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Cadaver Lab Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Cadaver Lab information

See California salary details

$14

$34

$60

How much do cadaver lab jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for cadaver lab in California is $34.69, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $23.70 and $46.49 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What jobs work with cadavers?

Jobs that work with cadavers include anatomical laboratory technicians, medical examiners, forensic anthropologists, and funeral service workers. These roles often require knowledge of human anatomy, proper handling procedures, and sometimes certifications in mortuary science or related fields. They typically involve working in medical, educational, or forensic environments to assist with research, education, or investigations.

What is a Cadaver Lab job?

A Cadaver Lab job involves working in a laboratory where human cadavers are used for medical education, research, and training. Responsibilities may include preparing specimens, maintaining lab cleanliness, assisting students or professionals during dissections, and ensuring proper handling of human remains. These roles are common in medical schools, research institutions, and surgical training facilities. It requires attention to detail, respect for ethical guidelines, and comfort working with human anatomy.

What is the highest paid lab job?

In cadaver labs, the highest paid roles are often senior positions such as lab managers or lead anatomists, who typically have advanced degrees and extensive experience. These roles may earn higher salaries due to their responsibilities, expertise, and leadership requirements, often supplemented by specialized certifications or teaching experience.

What qualification do I need to work in a lab?

To work in a cadaver lab, individuals typically need a background in anatomy, biology, or a related health science field, along with relevant certifications such as CPR or first aid. Prior experience with laboratory procedures and adherence to safety and ethical standards are also important.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of someone working in a Cadaver Lab?

Daily responsibilities in a Cadaver Lab often include preparing cadaver specimens for dissection or study, maintaining proper storage and documentation, and ensuring all equipment and safety protocols are followed. Staff also assist students, faculty, or researchers during labs by setting up materials, answering anatomical questions, and properly disposing of biological waste. Collaboration with educators and other lab personnel is common to ensure that instructional and research needs are met efficiently. This hands-on, detail-oriented role is essential to providing a safe and effective learning environment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Cadaver Lab position, and why are they important?

To thrive in a Cadaver Lab role, you need a solid background in human anatomy, laboratory safety protocols, and often a relevant degree in biology or a health science field. Familiarity with dissection tools, laboratory equipment, and safety certifications like OSHA or bloodborne pathogen training is typically required. Attention to detail, respect for specimens, and strong organizational skills are vital soft skills for maintaining lab integrity and supporting educational or research activities. These skills ensure accurate, safe handling of materials and contribute to the educational or scientific objectives of the lab.

What do you do in a cadaver lab?

In a cadaver lab, a cadaver lab technician or student works with human cadavers to study anatomy, perform dissections, and learn about the structure of the human body. The environment requires careful handling, knowledge of safety protocols, and often the use of dissection tools and protective equipment.
What are the most commonly searched types of Cadaver Lab jobs in California? The most popular types of Cadaver Lab jobs in California are:
What job categories do people searching Cadaver Lab jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Cadaver Lab jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Cadaver Lab jobs? Cities in California with the most Cadaver Lab job openings:
Infographic showing various Cadaver Lab job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 25% Full Time, and 75% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $72,157 per year, or $34.7 per hour.

Adjunct Instructor - Basic Sciences

Samuelmerritt

Oakland, CA

$600 - $8.0K/mo

Part-time

Posted 17 days ago


Job description

Description:Job Description Summary:The Basic Sciences Department at Samuel Merritt University (SMU) in Oakland, California is seeking qualified candidates to teach in the human anatomy cadaver lab for multiple graduate-level programs.
The University
Samuel Merritt University (SMU) has a long history of educating highly skilled and compassionate health professionals who positively transform the experience of care in diverse communities. The University has an institution-wide commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. We strive to build and maintain a welcoming and supportive campus environment and affirm diversity as an educational imperative to achieving excellence. The Basic Sciences Department provides excellent instructors for the basic science courses required in our programs.Duties and Responsibilities:

Part-time/ Adjuvant Anatomist Responsibilities: The applicant must be able to teach graduate/medical school-level anatomy courses. Here is a list of key responsibilities.

  • Assist with teaching the laboratory lower extremity cadaveric dissection-based anatomy labs to podiatric medical students
  • Assist with teaching cadaveric prosection-based anatomy labs to Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy students
  • Completely dissect two cadavers in preparation for the prosection-based courses
  • Assist in curricular preparation and laboratory course administration for anatomy courses
  • Contribute to student learning, growth, and advancement.
  • Maintain a growth mindset toward student learning, teaching practice, and being flexible to teach different anatomy course content for different learner cohorts as needed.
  • Demonstrate a high degree of self-efficacy, being held accountable for learner outcomes, and advocate for learners to succeed and excel.
  • Invest in the learners' well-being, health, and safety, physically, socially, and emotionally.

Education and/or Experience:

  • Applicant must have a minimum of a Master's degree in either Anatomy or a closely related discipline. Individuals with experience teaching graduate and medical school level is preferred.
  • At least two years of experience teaching cadaveric anatomy

Timeline: Application reviews will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

For additional information please contact:

Mary Premenko-Lanier, PhD

Associate Professor and Interim, Co-Chair

Basic Sciences Department

Samuel Merritt University

mpremenko-lanier@samuelmerritt.edu

The University has an institution-wide commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. We strive to build a welcoming and supportive campus environment and acknowledge that diversity is an educational imperative to achieve excellence.

Employee Status:Fixed Term (Fixed Term)Exemption Status:United States of America (Exempt)Time Type:Part timeJob Shift:

Pay Range:

Based on teaching assignment, a reasonable estimate for this position is between $600 - $8000.Samuel Merritt University currently provides base salary ranges for all positions-on job advertisements-in the United States based on local requirements. Individual compensation will ultimately be determined based on a variety of relevant factors including but-not limited to qualifications, geographic location, and other relevant skills.