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Local Morgue Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Local Morgue information

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How much do local morgue jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for local morgue in the United States is $17.85, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $18.51 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a local morgue?

A local morgue is a facility where deceased individuals are taken for temporary storage, identification, and in some cases, autopsy or forensic examination. Staff at a morgue may include pathologists, morgue attendants, and medical examiners who are responsible for determining the cause of death, preparing bodies for burial or cremation, and maintaining proper records. Morgues play a vital role in both public health and the legal system by ensuring that deaths are properly investigated and documented.

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

To thrive as a Morgue Attendant, you need a solid understanding of anatomy, attention to detail, and typically a high school diploma or equivalent, with some roles requiring additional training in mortuary science. Familiarity with autopsy equipment, body handling procedures, and safety protocols such as OSHA regulations is usually expected. Strong organizational skills, discretion, and emotional resilience are essential soft skills in this sensitive environment. These qualifications ensure respectful handling of remains, adherence to legal protocols, and support for forensic and medical investigations.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in a local morgue, and how can they be managed?

Working in a local morgue can present unique challenges, such as dealing with emotional stress from frequent exposure to death and grieving families, and maintaining precise attention to detail in handling evidence and documentation. Staff often need to follow strict protocols to ensure safety and legal compliance, especially regarding the handling of remains and potential biohazards. Open communication with team members, ongoing training, and access to support resources are essential for managing these challenges and maintaining a healthy work environment.

What is the difference between Local Morgue vs Medical Examiner?

AspectLocal MorgueMedical Examiner
CredentialsTypically requires mortuary science license or certificationMedical degree (MD or DO) and forensic pathology certification
Work EnvironmentMortuary or morgue facilities, handling deceased bodiesHospitals, forensic labs, crime scenes, courtrooms
Employer & IndustryLocal government, funeral homes, hospitalsGovernment agencies, medical institutions, forensic departments
Common Search/ComparisonYesYes

The main difference between a Local Morgue and a Medical Examiner lies in their qualifications and roles. Local Morgues typically handle body storage and basic post-mortem procedures, requiring mortuary science credentials. Medical Examiners are licensed physicians specializing in forensic pathology, conducting detailed autopsies and investigations. Both roles are essential in death investigations but differ significantly in education, responsibilities, and work environment.

Can I work at a local morgue with no experience?

Working at a morgue typically requires some training or certification, but entry-level positions may be available to those with no prior experience. Skills such as attention to detail, ability to handle sensitive situations, and understanding of safety protocols are important; on-the-job training is often provided. Certification in areas like death investigation or embalming may be required for specialized roles.

How much are local morgue workers paid?

Local morgue workers typically earn between $30,000 and $50,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and specific responsibilities. The job often requires handling sensitive situations and may involve shift work or on-call hours.

What schooling do you need to work at a local morgue?

To work as a morgue technician or assistant, a high school diploma or equivalent is typically required, with some positions preferring post-secondary education or training in mortuary science or a related field. Certification or licensing may be necessary depending on the state or employer, and knowledge of anatomy, sanitation, and handling of human remains is important.
More about Local Morgue jobs

What cities are hiring for Local Morgue jobs?

Cities with the most Local Morgue job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Morgue jobs?

The most popular types of Morgue jobs are:

What states have the most Local Morgue jobs?

States with the most job openings for Local Morgue jobs include:

Infographic showing various Local Morgue job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 66% Full Time, 29% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,132 per year, or $17.9 per hour.

Morgue Operations Coordinator

Woodbury County

Sioux City, IA • On-site

$94K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Description Woodbury County benefits include: IPERS. Great Health Insurance Benefit, Free Dental, Life & LTD Insurance, Sick leave benefits, Vacation, 10 Paid Holidays, 2 Personal Days, and a moving allowance is negotiable. The Morgue Operations Coordinator is responsible for the efficient, accurate, and professional performance of daily operations and administrative duties for the Woodbury County Medical Examiner (ME) morgue facility.

This role provides direct support to the Medical Examiner and ME Investigators by overseeing morgue logistics, chain of custody procedures, mass-casualty planning, scheduling, documentation workflows, and coordination with families, funeral homes, law enforcement, and county/state partners. The Coordinator ensures decedent management, communication, and morgue operations meet state requirements and uphold respectful, secure standards. Duties Essential Functions and Responsibilities: The following duties are typical for this position.

