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Autopsy Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Autopsy information

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$49.5K

$89K

$133K

How much do autopsy jobs pay per year?

As of May 28, 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 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 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 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 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 May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 2% As Needed, 60% Full Time, 36% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $89,007 per year, or $42.8 per hour.

$269K - $321K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 24 days ago


Job description

Job Description:

Pathologist, Medical Director of Decedent Affairs

(Academic Clinician)

Department of Pathology

Harvard Medical Faculty Physicians at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Inc.

Harvard Medical School, Boston

The Department of Pathology at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC) is recruiting a full-timeacademicAutopsypathologistto serve as the Medical Director of DecedentAffairs.The role provides medical leadership for the hospital's decedent management processes, including adult and perinatal pathways.The candidate will be appointed to the full-time faculty of Harvard Medical School at an academic rankcommensuratewith experience (Instructor, Assistant Professor or Associate Professor).Recent fellowship graduates and mid-career/senior physicians are strongly encouraged to apply.

As a teaching hospitalofHarvard Medical School, BIDMC and the Department of Pathologyprovidea clinically advanced and supportive academic environment for residents, fellows, and faculty.We'realso proud and excited to be an integral part of the landmark collaboration among Dana-FarberCancer Institute (DFCI), Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC), and Harvard Medical FacultyPhysicians (HMFP) toestablishNew England's only freestanding adult inpatient cancer hospital. Thecollaboration willprovideunparalleled opportunities forpathologistsandotherphysician specialtiesto be part of DFCI's internationally recognized cancer team.

The successful candidate will join a collegial team of faculty, fellows, and residents committed to world-class diagnostics, education, and discovery.The position also includes clinical coverageof the autopsy service andthesurgicalpathology service(s)if applicable, depending onthe candidate'sinterest and qualifications.

Qualifications:

  • Candidates mustpossessandMD or DO(or equivalent), board certificationin Pathology(AP or AP/CP) anda validCommonwealth of Massachusettsmedical license or the ability to obtain one.

  • Experience leading orparticipatingin an academic or forensic pathology service;candidates with forensic pathologyfellowship training are encouraged to apply.

  • Demonstrated ability to lead complex, multi-stakeholderdecedent managementprocesses, preferably within acute care or academic medical environments.

  • Outstanding communication, organizational, and team-building skills, with the ability to collaborate across service lines and communicate effectively with grieving families.

  • Experience in quality improvement, informatics, regulatory compliance, or operational leadershipstronglypreferred.

Who We Are

Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, a 743-bed hospital and Level 1 Trauma Center, is a founding member of Beth Israel Lahey Health (BILH).BILH, a health care system with 14 hospitals, brings together academic medical centers and teaching hospitals,communityand specialty hospitals, and more than 4,000 physicians and39,000 employeesin a shared mission to expand access and advance the science and practice of medicine through groundbreaking research and education.

Harvard Medical Faculty Physiciansat Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (HMFP) is one of the largest physician organizations in New England, dedicated to excellence and innovation in patient care, education, and research. As a physician-led organization, HMFP partners with more than 2,400 providers to support the delivery of exceptional care, promote professional development and foster balance at work and home. HMFP physicians have faculty affiliations with Harvard Medical School (HMS) and provide care throughoutBILHsystem andadditionalhospitals across Massachusetts.

Research

Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center consistently ranks as a national leader among independent hospitals in National Institutes of Health funding. With research funding totaling over $250 million, annually, BIDMC's 2000+ researchers and staff run more than 2500 active clinical research studies in 52 areas of research.

For further questions or confidential position inquiries, please contact Dr.Jonathan Hecht,(jlhecht@bidmc.harvard.edu).

Candidates should apply directly to WorkdayandsubmitCV and other required materials:Requisition R1502

Pay Range:

$269,000 - $321,000

The base pay range reflects what Harvard Medical Faculty Physicians at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (HMFP) reasonably and in good faith expects to pay for this role at the time of posting and may be modified from time to time. Actual compensation within this range may be determined based on several factors, including academic appointment, work experience, specialty training, geography of work location, anticipated productivity, FTE basis, and role expectations. In addition to base compensation, this role may be eligible for performance-based incentives, which may include bonuses for productivity and quality HMFP also offers a comprehensive and generous employee benefits program to eligible employees, including health, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance, as well as retirement plan(s) with employer contributions.