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Morgue Worker Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Medical terminology and human anatomy as related to morgue activities. * Autopsy procedures and ... Establish and maintain effective working relationships with departmental clientele, representatives ...

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Morgue Worker information

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How much do morgue worker jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for morgue worker in the United States is $23.60, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.91 and $26.92 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What degree is needed to work in a morgue?

A morgue worker typically needs a high school diploma or equivalent; however, roles such as forensic technicians or mortuary assistants may require post-secondary education or certifications in mortuary science or related fields. Relevant skills include attention to detail, knowledge of anatomy, and familiarity with medical or forensic tools.

Is it hard to get a job in a morgue?

Getting a job as a morgue worker can be competitive and often requires relevant education or training, such as a background in healthcare or mortuary science. Experience with handling sensitive situations and knowledge of safety protocols are also important factors in the hiring process.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Morgue Worker, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Morgue Worker, you need a foundational understanding of anatomy, mortuary science, and safety protocols, often supported by a high school diploma or postsecondary training in mortuary services. Familiarity with autopsy instruments, protective equipment, and record-keeping systems is commonly required. Attention to detail, emotional resilience, and professionalism are important soft skills for managing sensitive situations and maintaining respect for the deceased. These skills are crucial to ensure accurate work, uphold legal and ethical standards, and provide compassionate service in a challenging environment.

What is the difference between Morgue Worker vs Medical Examiner?

AspectMorgue WorkerMedical Examiner
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma, on-the-job trainingMedical degree, medical license, forensic pathology certification
Work EnvironmentMortuary, morgue, hospitalForensic labs, morgue, courtrooms
Employer & Industry UsageHospitals, funeral homes, morguesGovernment agencies, forensic departments
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding morgue job rolesDistinguishing medical examiner responsibilities

While Morgue Workers assist with handling deceased bodies and maintaining morgue facilities, Medical Examiners are licensed physicians who determine causes of death through autopsies. Morgue Workers support the forensic process, whereas Medical Examiners lead investigations into suspicious or unexplained deaths.

Can I work at a morgue with no experience?

Morgue workers typically do not need prior experience, as on-the-job training is often provided. However, having a background in healthcare, anatomy, or related fields can be beneficial. Basic skills such as attention to detail, ability to handle sensitive situations, and understanding of safety protocols are important for this role.

How do I start working in a morgue?

To start working as a morgue worker, typically you need a high school diploma or equivalent, and some positions may require post-secondary education or training in mortuary science or a related field. Gaining experience through internships or entry-level roles in healthcare or funeral services can be helpful, and obtaining certifications such as OSHA training is often required for safety compliance. Applying to hospitals, funeral homes, or medical examiner offices and demonstrating attention to detail and professionalism are key steps.

What are some common challenges faced by morgue workers in their daily responsibilities?

Morgue workers often encounter emotionally challenging situations, such as handling deceased individuals and supporting grieving families, which requires resilience and professionalism. They also face strict protocols for health, safety, and documentation, necessitating attention to detail and adherence to regulations. Additionally, morgue workers must collaborate with medical examiners, law enforcement, and funeral directors, making strong communication and teamwork skills essential for smooth operations.

What are morgue workers?

Morgue workers, also known as morgue attendants or autopsy technicians, are professionals who assist with the handling, examination, and processing of deceased bodies in a morgue. Their duties include preparing bodies for autopsy, cleaning and maintaining the morgue, assisting pathologists during examinations, and handling paperwork related to identification and release of remains. Morgue workers play a vital role in supporting forensic investigations and ensuring proper procedures are followed with respect and care.
More about Morgue Worker jobs
What cities are hiring for Morgue Worker jobs? Cities with the most Morgue Worker job openings:
What states have the most Morgue Worker jobs? States with the most job openings for Morgue Worker jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Morgue Worker jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Morgue Worker jobs are:
Infographic showing various Morgue Worker job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Locum Tenens, 10% Internship, 3% As Needed, 51% Full Time, 28% Part Time, and 6% Summer. Highlights an 34% Physical, and 66% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $49,095 per year, or $23.6 per hour.
Diener Contractor - PRN - Danbury

