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County Morgue Jobs in Philadelphia, PA (NOW HIRING)

Physically lift and move decedent(s) onto and off transport stretchers, morgue lifts and into County Vehicles * Properly transport according to office protocols; admit and retrieve decedent(s) to and ...

PT Coroner's Transporter

PA · On-site

$15.68/hr

Physically lift and move decedent(s) onto and off transport stretchers, morgue lifts and into County Vehicles * Properly transport according to office protocols; admit and retrieve decedent(s) to and ...

County Morgue information

See Philadelphia, PA salary details

$31.3K

$91.7K

$158.4K

How much do county morgue jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for county morgue in Philadelphia, PA is $91,715.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $50,500.00 and $125,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a county morgue?

A county morgue is a facility operated by local government where deceased individuals are brought for examination, identification, and autopsy when the cause of death is unknown, suspicious, or requires legal investigation. Medical examiners or coroners work in county morgues to determine the cause and manner of death, especially in cases involving accidents, homicides, or unattended deaths. The morgue plays a crucial role in supporting law enforcement and public health by providing forensic analysis and documentation.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a county morgue technician?

To thrive as a County Morgue Technician, you need knowledge of forensic science, anatomy, and mortuary practices, typically supported by an associate degree in mortuary science or a related field. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, autopsy instruments, and case management software is essential. Attention to detail, emotional resilience, and strong communication skills help professionals handle sensitive situations and interact with law enforcement or grieving families. These skills and qualities are crucial for ensuring accurate post-mortem examinations, maintaining evidence integrity, and upholding professionalism in a challenging environment.

What are some common challenges faced when working in a county morgue, and how can new employees best prepare for them?

Working in a county morgue often involves exposure to emotionally challenging situations, including handling deceased individuals in various conditions and interacting with grieving families. New employees may also encounter irregular hours, as cases can arrive at any time, requiring flexibility and resilience. To prepare, it is helpful to develop strong coping strategies, seek support from experienced colleagues, and familiarize oneself with safety protocols and proper handling procedures. Participating in training programs and maintaining open communication with the team can also ease the transition into this unique environment.

What is the difference between County Morgue vs Medical Examiner?

AspectCounty MorgueMedical Examiner
CredentialsNone required, often forensic or mortuary trainingMedical degree (MD), forensic pathology certification
Work EnvironmentMortuary or morgue facilities, handling deceased bodiesMedical offices, crime labs, autopsy suites
Employer & IndustryCounty government, mortuary servicesCounty or state government, forensic pathology
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for death investigations and mortuary dutiesFocuses on cause of death, autopsies, legal cases

The main difference is that County Morgue workers typically handle the storage and preparation of deceased bodies, often with mortuary training, while Medical Examiners are licensed physicians who determine causes of death through autopsies and forensic analysis. Both roles are essential in death investigations but differ in qualifications and responsibilities.

Can I work at a county morgue with no experience?

County morgue positions often require some training or certification, such as a death investigation or morgue assistant program, but entry-level roles may be available to those without prior experience. Candidates typically need to demonstrate reliability, attention to detail, and the ability to handle sensitive situations; on-the-job training is common. Having a background in healthcare, criminal justice, or related fields can be beneficial but is not always mandatory for entry-level roles.

What qualifications do you need to work at the county morgue?

To work at a county morgue, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, and some roles may require post-secondary education in forensic science, pathology, or a related field. Relevant skills include attention to detail, ability to handle sensitive situations, and familiarity with medical or forensic tools; certifications such as a medical examiner or mortuary science license may also be required depending on the position.

What are popular job titles related to County Morgue jobs in Philadelphia, PA?

For County Morgue jobs in Philadelphia, PA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching County Morgue jobs in Philadelphia, PA look for?

The top searched job categories for County Morgue jobs in Philadelphia, PA are:

Infographic showing various County Morgue job openings in Philadelphia, PA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Part Time, and 33% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $91,715 per year, or $44.1 per hour.

PT Coroner's Transporter

West Chester, PA • On-site

County of Chester
Public Administration • 1 - 5K employees

$15.68/hr

Part-time

Posted 6 days ago


Job description

Summary This position, at the request and direction of the Deputy Coroner and other staff members, provides timely and professional transportation services of deceased persons within the jurisdiction of the Chester County Coroner's Office. Out of County transportations may be requested, on an as-needed basis. This position requires availability 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.

