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Forensic Autopsy Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

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Forensic Autopsy information

See Michigan salary details

$33.1K

$53.2K

$93.3K

How much do forensic autopsy jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for forensic autopsy in Michigan is $53,176.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $41,400.00 and $62,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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, one typically needs to complete a bachelor's degree in forensic science, biology, or a related field, followed by medical school to become a licensed physician. Afterward, a residency in pathology and specialized training in forensic or forensic pathology is required, along with certification from relevant medical boards. Strong skills in anatomy, pathology, and attention to detail are essential for this role.
More about Forensic Autopsy jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Forensic Autopsy jobs in Michigan?

The most popular types of Forensic Autopsy jobs in Michigan are:

What are popular job titles related to Forensic Autopsy jobs in Michigan?

For Forensic Autopsy jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Forensic Autopsy jobs in Michigan look for?

The top searched job categories for Forensic Autopsy jobs in Michigan are:

What cities in Michigan are hiring for Forensic Autopsy jobs?

Cities in Michigan with the most Forensic Autopsy job openings:

Forensic Autopsy jobs near you
Infographic showing various Forensic Autopsy job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 8% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 10% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,176 per year, or $25.6 per hour.

Forensic Autopsy Technician I

Western Michigan University

Kalamazoo, MI • On-site

$17.47 - $20.37/hr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

New

Western Michigan University rating

6.7

Company rating: 6.7 out of 10

Based on 30 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

485th of 618 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Description
The Forensic Autopsy Technician prepares bodies for postmortem examinations, assists pathologist
during and after the examination, and prepares body for release to funeral home; provide medical
photography services. Provides support with transfer of cadavers to anatomy laboratory and into storage,
maintenance of cadavers and the anatomy lab, and assisting with prosections of cadavers, as needed.
Performs routine and non-routine activities involved in the storage, filing, and preparation of slides for
microscopic evaluation and adheres to established quality control criteria and established procedures.
BENEFITS
  • Wellness reimbursement.
  • Continuing education and tuition reimbursement.
  • Employer-funded retirement plan.
  • Two medical plan options: PPO and High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) with employer HSA contribution.
  • Flexible work solutions based on position and department.
  • Up to four weeks of PTO accrual beginning in year one.
  • Paid holidays.
  • Paid volunteer time.
  • Paid preferred holiday.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Coordinates workload to complete assignments within requested time frame. Prepares paperwork and tools to accomplish the daily workload.
  • Responsible for the receipt, identification and transfer of all decedents into and out of WMed, maintaining chain of custody protocols in accordance with WMed protocols and in compliance with standards set forth by the National Association of Medical Examiners (NAME).
  • Performs postmortem radiography according to safety standards, including Lodox ®, Carestream, computed tomography (CT) and assists with postmortem dental radiography, as needed.
  • Responsible for the collection and preservation of clothing, physical and biological evidence for forensic analysis. Documents and maintains evidentiary materials in accordance with established policies and procedures, including chain of custody protocols compliant with standards set forth by NAME.
  • Responsible for the collection, appropriate labeling, documentation and packaging of specimens for toxicological analysis maintaining chain of custody protocols and in accordance with NAME standards.
  • Documents external examination, including: verification of decedent identification, photographs and documents all personal belongings and items pertinent to examination, including medical treatment, decedent identifiers and evidentiary materials, if applicable.
  • Under direct supervision of the assigned pathologist, performs in situ dissection of the autopsy procedure, including the identification, observation and evisceration of organs and tissues from the chest, abdomen and head.
  • Responsible for the documentation of examination information, observations, weights, and measurements following established procedures. Photographs medical/forensic materials with accurate labeling, uploads digital photographs to case management system.
  • Following examination, prepares decedent for funeral home and notifies funeral home and/or transport service, if applicable. Documents all communication.
  • With supervision, oversees the release of decedents to funeral homes and/or appropriate transport services.
  • Maintains morgue organization and cleanliness; ensures surfaces are free of blood and body fluids.
  • Disposes of hazardous waste and specimen storage appropriately.
  • Responsible for maintaining daily log of cooler inventory of decedents and specimens, temperature monitoring and laboratory supplies.
  • Practices universal precautions and follows infection control policies and procedures accordingly.
  • Assists in the Anatomy Laboratory, including support with transfer of cadavers, maintenance of cadavers, and cleanliness.
  • Assists in the Anthropology Laboratory, as needed, transferring decedents/specimens and decedents for examination.
  • Attends and engages in all unit and departmental meetings.
  • Maintains a clean and well-organized work area
  • At times, may be responsible for cleaning up bodily fluids from decedents/cadavers outside of department.
  • Availability to work weekends and holidays.
  • Availability to work occasional overtime or evenings to complete time sensitive projects.
  • Availability to provide on-call, overnight customer service with occasional response to morgue for time sensitive release procedures.
  • Availability to work occasional overtime on weekends or evenings to complete time sensitive projects.
  • Acquires knowledge for new technology and policy/procedure revisions
  • All other duties as assigned.

Requirements
EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:
  • Associate degree; or two years of college in a scientific or applicable field, preferred.
  • Knowledge of anatomy and medical terminology, preferred.
  • Previous volunteer or work experience in a medical or patient care setting, required.
  • Experience labeling, managing, organizing, and shipping samples, preferred.
  • Experience operating cassette and slide printing equipment, preferred.
  • Experience operating laboratory equipment, including centrifuge and specimen labeling printers, preferred.

LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS, CERTIFICATIONS:
  • Current valid Driver's License required.

OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
  • Comfortable communicating with grieving individuals.
  • The ability to follow detailed oral and written directions and protocols.
  • Ability to attend to human remains in various stages of decomposition, disease and trauma.
  • Able to cope with the psychological effects of death.
  • Maintain the confidentiality and integrity of information.
  • Ability to adhere to stringent sanitation and biohazard control measures.
  • Demonstrates the ability to recognize priorities in organization of work flow.
  • Able to perform duties independently, with a minimal need for direct supervision.

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