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Autopsy Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Pathologists' Assistant

Washington, DC · On-site

$80K - $120K/yr

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 ...

Pathologist Assistant

Suffern, NY · On-site

$106K - $134K/yr

Also responsible for gross autopsy prosection and preliminary autopsy reports. Supervision is not a regular responsibility of this position but may provide guidance and training to technologists ...

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Autopsy information

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$49.5K

$89K

$133K

How much do autopsy jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 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 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 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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 63% Full Time, 32% Part Time, and 2% 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.

Deputy Director of Forensic Autopsy Support Services

City of New York

Manhattan, NY

Full-time

Re-posted yesterday


City Of New York rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 81 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

624th of 849 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

Job Description

The Office of Chief Medical Examiner investigates cases of persons who die within New York City from criminal violence, by accident, by suicide, suddenly when in apparent health, when unattended by a physician, in a correctional facility or in any suspicious or unusual manner or where an application is made pursuant to law for a permit to cremate a body of a person.
Our core purpose is to protect public health and serve impartial justice through forensic science and medicine. We exist to provide answers in support of families and communities during times of profound need.
The core values of CARES guide our work for communities and inform our behavior toward each other and all those we serve.
- Commitment: Dedicated to the mission at all times
- Accountability: Responsible to each other and the community
- Resilience: Adapt in the face of adversity
- Excellence: Achieve and maintain the highest quality
- Service: Innovate to meet evolving needs
OPEN TO OTHER SIMILAR CIVIL SERVICE TITLES.
*6.1.9. Transfer and Change of Title*
Any permanent employee in the competitive class who meets all of the requirements for a competitive examination, and is otherwise qualified as determined by the commissioner of citywide administrative services, shall be eligible for participation in a non-competitive examination in a different position classification provided, however, that such employee is holding a position in a similar grade.
Duties will include but are not limited to:
- Oversee the daily operations of forensic photography services, ensuring timely, accurate, and consistent documentation in support of medicolegal investigations.
- Manage forensic radiography and PMCT operations, including the implementation of imaging protocols, quality assurance measures, and staff competency development.
- Coordinate and oversee forensic autopsy support services to ensure efficient case processing and effective support to forensic pathologists.
- Develop, implement, and maintain standardized operating procedures and quality standards for forensic photography, radiography, PMCT, and autopsy support functions.
- Supervise assigned staff, including scheduling, workload distribution, training, performance management, and professional development activities.
- Monitor operational performance and workflow across all assigned units, identifying and addressing issues that impact service delivery, case throughput, or quality.
- Coordinate with pathology, investigations, records, and other agency units to support efficient operations and continuity of case-related services.
- Ensure compliance with applicable legal, regulatory, accreditation, health and safety, and agency requirements governing forensic operations.
- Oversee the maintenance, testing, and operational readiness of imaging equipment and other assigned resources; coordinate equipment repairs, upgrades, and replacement planning as needed.
- Manage inventory and procurement of supplies, equipment, and materials necessary to support forensic photography, radiography, PMCT, and autopsy services operations.
- Serve as essential personnel and maintain availability to support agency operations during emergencies, continuity of operations activations, and mass fatality incidents, including nights, weekends, and holidays as required.
- Perform other related duties and special projects as assigned.
- All other duties as assigned.
DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF MEDICOLEGAL - 95497

Qualifications

1. A New York State license as a Physician Assistant with current Registration Certificate issued by New York State, plus two years of experience as a Physician Assistant and two years of experience as a Medicolegal Investigator; or
2. A current Nurse Practitioner Registration Certificate issued by New York State, plus two years of experience as a Nurse Practitioner and two years of experience as a Medicolegal Investigator; or
3. Five years of experience as a Medicolegal Investigator.

Additional Information

The City of New York is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.


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