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Forensic Autopsy Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Lubbock County

Autopsy Technician

Lubbock, TX

$55K - $65K/yr

Summary The Autopsy Technician will assist the Forensic Pathologist in the performance of autopsies, including preparation of the body for autopsy, photography, directly supervised dissections ...

Lubbock County, TX

Autopsy Technician

Lubbock, TX · On-site

Take and process X-Rays as directed by the Forensic Pathologist. * Assist with evisceration and specialized dissections, and other autopsy needs, as directed by the Forensic Pathologist. * Close ...

SNA International

Autopsy Technician

Dover, DE · On-site

$48K - $66K/yr

Description SNA International, a world leader in forensics, biometrics, and identity intelligence, is currently looking for a detail-oriented and collaborative Autopsy Technician with a strong work ...

Johnson County Kansas

Deputy Medical Examiner

Olathe, KS · On-site

$200/hr

This position will also manage the Forensic Autopsy Technicians and manage the student interns. This position is located at the Johnson County Medical Examiner's Office, 11894 S. Sunset Dr., Olathe ...

SNA International

Autopsy Technician

Dover, DE · On-site

$48K - $66K/yr

SNA International, a world leader in forensics, biometrics, and identity intelligence, is currently looking for a detail-oriented and collaborative Autopsy Technician with a strong work ethic to ...

Johnson County Kansas

Deputy Medical Examiner

Olathe, KS

$201K - $281K/yr

This position will also manage the Forensic Autopsy Technicians and manage the student interns. This position is located at the Johnson County Medical Examiner's Office, 11894 S. Sunset Dr., Olathe ...

Johnson County Kansas

Deputy Medical Examiner

Olathe, KS

$201K - $281K/yr

This position will also manage the Forensic Autopsy Technicians and manage the student interns. This position is located at the Johnson County Medical Examiner's Office, 11894 S. Sunset Dr., Olathe ...

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Forensic Autopsy information

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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
On-Call Forensic Autopsy Technician I

On-Call Forensic Autopsy Technician I

Western Michigan University

Kalamazoo, MI • On-site

$15.88 - $18.53/hr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago

Western Michigan University rating

6.7

Company rating: 6.7 out of 10

Based on 30 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

427th of 546 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Description
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.
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FULL-TIME EMPLOYEE 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:
  • Performs external examination, photographs, and collects, packages, and/or delivers specimens for laboratory analysis on post-mortem subjects.
  • Performs autopsy dissection, documents data, observations, weights, and measurements following established procedures, stores autopsy specimens, and disposes of them according to established procedures.
  • Prepares body for funeral home, notifies designated office, and completes all records.
  • Photographs surgical, autopsy and graphic materials, upload digital photographs, and creates permanent record of photographs with accurate labeling.
  • Assists in the anatomy lab to include: support with transfer of cadavers to anatomy laboratory and into storage, maintenance of cadavers and the anatomy lab, and prosections of cadavers.
  • Assists in the histology lab to include: maintains organization of all glass slides and paraffin blocks; ensure proper accessioning and labeling of all tissue samples, including operation of slide and cassette printing equipment; prepares samples for shipment, including inventory procedures and generating shipping documentation; perform routine and non-routine activities involved in the preparation of slides for microscopic evaluation, as directed by Lead Histotechnologist; perform routine maintenance and cleaning of equipment, perform scheduled maintenance, and troubleshoot minor equipment failures; document remedial actions such as repairs or repeated tests.
  • Organizes workload to complete assignments within requested time frame.
  • Documents and maintains evidence in accordance with chain of custody protocols.
  • Reviews, investigates, and authorizes cremation permit requests.
  • At times may be responsible for cleaning up bodily fluids from cadavers outside of department.
  • 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 preferred.
  • Demonstrated knowledge of anatomy and medical terminology preferred.
  • Experience managing, organizing, and shipping samples preferred.
  • Experience operating cassette and slide printing equipment a strong plus.

OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
  • Comfortable communicating with family members of recently deceased individuals.
  • Knowledge and proficiency with web based applications and other software as required by the department.
  • Ability to interpret, comprehend, and transmit complicated and detailed instructions accurately.
  • Ability to communicate effectively with others verbally and in writing.
  • Knowledge and proficiency in grammar and spelling skills.
  • Demonstrates the ability to recognize priorities in organization of workflow.
  • Able to perform duties independently, with a minimal need for direct supervision.
  • Ability to operate automated standard office equipment such as multi-line phone system, copier, fax machine, shredder, etc.

INTERPERSONAL REQUIREMENTS:
  • Exhibits a commitment to the values expressed in the medical school mission, vision and values; Educational Pledge; Code of Professional Conduct; and building a supportive learning and working environment with a positive attitude at the workplace and toward their job.
  • Demonstrates excellent interpersonal skills and ability to interact in a positive and helpful manner with all constituents both internally and externally in a culture of collaboration, innovation, and accountability.
  • Ability to work effectively on group projects with internal and external customers in a collaborative manner.
  • Applies knowledge of principles and process for providing exemplary stakeholder service and support. This includes assessment of stakeholder needs, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of stakeholder satisfaction.
  • Maintains the confidentiality of all patient, employee, physician, student, and institutional information.
  • Support and assist enhancing the culture and sense of belonging of the medical school.

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