considered for accommodations.
PAY RANGE:
$300,000.00 - $350,000.00
CITY:
Rochester
POSTAL CODE:
14621
The listed base pay range is a good faith representation of current potential base pay for a successful full time applicant. It may be modified in the future and eligible for additional pay components. Pay is determined by factors including experience, relevant qualifications, specialty, internal equity, location, and contracts.
Rochester Regional Health is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, predisposing genetic characteristics, marital or familial status, military or veteran status, citizenship or immigration status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

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