1

Autopsy Jobs in Washington, DC (NOW HIRING)

Prepare for autopsy examination by obtaining patients' medical records and arranging radiographic examinations. * Perform gross and microscopic photography of specimens. * Participate in teaching ...

Renal Pathologist

Washington, DC · On-site

$325K - $445K/yr

Perform/supervise autopsy Requirements * Degree of Doctor of Medicine or an equivalent degree resulting from a course of education in medicine or osteopathic medicine. The degree must have been ...

Perform/supervise autopsy Requirements: * Degree of Doctor of Medicine or an equivalent degree resulting from a course of education in medicine or osteopathic medicine. The degree must have been ...

Renal Pathologist

Washington, DC · On-site

$325K - $445K/yr

Perform/supervise autopsy Requirements * Degree of Doctor of Medicine or an equivalent degree resulting from a course of education in medicine or osteopathic medicine. The degree must have been ...

Pathologist Assistant (PRN)

Washington, DC · On-site

$45.87 - $62.02/hr

Prepare for autopsy examination by obtaining patients' medical records and arranging radiographic examinations. * Perform gross and microscopic photography of specimens. * Participate in teaching ...

Prepare for autopsy examination by obtaining patients' medical records and arranging radiographic examinations. * Perform gross and microscopic photography of specimens. * Participate in teaching ...

Prepare for autopsy examination by obtaining patients' medical records and arranging radiographic examinations. * Perform gross and microscopic photography of specimens. * Participate in teaching ...

Pathologist Assistant

Washington, DC · On-site

$45.87 - $62.02/hr

Prepare for autopsy examination by obtaining patients' medical records and arranging radiographic examinations. * Perform gross and microscopic photography of specimens. * Participate in teaching ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Autopsy information

See Washington, DC salary details

$55.9K

$100.4K

$150.1K

How much do autopsy jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for autopsy in Washington, DC is $100,430.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $81,200.00 and $112,300.00 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 Washington, DC?

The most popular types of Autopsy jobs in Washington, DC are:

What are popular job titles related to Autopsy jobs in Washington, DC?

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

What job categories do people searching Autopsy jobs in Washington, DC look for?

The top searched job categories for Autopsy jobs in Washington, DC are:

Infographic showing various Autopsy job openings in Washington, DC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 54% Full Time, 42% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $100,430 per year, or $48.3 per hour.

Pathologists' Assistant / Autopsy & Anatomic Pathology Specialist

Hylton-Rodic Law

Washington, DC • On-site

$80K - $120K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 25 days ago


Job description

Description


Autopsy & Anatomic Pathology Services | Travel Opportunities | Growing Private Practice 


EPIARX Diagnostics is seeking a Pathologists' Assistant or experienced pathology professional to support our growing private autopsy and anatomic pathology practice.


We are open to multiple backgrounds for this position. You may be a PA(ASCP)-certified Pathologists' Assistant, a recent graduate of an accredited PA program, or an experienced autopsy/anatomic pathology professional who has developed strong hands-on technical skills through clinical experience.


What matters most is relevant pathology experience, technical aptitude, sound judgment, and the ability to grow into a trusted clinical partner to our Medical Director.


This is not a typical hospital Pathologists' Assistant role.


If you enjoy working closely with pathologists, thrive in a hands-on environment, and want the opportunity to help build and support a growing pathology practice, this may be the role for you.


If you are looking for a highly structured environment where your responsibilities rarely change, this role is likely not the right fit.


About the Role 


EPIARX is seeking a full-time Pathologists' Assistant or experienced autopsy/anatomic pathology professional to support our clinical services under the direction and supervision of our Medical Director.


The exact scope of responsibilities will depend on the successful candidate's training and experience. A credentialed or experienced PA may assume broader technical responsibilities more quickly, while a candidate with strong related experience may receive additional training as they develop into the role.


The majority of work will initially focus on private autopsy services and related pathology operations, with opportunities to support histology and additional service lines as the practice continues to expand.


This position is based in the Washington, DC area and includes local, regional, and occasional national travel.


What You'll Actually Do 


You will serve as a key clinical support resource for the Medical Director and pathology team by:

  • Assisting with and, based on training and demonstrated competency, performing components of autopsy examinations
  • Performing organ and tissue dissection, examination, and sampling as appropriate to training and experience
  • Preparing specimens for histology and specialized laboratory studies
  • Preparing gross descriptions and clinical documentation
  • Performing gross and microscopic photography
  • Supporting specimen handling, storage, retrieval, and disposition
  • Assisting with pathology workflow, quality assurance, and laboratory operations
  • Maintaining accurate clinical and case records
  • Supporting travel-based pathology and autopsy services as needed
  • Working closely with the Medical Director to progressively assume appropriate technical responsibilities
  • Helping improve clinical workflows, turnaround times, and operational efficiency

This role combines technical pathology expertise with flexibility, initiative, and a willingness to support a growing practice.


How You'll Be Measured 


Success in this role is not simply about completing technical tasks.