This is an Essential Employee position. Essential employees are obligated to report to work as scheduled or remain at work during emergencies. Following is the Duty Statement for Essential Employees: "Carries out essential job functions or assigned emergency duties which may involve assignments within the Coroner's Office, deployment to a field location to participate in emergency management activities, or other duties as required during periods of emergency.

If received, emergency assignments may be performed under adverse conditions and continue for periods ranging from a few hours to several weeks". Essential Duties Respond promptly to transport requests from Deputy Coroners, Autopsy Technicians and Office Supervisors Properly prepare decedent(s) for removal with or without assistance from a Deputy Coroner Assist Deputy Coroner with maneuvering decedent(s) during scene examinations. Physically lift and move decedent(s) onto and off transport stretchers, morgue lifts and into County Vehicles Properly transport according to office protocols; admit and retrieve decedent(s) to and from various morgue facilities throughout the county.

Occasionally transport by admitting and retrieving decedent(s) to and from morgue facilities outside of the county Occasionally assist the Autopsy Technician and Forensic Pathologists with the moving of bariatric decedents during examinations Operate a county emergency vehicle in accordance with Coroner Office policy. Interact professionally with hospital staff, Law Enforcement, Next of Kin and other emergency personnel. Perform job duties in a respectful manner at all times.

Inventory and maintain transporter supplies in designated storage areas and vehicles. Perform or request routine maintenance on transport vehicles, stretchers, morgue lifts and other related equipment. Maintain cleanliness of all equipment including vehicles, stretchers, morgue lifts, morgue garage, reeves etc.

Qualifications/Preferred Skills, Knowledge & Experience Must be able to lift over 100 pounds without assistance. Must live in Chester County A valid driver's license and current insurance, required to drive county vehicle. Availability to work various shifts including overnights, weekends, and Holidays.

Able to pass criminal background check, child abuse clearance, and FBI fingerprinting clearance. Preferred Skills, Knowledge & Experience: Experience working with decedents, including various stages of decomposition. EMS or Fire Service background Experience moving bariatric patients.

EVOC Certification Experience driving larger trucks or vans. Ability to use Microsoft Office programs such as Excel and Outlook Additional Information Relevant background checks, clearances, physicals, drug tests, and any other assessments or evaluations will be conducted after an offer of employment is give per County policy. Physical Demands: While performing the duties of this position, the employee is frequently required to stand, walk, sit, bend at the waist, and talk or hear.

Occasionally, the employee will need to reach or work with arms above shoulder height, kneel, stoop, crouch or squat, crawl, climb stairs, climb, or work on a ladder, twist or rotate at the waist while working. Must be able to turn, lift, or carry decedents up to 100 pounds for a distance of 150 feet, without assistance, and to drive a vehicle. On rare occasions, the employee will need to work with an uncommon level of noise.

Vision adequate to drive and to read written or computer records. Work Environment: Exposure to hazardous environments and various weather conditions including but not limited to waterways, roadways, harsh weather, and unsafe structures. Work will be mostly performed inside private residences, inside hospital and medical facilities, long-term care facilities, outside on roadways, outside in parks or woods, and other indoor/outdoor locations depending on the type of scene response.

Exposure to graphic scenes, traumatic injuries, and decedents in various states of decomposition Exposure to blood borne pathogens, biohazardous materials and noxious odors. Ability to work in emotionally charged and sensitive circumstances, including autopsies. Exposure to secondary trauma related stressors.

Other: This position requires confidentiality. This position requires professionalism. Must be able to remain courteous and maintain composure under stressful situations.

May deal with items that have monetary and evidentiary value. Ability to deal with all types of personalities. Ability to interact professionally with Law Enforcement, EMS, Next of Kin or other family and other first responders on scene.

Ability to work as part of a team and independently. Ability to work extended hours, as required, with little to no notice. Flexibility and ability to adapt to change.

Ability to work holidays, as needed to staff a 24/7/365 schedule. Must fulfill all mandatory training requirements. Hepatitis B vaccination or sign declination form A valid driver's license and current insurance, required to drive county vehicle.