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Autopsy Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Description Autopsy & Anatomic Pathology Services | Travel Opportunities | Growing Private Practice This is not a typical hospital Pathologists' Assistant role. If you enjoy working closely with ...

City Mortuary Technician

Manhattan, NY

$3.2K - $4.3K/mo

Cleans and disinfects autopsy table. - At scene of death, prepares body for transport, attaches and completes toe tags, secures medications to body as per policy, places body in body bag ...

City Mortuary Technician

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$3.2K - $4.3K/mo

Cleans and disinfects autopsy table. - At scene of death, prepares body for transport, attaches and completes toe tags, secures medications to body as per policy, places body in body bag ...

City Mortuary Technician

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$3.2K - $4.3K/mo

Cleans and disinfects autopsy table. - At scene of death, prepares body for transport, attaches and completes toe tags, secures medications to body as per policy, places body in body bag ...

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Autopsy information

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$49.5K

$89K

$133K

How much do autopsy jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 13, 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 forensic pathologist must complete a bachelor's degree, medical school, and a residency in pathology, followed by specialized training in forensic or anatomical pathology. Certification by a medical board is typically required, and strong skills in anatomy, pathology, and attention to detail are essential.

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 a background in forensic pathology, medicine, or a related field, often requiring a medical degree or specialized training in pathology. Certification or licensing may be required depending on the region, and familiarity with autopsy procedures, anatomy, and laboratory tools is essential. Entry-level roles may involve assisting pathologists or working in morgues under supervision.

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.

How much are autopsy people paid?

Autopsy technicians and pathologists typically earn between $50,000 and $150,000 annually, depending on experience, education, and location. Forensic pathologists with specialized training tend to have higher salaries, often exceeding $100,000 per year. Salaries can also vary based on the employer, such as government agencies or private labs, and may include benefits like health insurance and retirement plans.

What career performs autopsies?

A forensic pathologist, also known as a medical examiner or coroner, performs autopsies to determine causes of death. They typically hold a medical degree, complete specialized training in pathology, and work in medical examiner's offices or hospitals. Autopsies require knowledge of anatomy, pathology, and the use of tools like scalpels and microscopes.
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 July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 2% As Needed, 66% Full Time, 30% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $89,007 per year, or $42.8 per hour.
Diener Contractor - PRN - Danbury

Diener Contractor - PRN - Danbury

Danbury Hospital

Danbury, CT • On-site

Full-time, Per diem

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Danbury Hospital rating

6.6

Company rating: 6.6 out of 10

Based on 12 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

661st of 1,020 rated hospitals


Job description

Northwell is the largest not-for-profit health system in the Northeast, serving residents of New York and Connecticut with 28 hospitals, more than 1,000 outpatient facilities, 22,000 nurses and over 20,000 physicians. Northwell cares for more than three million people annually in the New York metro area, including Long Island, the Hudson Valley, Connecticut and beyond, thanks to philanthropic support from our communities. Northwell is New York State’s largest private employer with over 104,000 employees — including members of Northwell Health Physician Partners — who are working to change health care for the better. 

Summary:

A contracted Diener will assist the pathologists and residents in performing autopsies. The role includes preparing the body, tools, supplies, and the autopsy suite used during the examination. The role ensures proper and safe procedures are followed during the autopsy and post autopsy including cleaning and disinfecting of equipment, and restocking of supplies in the autopsy suite

Responsibilities:

  1. Prepares the autopsy suite, including making sure all needed instruments are ready for use, for performance of the requested autopsy. Makes sure the white board is clear, grossing station is ready, and scales, camera/ipad, recording devices, computer are functional. Ensures proper amount of storage containers and formalin are available for the autopsy requested. Notifies the attending pathologist and any pathology residents when the autopsy will start.
  2. Verifies the requested autopsy name and medical record number matches the name of the person and medical record number on the body bag and in the morgue log book.
  3. Signs the morgue log book when moving the body to and from the cooler area to the autopsy table and suite. Prepares body for autopsy by removing the clothing of the cadaver.
  4. External examination is performed. The height is measured. The body is turned, as requested, to check the front and back of the cadaver.

5. A Y shaped thoraco-abdominal primary incision is made to open body cavities; removes breastbone; together with the prosector (resident or pathologist) removes thoracic and abdominal contents according to established procedures.

6. An intermastoid coronal incision is performed as necessary. Saw the skull, remove the calvarium and remove the brain, pituitary gland, and samples other tissues as needed.

  1. Remove organs as requested and weigh them. Toxicology samples are collected as requested
  2. Ensure all organs removed are placed into properly labeled storage containers that minimally includes the patients name and autopsy number. Autopsy storage containers, with samples in formalin, are placed on the shelving in the autopsy suite.

9. Responsible for closing the body, cleaning the body, readying the body for the funeral home. The body is returned to the body bag and signed back into the morgue log book and the body is placed into the morgue.

  1. Responsible for cleaning the autopsy table, grossing table, and all instruments used during the autopsy. All storage buckets are checked.
  2. Responsible for maintenance of the autopsy suite, including instrument, clothing, equipment and supplies.
  3. Responsible for the restocking of supplies as needed.

13. Maintain and Model Organizational Values.

14. Demonstrates regular, reliable and predictable attendance.

15. Performs other duties as required.

  • Other Information:
  • Minimum Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Requirements:
  • A general understanding of human anatomy
  • License, Registration, or Certification Requirements:
  • CT or NYS License is preferred

Working Conditions:

Manual: significant manual skills/motor coord & finger dexterity

Occupational: Significant occupational risk

Physical Effort: Very Heavy effort. May exert up to 50 lbs. force

Physical Environment: Significant exposure to dirt, odors, noise, human waste, etc.

Company: Danbury Hospital

Org Unit: 132

Department: Pathology Anatomic

Exempt: No

Salary Range: $23.64 - $45.92 Hourly


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