Diener Contractor - PRN - Danbury

Danbury Hospital

Danbury, CT • On-site

$23.64 - $45.92/hr

Full-time, Per diem

Re-posted yesterday


Danbury Hospital rating

6.6

Company rating: 6.6 out of 10

Based on 12 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

661st of 1,020 rated hospitals


Job description

Description
Position at Danbury Hospital
Northwell is the largest not-for-profit health system in the Northeast, serving residents of New York and Connecticut with 28 hospitals, more than 1,000 outpatient facilities, 22,000 nurses and over 20,000 physicians. Northwell cares for more than three million people annually in the New York metro area, including Long Island, the Hudson Valley, Connecticut and beyond, thanks to philanthropic support from our communities. Northwell is New York State's largest private employer with over 104,000 employees - including members of Northwell Health Physician Partners - who are working to change health care for the better.
Summary:
A contracted Diener will assist the pathologists and residents in performing autopsies. The role includes preparing the body, tools, supplies, and the autopsy suite used during the examination. The role ensures proper and safe procedures are followed during the autopsy and post autopsy including cleaning and disinfecting of equipment, and restocking of supplies in the autopsy suite
Responsibilities:
  1. Prepares the autopsy suite, including making sure all needed instruments are ready for use, for performance of the requested autopsy. Makes sure the white board is clear, grossing station is ready, and scales, camera/ipad, recording devices, computer are functional. Ensures proper amount of storage containers and formalin are available for the autopsy requested. Notifies the attending pathologist and any pathology residents when the autopsy will start.
  2. Verifies the requested autopsy name and medical record number matches the name of the person and medical record number on the body bag and in the morgue log book.
  3. Signs the morgue log book when moving the body to and from the cooler area to the autopsy table and suite. Prepares body for autopsy by removing the clothing of the cadaver.
  4. External examination is performed. The height is measured. The body is turned, as requested, to check the front and back of the cadaver.

5. A Y shaped thoraco-abdominal primary incision is made to open body cavities; removes breastbone; together with the prosector (resident or pathologist) removes thoracic and abdominal contents according to established procedures.
6. An intermastoid coronal incision is performed as necessary. Saw the skull, remove the calvarium and remove the brain, pituitary gland, and samples other tissues as needed.
  1. Remove organs as requested and weigh them. Toxicology samples are collected as requested
  2. Ensure all organs removed are placed into properly labeled storage containers that minimally includes the patients name and autopsy number. Autopsy storage containers, with samples in formalin, are placed on the shelving in the autopsy suite.

9. Responsible for closing the body, cleaning the body, readying the body for the funeral home. The body is returned to the body bag and signed back into the morgue log book and the body is placed into the morgue.
  1. Responsible for cleaning the autopsy table, grossing table, and all instruments used during the autopsy. All storage buckets are checked.
  2. Responsible for maintenance of the autopsy suite, including instrument, clothing, equipment and supplies.
  3. Responsible for the restocking of supplies as needed.

13. Maintain and Model Organizational Values.
14. Demonstrates regular, reliable and predictable attendance.
15. Performs other duties as required.
  • Other Information:
  • Minimum Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Requirements:
  • A general understanding of human anatomy
  • License, Registration, or Certification Requirements:
  • CT or NYS License is preferred

Working Conditions:
Manual: significant manual skills/motor coord & finger dexterity
Occupational: Significant occupational risk
Physical Effort: Very Heavy effort. May exert up to 50 lbs. force
Physical Environment: Significant exposure to dirt, odors, noise, human waste, etc.
Company: Danbury Hospital
Org Unit: 132
Department: Pathology Anatomic
Exempt: No
Salary Range: $23.64 - $45.92 Hourly

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