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Autopsy Jobs in Spokane, WA (NOW HIRING)

Fairmount Holdings Inc

Licensed Embalmer

Spokane, WA

$28/hr

Repair after autopsy (cranial & Y-incision), bone and tissue donation * Restoration as needed * Required to complete a thorough embalming report of each prepped case * Prepares human remains for ...

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$134.5K

How much do autopsy jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for autopsy in Spokane, WA is $89,996.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $72,800.00 and $100,600.00 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.
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Infographic showing various Autopsy job openings in Spokane, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 60% Full Time, and 40% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $89,996 per year, or $43.3 per hour.

Licensed Embalmer

Spokane, WA

Fairmount Holdings Inc
See more jobs at Fairmount Holdings Incexternal

$28/hr

Full-time

Posted 16 days ago

Job description

Description


POSITION SUMMARY:

This position is a Full time Licensed Embalmer position focusing on the operations of the prep-room. It is intended to fill the need related to cases needing prep (minimal prep, feature-set, dressing, casketing, cosmetics, hair, embalming, autopsy repair, etc.) The Licensed Embalmer will uphold an embalmers license in the state of Washington at all times of employment.  The detailed description of this position includes, but is not limited to, the following:


PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Maintain ethical standards and confidentiality

2. Maintain a professional appearance 

  • business attire
  • Proper Personal Protective outfits for the prep room.
  • Proper footwear (no open-toed shoes)
  • No facial piercings, no visible tattoos while around families
  • Natural hair color, or coloring

3. Embalming, and other Preparation

  • Accountable for upholding a high standard of presentation (Embalming) 
  • Set-features
  • Embalms human remains, multi-point if necessary
  • Repair after autopsy (cranial & Y-incision), bone and tissue donation
  • Restoration as needed
  • Required to complete a thorough embalming report of each prepped case 
  • Prepares human remains for viewing if requested (dressing, casketing, cosmetics, hair)

4. Inventory

  • Responsible for keeping track of inventory used while prepping
  • Relays need to order supplies for prep area to Prep & Receiving Supervisor

5. Light janitorial duties and maintains a clean and clear work station 

  • Prep Room

6. Removals and On-Call Phone answering

  • Do daytime removals
  • Returns messages/calls in a timely manner after hours
  • On call rotation for emergency prep work

7. Maintains active, positive role and involvement in community and civic affairs


8. Performs other duties as assigned. Job duties are subject to change as directed by management


Requirements

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

  • Ability to function and excel in high volume, fast pace environment
  • Cooperative, team player, detail-oriented and adaptable to change
  • Excellent verbal, written, interpersonal and presentation skills
  • Commitment to customer satisfaction & quality preparation
  • Efficient and dependable; punctual
  • Demonstrate commitment to safety 
  • Possess general office skills, such as writing, recordkeeping, and filing

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT: 

Must be able to lift 50 to 75 pounds without assistance and 75 to 200 pounds with assistance, sit or stand for long periods of time. For an employee to succeed in this position they will need to be able to work independently, and uphold a professional commitment to solicit information from bereaved individuals and families in a time of mourning while maintaining optimum levels of compassion and professionalism, multitask regularly, maintain records and service requests from multiple cases at once, work independently, do simple mathematic equations, adapt to changing schedules, and contribute to problem solving when needed. Fairmount Memorial Association/Heritage Funeral Home promotes a drug/alcohol-free work environment through the use of mandatory pre-employment drug testing, as well as random drug-testing once employed.


EQUIPMENT/TOOLS: 

This position requires the frequent use of, and familiarization with, equipment such as Cots, Lowering & Lifting Devices, Examination & Preparation Tables, Embalming machine, and other embalming related instruments.


MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:  

This position requires a minimum of 2 years work experience as a fully-licensed embalmer.  Individual will be required to uphold a Washington State Embalmers License while employed. Individual will be responsible for obtaining the required continuing educations credits (as required for licensure), as well as maintaining records associated with licensure.


EMPLOYMENT AT WILL:

Employment with Fairmount Holdings, Inc. is at will, which means that either the employee or the employer is free to terminate the employment relationship at any time with or without reason, advance notice, or warning. 

?  No representative of this organization has the authority to change this at-will relationship except in a specific

                written agreement declaring such intent and signed by the employee and: 

o The President/CEO of Fairmount Holdings AND 

o The Chairman of the Fairmount Memorial Association Board 


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