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Morgue Jobs in DeKalb, IL (NOW HIRING)

Morgue information

See DeKalb, IL salary details

$5

$19

$26

How much do morgue jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average hourly pay for morgue in DeKalb, IL is $19.96, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.13 and $24.28 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some of the unique challenges faced by professionals working in a morgue environment?

Professionals working in a morgue often encounter emotional and physical challenges, such as exposure to traumatic situations, handling deceased individuals, and working with grieving families. The environment requires strict adherence to safety and health protocols, as well as meticulous attention to detail in documentation and evidence preservation. Team members regularly collaborate with forensic pathologists, law enforcement, and medical examiners to ensure thorough and respectful case management. Strong emotional resilience and professionalism are essential for success in this field.

What are jobs in a morgue?

There are a variety of positions in a morgue, including attendants, pathologists, and security guards. In a mortuary role, you may assist in the preparation of a body for a funeral service or burial, provide cremation services, or perform an autopsy on a deceased individual. Some details of this job vary by location. For example, morgues at universities may focus on donations for science, while morgues in hospitals take donated organs before proceeding to other tasks. Morgue jobs often involve using surgical instruments for postmortem examinations, and you may work on heavily damaged bodies. The ability to remain professional while exposed to death and extremely upsetting sights is essential to this position.

What is the difference between Morgue vs Medical Examiner?

AspectMorgueMedical Examiner
CredentialsNone required; often medical or forensic trainingMedical degree and forensic pathology certification
Work EnvironmentFacilities where bodies are stored and preparedOffices, autopsy suites, and crime scenes
Employer & IndustryHospitals, funeral homes, forensic labsGovernment agencies, hospitals, forensic institutes
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for roles in death care and forensic workLegal and forensic investigations of deaths

The main difference is that a morgue is a facility where bodies are stored and prepared, while a medical examiner is a trained forensic doctor who investigates deaths. Medical examiners perform autopsies and determine causes of death, whereas morgues serve as the location for these processes. Both roles are essential in forensic and death care industries but serve different functions within the process of death investigation.

Can I work at a morgue with no experience?

Working as a morgue attendant or technician typically requires some training or certification, but entry-level positions may be available to those without prior experience. On-the-job training is common, and skills such as attention to detail and the ability to handle sensitive situations are important. Certification in areas like bloodborne pathogens may be required or preferred.

What are popular job titles related to Morgue jobs in DeKalb, IL?

For Morgue jobs in DeKalb, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities near DeKalb, IL are hiring for Morgue jobs?

Cities near DeKalb, IL with the most Morgue job openings:

Infographic showing various Morgue job openings in DeKalb, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $41,512 per year, or $20 per hour.

Security Officer I Full time Night shift

Dekalb, IL • On-site


Northwestern Memorial Healthcare
Health Care and Social Assistance • 10K+ employees

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 392 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

128th of 893 rated healthcare providers

People enjoy working here

Good employer

Recommended by students


$20/hr

Full-time

Retirement

Re-posted 22 days ago


Job description

Company Description
At Northwestern Medicine, every patient interaction makes a difference in cultivating a positive workplace. This patient-first approach is what sets us apart as a leader in the healthcare industry. As an integral part of our team, you'll have the opportunity to join our quest for better health care, no matter where you work within the Northwestern Medicine system. We pride ourselves on providing competitive benefits: from tuition reimbursement and loan forgiveness to 401(k) matching and lifecycle benefits, our goal is to take care of our employees. Ready to join our quest for better?
Job Description
Night Shift hours: 11:00PM-7:30 AM. Tuesday-Saturday with Sunday and Monday's off.
The Security Officer I reflects the mission, vision, and values of NM, adheres to the organization's Code of Ethics and Corporate Compliance Program, and complies with all relevant policies, procedures, guidelines and all other regulatory and accreditation standards.
Under the direction of the Security Leadership, this position is responsible for adhering to established policies and procedures to protect the hospital from theft and damage; provides protection for patients, visitors, Associates, and medical staff; investigates and quells disturbances; restrains patients upon proper direction and assistance of medical/clinical staff.
Responsibilities:
  • Investigates/quells hospital incidents and disturbances to maintain patient, visitor, and employee security.
  • Completes descriptive reports for supervisory personnel.
  • Notifies appropriate city officials (police and fire) and prepares descriptive reports for supervisory personnel.
  • Performs regular perimeter and internal patrols of the hospital buildings and grounds to assure protection of patients and property and to prevent the entry of unauthorized persons into the hospital. These patrols are both on foot and mobile.
  • Conducts investigations into incidents of hazardous conditions, reported theft, criminal activity, and any other security or safety issues as reported.
  • Monitors the access control system, fire and duress alarms, and the security video system.
  • Controls traffic as necessary to always assure access for emergency vehicles and access for patients and visitors accordingly.
  • Controls traffic as necessary during incidents and for helicopter transports.
  • Maintains security of restricted areas by checking and locking doors according to pre-set schedules or as required by special circumstances.
  • Provides escorts for staff to their vehicles as requested.
  • Delivers deceased bodies to the morgue and releases same to authorized persons in accordance with established policies.
  • Responds to all emergency codes in accordance with department specific guidelines.
  • Alerts the department Manager of any activities or deviation from departmental standards that may require disciplinary action or follow-up.
  • Enforces all hospital policies and procedures as directed.
  • Officers must display a competent and professional service image yet be approachable and service minded at all times.
  • This image should encourage people to freely ask for assistance or convey information that may allow the officer to prevent problems or reduce exposure of the hospital to damage or loss.
  • Conduct contraband searches for patient and employee safety as needed.
  • Monitor individuals or situations to ensure patient and employee safety as needed.
  • Oversees staff parking permit process, and monitors compliance per established policy and procedure.
  • Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications
Required:
  • High-school diploma or GED
  • Successful completion of IAHSS Basic exam within 90 days of hire
  • Maintain IAHSS Basic certification
  • Current Basic Life Support certification through American Heart Association within 9 months of hire
  • Successful completion of Northwestern Medicine Defensive Tactics in Healthcare within 6 months of hire
  • Interpersonal and communication skills necessary to interact effectively with a variety of individuals, including employees, medical staff, patients, visitors, law enforcement and other outside agencies
  • Writing skills necessary to complete reports and paperwork that meets departmental standards.
  • Valid driver's license.
  • Physical ability and knowledge of how to operate a motor vehicle.

Preferred:
  • Experience in healthcare security, police work, or military service
  • Valid FOID card
  • Associate/Bachelor's degree

Additional Information
Northwestern Medicine is an equal opportunity employer (disability, VETS) and does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of age, sex, race, color, religion, national origin, gender identity, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation or any other protected status.
Background Check
Northwestern Medicine conducts a background check that includes criminal history on newly hired team members and, at times, internal transfers. If you are offered a position with us, you will be required to complete an authorization and disclosure form that gives Northwestern Medicine permission to run the background check. Results are evaluated on a case-by-case basis, and we follow all local, state, and federal laws, including the Illinois Health Care Worker Background Check Act.
Artificial Intelligence Disclosure
Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position, however, all employment decisions will be made by a person.
Benefits
We offer a wide range of benefits that provide employees with tools and resources to improve their physical, emotional, and financial well-being while providing protection for unexpected life events. Please visit our Benefits section to learn more.
Sign-on Bonus Eligibility (if sign-on bonus offered for position): Internal employees and rehires who left Northwestern Medicine within 1 year are not eligible for the sign on bonus. Exception: New graduate internal employees seeking their first licensed clinical position at NM may be eligible depending upon the job family.


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