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Autopsy Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Autopsy Technician

Miami Beach, FL · On-site

$37K - $37K/yr

Autopsy Technician As Mount Sinai grows, so does our legacy in high-quality health care. Since 1949, Mount Sinai Medical Center has remained committed to providing access to its diverse community. In ...

Autopsy Technician

Miami Beach, FL · On-site

$37K - $37K/yr

Autopsy Technician As Mount Sinai grows, so does our legacy in high-quality health care. Since 1949, Mount Sinai Medical Center has remained committed to providing access to its diverse community. In ...

Forensic Autopsy Technician

Seattle, WA · On-site

$39.81 - $76/hr

Perform custodial maintenance for autopsy room, storage areas and coolers, and arrange decedents. Wash and dry laundry used in autopsies. Order and inventory supplies and materials. Perform ...

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Autopsy information

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$49.5K

$89K

$133K

How much do autopsy jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for autopsy in the United States is $89,007.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $72,000.00 and $99,500.00 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.
What cities are hiring for Autopsy jobs? Cities with the most Autopsy job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Autopsy jobs? The most popular types of Autopsy jobs are:
What states have the most Autopsy jobs? States with the most job openings for Autopsy jobs include:
Infographic showing various Autopsy job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Locum Tenens, 1% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 27% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $89,007 per year, or $42.8 per hour.

$29.77 - $42.39/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 2 days ago


Job description

Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center is an independent, nonprofit organization providing adult cancer treatment and groundbreaking research focused on cancer and infectious diseases. Based in Seattle, Fred Hutch is the only National Cancer Institute-designated cancer center in Washington.

With a track record of global leadership in bone marrow transplantation, HIV/AIDS prevention, immunotherapy and COVID-19 vaccines, Fred Hutch has earned a reputation as one of the world’s leading cancer, infectious disease and biomedical research centers. Fred Hutch operates eight clinical care sites that provide medical oncology, infusion, radiation, proton therapy and related services, and network affiliations with hospitals in five states. Together, our fully integrated research and clinical care teams seek to discover new cures to the world’s deadliest diseases and make life beyond cancer a reality.

At Fred Hutch we value collaboration, compassion, determination, excellence, innovation, integrity and respect. Our mission is directly tied to the humanity, dignity and inherent value of each employee, patient, community member and supporter. Our commitment to learning across our differences and similarities make us stronger. We seek employees who bring different and innovative ways of seeing the world and solving problems.

The Diener/Autopsy Technician performs technical work in support of the Post-Mortem Collection Program’s Research Pathologist in conducting postmortem research collections. The primary role of the Autopsy Technician is preparing the body for collection, assisting with external and internal examinations (dissecting, eviscerating, retracting, using bone saw, etc.), collection of samples, preparing the body for release, and cleaning bodies, instruments, and examination rooms. Additionally, the Autopsy Technician manages flow of specimens and inventory throughout the morgue/lab space and is the primary contact for funeral home and vendor personnel within the facility.


  • Responsible for receiving and releasing bodies and maintaining the proper chain of custody with regard to the human remains.
  • Prepares examination room for collection including laying out supplies and instruments, transferring of body to autopsy table, undressing and documenting clothing and all property received with the body, removing blood, body fluids, and other debris from body.
  • Prepares body for autopsy; may open bodies and/or remove organs or tissues under direction from the Research Pathologist; sutures and cleans body upon completion of autopsy.
  • Respond to calls outside of traditional work hours as necessary to transport bodies and assist in postmortem collections
  • Ensures proper handling, transfers, labeling and storing of specimens
  • Clean and maintain work area and equipment using sanitation/decontamination, safety, and biohazard control measures
  • Monitors level of supplies, conducts inventories, requests supplies as needed

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

  • A bachelor’s degree in the biological sciences
  • Basic knowledge of medical terminology, anatomy and physiology
  • Six months experience handling bodies in a morgue, mortuary, or similar setting; or any combination of education or experience which would demonstrate the ability to perform the work
  • Experience interacting with research participants, with an understanding of the ethical and technical conduct of research
  • Excellent English communication skills (oral and written)
  • Organizational ability to perform multiple tasks efficiently and to prioritize duties
  • Ability to work both independently and collaboratively to achieve objectives
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications including Word, Excel, and Access and PowerPoint
  • Ability to perform basic data management tasks (data entry, data cleaning, retrieval)
  • Ability to perform basic data analysis and reporting (in words, numbers and graphics)
  • Must be able to maintain strict protocols of all confidential or sensitive information
  • This position requires willingness to work non-standard hours, including occasional long shifts, holidays, and weekends

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Experience in the processing of blood/tissues (ex. histology) is desired but not a requirement

The hourly pay range for this position is from $29.77 to $42.39 and pay offered will be based on experience and qualifications. This position may be eligible for relocation assistance. 
Although Fred Hutch is not sponsoring most H-1B visas at this time, candidates who already hold an H-1B sponsored by another organization and are currently in the U.S. may be eligible for this position.
Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center offers employees a comprehensive benefits package designed to enhance health, well-being, and financial security. Benefits include medical/vision, dental, flexible spending accounts, life, disability, retirement, family life support, employee assistance program, onsite health clinic, tuition reimbursement, paid vacation (12-22 days per year), paid sick leave (12-25 days per year), paid holidays (13 days per year), and paid parental leave (up to 4 weeks).


We are proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA) Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, ancestry, national origin, sex, age, disability (physical or mental), marital or veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, political ideology, or membership in any other legally protected class. We desire priority referrals of protected veterans. If due to a disability you need assistance/and or a reasonable accommodation during the application or recruiting process, please send a request to Human Resources at hrops@fredhutch.org or by calling 206-667-4700.