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$107K

How much do forensic autopsy jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for forensic autopsy in the United States is $61,011.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $47,500.00 and $72,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What qualifications do you need to do autopsies?

To perform forensic autopsies, individuals typically need a medical degree (MD or DO), completion of a residency in pathology, and specialized training in forensic pathology. Certification by a relevant medical board, such as the American Board of Pathology, is often required, along with knowledge of forensic techniques and tools. Licensing requirements vary by jurisdiction but generally include medical licensure and board certification in forensic pathology.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Forensic Autopsy Technician, and why are they important?

To excel as a Forensic Autopsy Technician, you need a background in biology or forensic science, anatomical knowledge, and relevant certifications such as those in forensic pathology assistance. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, digital imaging tools, and evidence management systems is typically required. Attention to detail, discretion, and strong communication skills are crucial soft skills for handling sensitive information and working within multidisciplinary teams. These abilities ensure accurate and respectful handling of evidence, supporting legal investigations and public health outcomes.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in forensic autopsy roles?

Professionals in forensic autopsy roles often encounter emotionally challenging situations, as they work closely with deceased individuals and may be exposed to traumatic cases. Additionally, they must maintain meticulous attention to detail to ensure accuracy in documenting findings and handling evidence, as their work is crucial in legal investigations. Collaboration with law enforcement, legal teams, and other medical professionals is frequent, requiring strong communication skills and the ability to explain complex medical information clearly. Managing a variable workload and adapting to unexpected cases are also common aspects of the role.

What careers do autopsies have?

Careers related to autopsies include forensic pathologists, medical examiners, and autopsy technicians. These professionals perform post-mortem examinations to determine cause of death, often working in medical examiner offices or forensic laboratories, and typically require medical degrees and specialized training in pathology or forensic science.

What is a forensic autopsy?

A forensic autopsy is a thorough medical examination of a body conducted by a forensic pathologist to determine the cause and manner of death, particularly in cases of sudden, unexplained, or suspicious deaths. It involves both external and internal examinations, collecting evidence, and documenting findings that may be crucial for legal investigations. Forensic autopsies often aid in criminal investigations and court proceedings by providing scientific information about how and why a person died.

What is the highest paid forensic job?

The highest paid forensic jobs are typically forensic pathologists or medical examiners, who often hold medical degrees and board certifications. These professionals can earn high salaries due to their specialized medical training, experience, and leadership roles in medical examiner offices or forensic laboratories.

What Are Forensic Autopsy Jobs?

Forensic autopsy positions include technicians and pathologists who work in a medical laboratory in which they examine bodies to aid law enforcement. Your duties as a forensic autopsy technician are to prepare each body for examination by the pathologist, assist the pathologist during an examination, and clean up the medical laboratory, tools, and equipment after an examination. The responsibilities of a forensic autopsy pathologist include conducting the autopsy, recording their spoken observations during an examination, and recording their findings in a written report. This report helps law enforcement in determining the cause of death and other relevant information.

What is the difference between Forensic Autopsy vs Medical Examiner?

AspectForensic AutopsyMedical Examiner
CredentialsMedical degree, pathology license, forensic trainingMedical degree, often pathology license, forensic or pathology training
Work EnvironmentAutopsy rooms, morgues, crime labsCoroner's office, morgues, crime scenes
RolePerforming detailed autopsies to determine cause of deathOverseeing death investigations, including autopsies

While both forensic autopsists and medical examiners perform autopsies to determine causes of death, forensic autopsists focus primarily on conducting detailed autopsies, whereas medical examiners oversee death investigations and may perform or supervise autopsies. Both roles require medical credentials and work in similar environments, but their responsibilities differ in scope and authority.

How to become a forensic autopsy?

To become a forensic autopsy professional, typically one must first earn a medical degree (MD or DO), complete a residency in pathology, and then pursue a fellowship in forensic pathology. Certification by a relevant medical board, such as the American Board of Pathology, is often required, along with strong skills in anatomy, pathology, and forensic science. Licensing and experience in medical examiner or coroner offices are also important steps.
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Forensic Autopsy jobs near you
Forensic Autopsy Technician

Forensic Autopsy Technician

Saratoga Hospital

Saratoga Springs, NY

$24.75 - $37.13/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Retirement

Posted 20 days ago

Saratoga Hospital rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 46 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

396th of 1,012 rated hospitals

Job description

Forensic Autopsy Technician

Location: Saratoga Springs, NY

Employment Type: Per Diem

Shift/Schedule: Varied shifts

Department: Anatomic Pathology

Salary Range: $24.75 – $37.13 hourly, based on experience and qualifications

About Saratoga Hospital

At Saratoga Hospital, we’ve built a reputation for high-quality, compassionate care and a commitment to the health and well-being of our community. As part of the Albany Med Health System, we combine advanced technology with a deeply personal approach—creating a supportive environment for patients, staff, and providers alike. We believe that exceptional care starts with exceptional people.