These are not to be construed as exclusive or all inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned. Manage daily morgue operations including intake, storage, release, documentation, and facility readiness.

Maintain morgue cleanliness, linens, supplies, and equipment. Develop and maintain morgue policies, procedures, logs, emergency plans, and documentation systems. Ensure secure access to the morgue; maintain controlled access lists.

Coordinate morgue operational budgeting and planning with County Budget and Finance Director. Log, secure, and release all decedent belongings following strict chain-of-custody procedures. Maintain accurate documentation for decedent property and toxicology specimens.

Lead mass-fatality planning, including coordination with IOSME/state/local agencies. Assist with onsite operations during mass-casualty incidents. Supervise MEIs as directed by the County Medical Examiner.

Create and maintain schedules for ME Investigators and submit payroll documents. Maintain training records and track continuing education opportunities. Assist ME and MEIs with case documentation workflows and distribution of reports.

Maintain records for unclaimed bodies, inpatient deaths requiring ME review, and IDN cases. Serve as point of contact for funeral homes, families, and law enforcement; coordinate viewings. Collaborate with partner agencies and assist with transport coordination.

Uphold confidentiality, professionalism, documentation accuracy, and respectful interactions. Pay weekly claims for the ME office through the accounts payable system. Performs duties as an ME investigator as assigned.

Attendance is required. Non-Essential Functions and Responsibilities: Perform various morgue or ME Department related tasks, assignments, or special projects as directed by the Medical Examiner. Minimum Education and Experience Required to Perform Essential Functions: College degree with major coursework in nursing, medicine (or other healthcare related field), criminal justice, law enforcement with at least 2 years' experience as a certified nurse, medical care provider, forensic science technician, emergency medical services technician, or in law enforcement with investigations experience.

Supervisory experience preferred but not required. One (1) to three (3) years of experience in a related functional area preferred. Understanding of medicolegal death investigation processes (training provided).

Knowledge of general office equipment and procedures. Strong organizational skills and good recordkeeping ability. Computer skills including Word and Excel.

Ability to set priorities and follow through to completion. Must successfully pass a background check, physical examination, back screen, and drug screen prior to employment. Required Qualifications Mental and Physical Competencies Required to Perform Essential Functions: Language Ability Ability to read, interpret, and apply written and verbal procedures, safety rules, morgue operating instructions, and documentation protocols.

Ability to communicate effectively with families, funeral homes, law enforcement, and county personnel using clearly spoken English. Mathematical Skills Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure. Ability to compute rate, ratio, percent, and interpret graphs.

Basic bookkeeping principles for payroll and morgue documentation tracking. Behavior Skills Ability to maintain professional conduct, punctuality, confidentiality, and sensitivity in interactions with grieving families and partner agencies. Ability to manage time sensitive requests and maintain compliance with County work rules.

Reasoning Ability Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out written and oral instructions. Ability to manage standardized morgue procedures, respond to unexpected situations professionally, and maintain accurate chain-of-custody documentation. Cognitive Demands Ability to follow detailed but routine morgue protocols, set priorities, and maintain effective working relationships with ME staff, families, funeral homes, and public agencies.

Equipment Used Computer for data entry, spreadsheets, Word processing; calculator; copier/scanner; morgue equipment including PPE, storage systems, and inventory tracking tools. Physical Demands Work includes sitting, walking, bending, lifting, and carrying objects. Exposure to biohazards, bodily fluids, and deceased individuals with required PPE.

Environmental Adaptability Work is performed within morgue and office environments and includes exposure to biological and environmental risks mitigated through PPE and safety protocols. Special Requirements Reasonable accommodation may be made for individuals with disabilities. Must pass background check, physical exam, vision/back screen, and drug screen.

Use of clearly spoken English is required Woodbury County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the County will consider reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages prospective employees and incumbents to discuss potential accommodations with the Employer. Supplemental Information Applicants for employment should contact the Human Resources Dept., Room 701 of the Woodbury County Court House between the hours of 8:00 a.m

to 4:30 p.m. for further information A completed County application form and a resume are required. Deadline for receipt of applications shall be: 4:30 p.m., August 24th, 2026 or until filled