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Mortuary Assistant Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Supervisor

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$28 - $32/hr

Relevant backgrounds that have found success at Aftermath are Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs), Mortuary Affairs, Nursing, Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) Restoration, Mitigation, Remediation ...

Supervisor

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$28 - $32/hr

Relevant backgrounds that have found success at Aftermath are Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs), Mortuary Affairs, Nursing, Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) Restoration, Mitigation, Remediation ...

Supervisor

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$28 - $32/hr

... Mortuary Affairs, Nursing, Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) Restoration, Mitigation, Remediation, Asbestos Abatement, Construction, Pest Control, etc. Military personnel encouraged to apply ...

Tissue Recovery Coordinator

Altoona, IA · On-site

$27.55 - $34.42/hr

Lift equipment and supplies weighing up to 50 lbs. * Assist with physical lifting of donors. * Stand for long periods of time in an operating room and mortuary environment. * Mental and visual ...

Mortuary Assistant information

See Iowa salary details

$8

$17

$23

How much do mortuary assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for mortuary assistant in Iowa is $17.95, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.00 and $20.12 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a mortuary assistant?

A Mortuary Assistant helps with the preparation and care of deceased individuals before burial or cremation. Their duties may include cleaning and dressing bodies, assisting with autopsies, maintaining mortuary facilities, and comforting grieving families. They work under the supervision of funeral directors or pathologists, ensuring that bodies are handled with dignity and respect. This role requires attention to detail, discretion, and a compassionate demeanor.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a mortuary assistant?

As a Mortuary Assistant, your typical daily responsibilities include preparing the deceased for viewings, assisting with embalming procedures under supervision, maintaining cleanliness and organization in the mortuary, and supporting funeral directors with setup for services. You may also be responsible for transporting bodies, stocking supplies, and completing necessary administrative tasks such as record keeping. The job often involves working closely with small teams and families, requiring a respectful and discreet demeanor. Understanding these responsibilities will help you determine if this meaningful and detail-oriented role is right for you.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the mortuary assistant position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Mortuary Assistant, you generally need attention to detail, basic anatomical knowledge, and the ability to follow established sanitary and safety procedures; most positions require a high school diploma and on-the-job training. Familiarity with mortuary instruments, embalming support equipment, and documentation systems is often necessary. Strong interpersonal skills, discretion, and a compassionate approach are important soft skills in this role. These abilities ensure proper care and dignity for the deceased while supporting grieving families and maintaining a respectful environment.

How can I become a mortuary assistant?

To become a mortuary assistant, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and must complete on-the-job training or a formal apprenticeship. Some employers prefer candidates with knowledge of sanitation, anatomy, or related skills, and certification or training in funeral service practices can be beneficial. The role often requires physical stamina and the ability to work in a funeral home environment.

What qualifications do you need to be a mortuary assistant?

To become a mortuary assistant, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent. Some employers prefer prior experience in healthcare or funeral services, and basic knowledge of sanitation and safety procedures is important. Certification is not always required but can enhance job prospects.

What are the most commonly searched types of Mortuary jobs in Iowa?

The most popular types of Mortuary jobs in Iowa are:

What are popular job titles related to Mortuary Assistant jobs in Iowa?

For Mortuary Assistant jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in Iowa are hiring for Mortuary Assistant jobs?

Cities in Iowa with the most Mortuary Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Mortuary Assistant job openings in Iowa 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 $37,342 per year, or $18 per hour.

Research Associate or Research Assistant - Iowa Neuropathology Resource Laboratory

University of Iowa

Iowa City, IA • On-site

$47K/yr

Full-time

Posted 10 days ago


University Of Iowa rating

6.9

Company rating: 6.9 out of 10

Based on 85 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

462nd of 620 rated colleges and universities


Job description

The Department of Pathology is seeking a Research Assistant or Research Associate to conduct experimental pathology procedures and techniques that are centered on functions in the Iowa Neuropathology Resource Laboratory, a research Core in the Department of Pathology. This position will assist with tasks in the INRL as needed under the direction of the INRL Director and senior staff in the lab. Responsibilities include procurement and processing of donated human brain tissue, for both fresh and fixed cases, fulfilling tissue requests, assisting with tissue processing, communication with mortuary staff as needed, database entry, organization of tissue repository, and general laboratory support in collaboration with other INRL staff members. This position is 100% time.