 About the Role

We’re looking for a dedicated Forensic Autopsy Technician to join our team and help us continue delivering the level of care our patients and families deserve. In this role you will be a vital part of our clinical team, ensuring excellent service, collaboration, and patient outcomes in a fast-paced healthcare environment. In this role as the Forensic Autopsy Technician, you will maintain related records and certificates, prepare equipment, supplies and decedents for autopsy, assist with the performance of autopsies, store tissues and specimens, and maintain the area and all equipment and supplies in a clean and organized fashion.  You will also be responsible for maintaining appropriate professional communications and client relations with all external and internal contacts required in the performance of this position.  This position requires the exercise of sound judgement and responsibility, and works under the direct supervision of the attending pathologist during autopsy procedures.

What You’ll Do

  • Assists the pathologist in performing the post-mortem exam which includes the following functions:
    • Follows universal precautions and adheres to hospital and departmental safety regulations.
    • Obtains appropriate permits and verifies correct patient identification prior to performing an autopsy.
    • Perform some parts of the autopsy which may include opening the skull, removal and weighing various organs, locating and tying off major vessels and closing incisions.
    • Maintain correct tissue identification throughout the procedure.
    • Clean, drape and store bodies prior to removal by funeral directors.
    • Access Requisition Entry in LIS to place order for Autopsy.
    • Practice safety and infection control according to established standard operation procedures (SOPs).  Mitigates workplace hazards including hazardous material spills less than 1000mL. 
    • Ensure security and confidentiality are maintained at all times.
    • Prepare and set up equipment, tools and supplies needed for the autopsy.
  • Ensures that the morgue area is clean and well supplied. This may include appropriate disposal of contaminated linen and disposition of contaminated specimens or disposable supplies from the clinical or anatomic pathology area.
  • Prepares and labels specimen containers, swabs etc. for the preservation of tissue, blood and other samples. Prepares the appropriate test requisitions and submits specimens for testing as requested by the pathologist. Tests may be performed in-house or sent to a reference lab as designated by the pathologist.
  • Maintain autopsy-related records.
  • Initiate monthly on call schedule.
  • Other duties as assigned
  • Deliver compassionate, patient-centered care in alignment with Saratoga Hospital values
  • Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to support health, healing, and service excellence
  • Perform clinical responsibilities with a focus on safety, quality, and efficiency
  • Use hospital systems and tools to document care and support operations
  • Continuously seek opportunities to improve processes and support patient and staff satisfaction
  • Serve as a positive, professional representative of our hospital and community

What You Bring

  • 2 years of undergraduate education in an Associate of Applied Science program in Biology, Mortuary Science or Forensics. Bachelor’s Degree preferred. At least a year of specifically related experience in college, with autopsies or with relevant laboratory, mortuary, forensic or healthcare experience 
  • Strong communication and teamwork skills
  • Commitment to providing patient-first, high-quality service
  • Comfort working in a fast-paced, collaborative environment

Why Saratoga Hospital

  • A caring, community-focused culture rooted in teamwork and trust
  • Supportive leadership that invests in your development and well-being
  • Comprehensive benefits, including medical, dental, retirement plans, tuition assistance, and wellness programs. Click here to view our complete benefits guide.
  • Opportunities to grow within the Albany Med Health System
  • Located in beautiful Saratoga Springs, known for its vibrant community, outdoor recreation, and cultural attractions

Our Commitment

We are an equal opportunity employer and strongly encourage individuals of all backgrounds and experiences to apply. If you’re passionate about healthcare and community service—even if you don’t meet every qualification listed—we’d still love to hear from you.

How to Apply

Click the ‘apply’ button to submit your resume and complete our online application. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis—apply today and discover what makes Saratoga Hospital a special place to grow your career.

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