You will be evaluated on:

  • Accuracy and quality of specimen handling and documentation 
  • Technical competency and continued development 
  • Ability to support autopsy and pathology workflows efficiently 
  • Reliability and readiness for travel and case support 
  • Communication and responsiveness with the clinical team 
  • Ability to work with increasing independence while recognizing when physician guidance is necessary 
  • Contribution to improving turnaround times and operational efficiency 
  • Reduction in physician time spent on tasks that can be appropriately delegated

What Success Looks Like 


First 30 Days 

  • Learn EPIARX workflows, protocols, and communication expectations 
  • Develop familiarity with our private autopsy process and case pipeline 
  • Work closely with the Medical Director to assess technical strengths and training needs 
  • Demonstrate strong attention to detail, sound judgment, and technical competency 
  • Communicate proactively and integrate into the team

By 60-90 Days 

  • Assume increasing responsibility for assigned technical and clinical-support functions 
  • Demonstrate growing independence in areas appropriate to your training and competency 
  • Reliably support pathology and autopsy workflows 
  • Recognize when physician guidance or escalation is appropriate 
  • Build a strong working relationship with the Medical Director and clinical team 
  • Help reduce physician time spent on appropriately delegable work 
  • Contribute to increased clinical capacity and workflow efficiency

This Role Is NOT For You If: 

  • You require highly structured, narrowly defined responsibilities 
  • You struggle to adapt to changing priorities 
  • You are uncomfortable with travel 
  • You prefer waiting for direction instead of taking initiative 
  • You do not communicate proactively 
  • You are unwilling to learn new processes or support evolving services 
  • You are looking for a purely administrative or laboratory bench role

Requirements


Required Qualifications 

  • Relevant education, training, and/or professional experience in pathology, autopsy, histology, anatomy, biomedical sciences, or a closely related field 
  • Meaningful hands-on experience in anatomic pathology, autopsy, grossing, histology, tissue dissection/specimen preparation, or a closely related clinical environment 
  • Strong knowledge of anatomy, specimen handling, biosafety, and clinical laboratory practices appropriate to your level of training 
  • Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail 
  • Ability to work closely with a physician while developing increasing independence 
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills 
  • Ability and willingness to travel locally, regionally, and occasionally nationally 
  • Ability to work primarily in the Washington, DC area 
  • Authorization to work in the United States without current or future employer sponsorship 
  • Commitment to patient confidentiality, professionalism, and applicable regulatory requirements

Preferred Qualifications 

  • PA(ASCP) certification 
  • Master's degree from a NAACLS-accredited Pathologists' Assistant program 
  • Medical degree or other advanced scientific or clinical education 
  • Hands-on medical or forensic autopsy experience 
  • Experience with organ and tissue dissection and sampling 
  • Surgical pathology or grossing experience 
  • Histology experience 
  • Experience with gross and microscopic photography 
  • Experience supporting quality assurance, quality improvement, CLIA, CAP, or laboratory compliance activities 
  • Experience working directly with pathologists in a clinical environment 
  • Experience working in a small, growing, or entrepreneurial clinical environment

Not a certified Pathologists' Assistant? We still encourage you to apply if you have substantial hands-on autopsy or anatomic pathology experience. We are willing to consider candidates whose technical experience and potential align with the needs of the practice.


The Ideal Candidate 


You are:

  • Technically capable but eager to keep learning 
  • Flexible and adaptable 
  • Humble and coachable 
  • Comfortable managing multiple priorities 
  • A proactive communicator 
  • Able to "manage up" and work effectively with a busy physician 
  • Comfortable recognizing the limits of your expertise and asking for guidance when appropriate 
  • Willing to step in and support where needed 
  • Excited by the opportunity to help build something 

You understand that success comes not only from technical skill, but from ownership, communication, judgment, and teamwork.


About EPIARX 


EPIARX is a modern, growing pathology practice headquartered in Washington, DC.


We provide specialized pathology services with a strong focus on private autopsy and are actively expanding our clinical capabilities and operational infrastructure.


Our team values professionalism, responsiveness, flexibility, and continuous improvement. We are building systems and capabilities that will support long-term growth, including the development of expanded laboratory operations.


This is an opportunity to join a practice at an exciting stage of growth and play a meaningful role in its future.


Compensation & Benefits 


Salary: $80,000-$120,000 annually, commensurate with training, credentials, experience, and demonstrated technical competency.


Benefits include, but are not limited to:

  • Medical insurance
  • Dental insurance
  • Vision insurance
  • Life insurance
  • Disability insurance
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • 401(k) employer matching
  • Paid Time Off (PTO)
  • Professional development opportunities
  • Travel-related expense reimbursement when applicable

Application Requirements 


Please submit your resume and a brief cover letter addressing:

  • Your interest in this role 
  • Your pathology and/or autopsy experience 
  • Your level of hands-on experience with autopsy, grossing, dissection, tissue sampling, histology, or related pathology work 
  • Why you are interested in working at EPIARX and supporting a growing pathology practice with a strong focus on private autopsy services 

Thoughtful, serious applicants only.