The department intends to hire for one position from either Research Assistant, or Research Associate, based on the qualifications of the successful candidate. Please indicate in your application materials the position you wish to be considered for on indicate both. 

Duties to include:

         Assists in the execution of research projects and requests for services from the lab.

         Documents projects, procedures and protocols.

         Performs procedures in the fields of pathology.

         Participates in routine laboratory safety and the maintenance of lab equipment.

         Represents the IRNL Core to clientele.

For a full job description, please send an e-mail to the contact listed below.

The Department of Pathology is part of UI Health Care, a comprehensive health sciences center that serves Iowa and the region, as well as patients referred from the United States and overseas. The Clinical Laboratories are well recognized for providing outstanding and comprehensive care to the patients we serve. The breadth and depth of services provided are amongst the best in the country. The educational programs that the department participates in includes medical students, clinical laboratory scientists as well as biomedical scientists. To learn more: https://pathology.medicine.uiowa.edu/about-us

Research Assistant Qualifications:

         Requires a Bachelor of Science degree in neuroscience, anatomy and physiology, health sciences, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. 

         6 months of research experience in a wet bench laboratory setting.

         Experience in handling human or animal tissue.

         Experience adding data and inventory to a database.

         Excellent written and interpersonal verbal communication skills are required.

         Experience in consistently following Standard Operating Procedures.

Research Associate Qualifications:

         Requires a Bachelor of Science degree in neuroscience, anatomy and physiology, health sciences, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. 

         1-2 years of research experience in a wet bench laboratory setting.

         Experience in handling human or animal tissue.

         Experience adding data and inventory to a database.

         Excellent written and interpersonal verbal communication skills are required.

         Experience in consistently following Standard Operating Procedures.

Desired Qualifications:

         Experience with neuroanatomy, especially human neuroanatomy.

         Previous experience with histology techniques including immunohistochemistry.

         Experience using UIBioshare.

         HIPAA training and experience working with clinical data.

         Consistent attention to detail and accuracy.

         Experience with Office applications, including spreadsheet data using Excel.

         Demonstrated ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment.

         Proven ability to work in a high project volume work environment.

         Ability to effectively prioritize projects to meet deadlines consistently.

Position and Application details:

In order to be considered for an interview, applicants must upload the following documents and mark them as a "Relevant File" to the submission:

     Resume

     Cover Letter

Pathology will be filling this position at one of two levels. The Research Assistant salary starts at $43,240, and the Research Associate classification salary starts at $47,380. Salary will be commensurate with education and experience. You must indicate in your cover letter the level of classification (you wish to be considered for or indicate both. See required qualifications for additional information.

Job openings are posted for a minimum of 7 calendar days and may be removed from posting and filled any time after the original posting period has ended.

Successful candidates will be required to self-disclose any conviction history and will be subject to a criminal background check and credential/education verification.  Up to 5 professional references will be requested at a later step in the recruitment process.

This position is not eligible for University sponsorship for employment authorization.

For additional questions, please contact Brenda Carey via email at brenda-carey@uiowa.edu.

Applicant Resource Center - 

Need help submitting an application or accepting an offer? Support is available! 

OurApplicant Resource Centeris now open in the Fountain Lobby at the Main Hospital. 

Hours: 

Monday 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. 

Tuesday 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. 

Wednesday 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. 

Thursday 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. 

Friday 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. 

Or by appointment 

ContactTAHealthCareSupport@healthcare.uiowa.eduto schedule an appointment or just stop by.  

Visit the website for more information: Application Resource Center | University of Iowa Health Care 


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