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Forensic Autopsy Jobs (NOW HIRING)

King County

Forensic Autopsy Technician

Seattle, WA

$39.81 - $76/hr

The King County Medical Examiner's Office is looking for a full time; career service Forensic Autopsy Technician I. Technicians work alongside Forensic Pathologists to help them determine cause and ...

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How much do forensic autopsy jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 15, 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.

How long does it take to be a forensic autopsy technician?

Becoming a forensic autopsy technician typically requires completing a post-secondary education in mortuary science or a related field, which can take about 1 to 2 years. Additionally, on-the-job training and certification may be necessary, and the total time to become fully qualified can range from several months to a few years depending on the program and experience gained.

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 strong skills in anatomy, pathology, and laboratory procedures.

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 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 often senior forensic pathologists or medical examiners, who typically hold medical degrees, board certifications, and extensive experience. These roles can earn six-figure salaries, especially in government or private sectors, due to their specialized skills and responsibilities in conducting autopsies and determining causes of death.

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 complete a bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as biology or forensic science, followed by medical school to become a licensed physician. Afterward, a residency in pathology is required, and additional training or certification in forensic pathology is often necessary to specialize in performing autopsies in forensic cases.
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Forensic Autopsy jobs near you
Forensic Autopsy Room Supervisor-26480005

Forensic Autopsy Room Supervisor-26480005

County of San Diego

San Diego, CA

$85K - $105K/yr

Other

Posted 11 days ago

County Of San Luis Obispo rating

6.6

Company rating: 6.6 out of 10

Based on 9 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

544th of 649 rated public administrative organizations

Job description

Job Summary Do you have experience leading staff in a fast-paced forensic environment and a passion for supporting medicolegal investigations. Take the next step in your career - apply today for Forensic Autopsy Room Supervisor. The Medical Examiner's Office has an immediate opening for a Forensic Autopsy Room Supervisor.

The starting salary for this position will be based on the candidate's qualifications at time of appointment. Interviews will be held the week of August 10, 2026. Job offers will be made the following week.

The Forensic Autopsy Room Supervisor oversees daily autopsy room operations and supervises staff supporting the Medical Examiner's Office. This position coordinates critical forensic functions, ensures proper handling and processing of decedents, and supports Deputy Medical Examiners during medicolegal investigations and autopsy procedures. For more information on this job description, please visit the Forensic Autopsy Room Supervisor job classification page.

Hiring Timeline & Dates The timeline for this recruitment is outlined below. Job Offer and Background Process begins shortly after the interviews conclude. Pre-employment Medical Screening: Approximately 3 days following successful background investigation results.

Anticipated Start Date: Start date will be based upon successful completion of medical screening or other mutually agreed upon date If you are not selected for this interview process, you may have the opportunity to compete for future vacancies. Minimum Qualifications Education, training, and/or experience that demonstrate possession of the knowledge, skills and abilities listed above. Qualifying education/experience: Successful completion of an accredited Pathologists' Assistant Training Program, with at least three (3) years full-time specialized applicable experience as a Pathologists' Assistant, OR Possession of a valid California Embalmer's License, with at least three (3) years of full-time specialized applicable experience which demonstrates possession of the required knowledge, skills and abilities (e.g

occupations such as medical technicians, medical laboratory technicians, hospital technicians or mortuary technicians that include the handling of human remains), OR; An associates of science degree or higher in Mortuary Science or Human Science (e.g. biology, nursing, medical/surgical assisting, emergency medicine, anatomy, physiology), or related field, AND one of the following: At least three (3) years of experience as a Forensic Autopsy Specialist in a Medical Examiner or Coroner's Office, OR; At least three (3) years of full-time specialized applicable experience which demonstrates possession of the required knowledge, skills and abilities (e.g. occupations such as medical technicians, medical laboratory technicians, hospital technicians or mortuary technicians that include the handling of human remains) Blind Applicant Screening The Department of Human Resources removes personally identifiable information from all recruitments

This practice, called Blind Applicant Screening, hides a candidate's personal information that could influence or bias a hiring decision. Personal information includes name, phone number, address, gender, age, and race. This process helps contribute to a fair and equitable selection process leading to a more diverse and inclusive workforce.

The most highly qualified candidates, based on the evaluation results, will be referred for an interview. Be sure to include your experience in meeting the minimum requirements in both the Work Experience section and the Supplemental Questionnaire section of the Application. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of the application Work History and/or supplemental questionnaire.

Working Conditions Exposure to deceased persons, caustic chemicals and fumes, decomposed tissue, and noxious odors. Exposure to computers and X-ray equipment. May be required to work varied shifts (6:30am-5pm), holidays and weekends (6:30am-5pm); no night shifts.

Condition of Employment As part of the County of San Diego's pre-employment process, prospective candidates will undergo a background check (including fingerprinting) and a pre-employment medical screening prior to beginning County employment. Additional types of background investigations may be conducted based on the job-related activities of the position. Current County employees may be excluded from this process.

Background Investigation Must have a reputation for honesty and trustworthiness. Felony convictions will be disqualifying. Misdemeanor convictions may be disqualifying depending on type, number, severity, and recency.

Prior to appointment, candidates will be subject to a thorough background investigation which may include a psychological, truth verification or other examination or test. Evaluation Qualified applicants will be placed on a six (6) month employment list based on scores received during the evaluation of information contained in their employment and supplemental applications. Please ensure all information is complete and accurate as the responses you provide on the supplemental application questionnaire will be reviewed using an automated evaluation system.

If you are successful in the initial screening process, your application will be reviewed individually to confirm that the information you provided is accurate and qualifying. Note: Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable a qualified individual with a disability to perform the essential functions of a job, on a case-by-case basis. As an employer of over 19,000 employees, the County of San Diego is an organization committed to veteran hiring, retention, and professional development.

We recognize the contributions and sacrifices made by our veterans and value the unique expertise and leadership qualities they bring to our workforce. We strive to provide veterans with the resources and tools necessary to maximize their employment opportunities, and to assist veterans with their transition into civilian life by applying the valuable skills, knowledge and training acquired in service to positions and career paths at all levels within our large organization. Click on the resource links below to learn more about how the County of San Diego supports its veterans.

Veteran's Preference Policy The County of San Diego offers preferential credits for military service to assist qualified applicants in transitioning from military to civilian careers with the County of San Diego. Please read the Veteran's Preference Policy for additional information. Military Skills Translator Do you need assistance translating your military experience into civilian experience.

This tool can help. Please read the Military Skills Translator to access the tool. The County of San Diego and its employees embrace the vision of: a just, sustainable, and resilient future for all.

Our values include integrity, equity, access, belonging, excellence, and sustainability. Each of which are infused throughout our operations. While also embracing a mission of strengthening our communities with innovative, inclusive, and data driven services through a skilled and supported workforce.

Click here for more information on our Strategic Plan (sandiegocounty.gov)(Download PDF reader). Disaster Service Worker Under California Government Code Sections 3100 - 3109, public employees are designated as disaster service workers. The term "public employees" includes all persons employed by the state or any county, city, state agency, or public district

Disaster service workers are required to participate in such disaster service activities as may be assigned to them by their employer or by law. The County of San Diego is committed to valuing diversity and practicing inclusion because our diverse workforce is our greatest asset and our customers are our number one priority.

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