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Necropsy Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Necropsy information

See Tennessee salary details

$10

$20

$33

How much do necropsy jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average hourly pay for necropsy in Tennessee is $20.17, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.72 and $21.59 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a necropsy?

A necropsy job involves performing post-mortem examinations on animals to determine the cause of death, study diseases, or gather research data. Professionals in this role, such as necropsy technicians or pathologists, work in laboratories, research institutions, or veterinary settings. Their duties may include dissecting specimens, collecting tissue samples, documenting findings, and assisting veterinarians or scientists in disease diagnosis. This role is essential in veterinary medicine, wildlife conservation, and biomedical research.

What does a necropsy do in a typical day?

A typical day in a Necropsy role often includes conducting post-mortem examinations on animal specimens, collecting and preparing tissue samples for further laboratory analysis, and meticulously documenting findings. Professionals in this position frequently collaborate with veterinarians, pathologists, and laboratory staff to support diagnostic and research objectives. The work environment is commonly a laboratory or veterinary hospital setting, and the role may include exposure to biohazardous materials, so strict adherence to safety protocols is essential. Those in necropsy positions gain valuable experience in pathology and laboratory medicine, which can support future career advancement into senior technical or supervisory roles.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in a necropsy position?

To thrive in a Necropsy role, you need a background in veterinary or biological sciences, detailed anatomical knowledge, and experience with post-mortem examination procedures. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, specimen handling protocols, and potentially certification as a veterinary technician or pathologist is often required. Meticulous attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and clear written communication are valuable soft skills in this field. These skills ensure accurate cause-of-death determinations, high standards of laboratory safety, and comprehensive documentation for research or diagnostic purposes.

How do you become a necropsy technician?

To become a necropsy technician, typically one needs a high school diploma or equivalent, followed by post-secondary education such as an associate degree in biology, veterinary technology, or a related field. Gaining experience in laboratory or veterinary settings and developing skills in anatomy, dissection, and laboratory procedures are also important; some positions may require certification or on-the-job training.
Infographic showing various Necropsy job openings in Tennessee 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 $41,951 per year, or $20.2 per hour.

$22 - $38.50/hr

Full-time

Posted 12 days ago


St. Jude Children's Research Hospital rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 12 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

43rd of 1,062 rated hospitals


Job description

Join our Team!
The ARC's Veterinary Services Unit is seeking a Veterinary Technologist to provide leadership and support services for Veterinary Services. The veterinary technologist will assess the health of the murine model and provide timely treatments in a herd health style of medicine under the supervision of veterinarians. This position will administer treatments, collect samples, manage databases, and perform surgeries.
The ARC's Veterinary Services Unit provides multiple technical skills for advancing research, focusing on efficiency, dependability, integrity, and quality. This allows the research community to further its scientific efforts and, as a result, strive to improve the quality of human life.
Ideal Candidate Profile
  • Thrives in a fast-paced, dynamic, and continuously evolving environment
  • Demonstrates adaptability and resilience when priorities shift or unexpected challenges arise
  • Applies strong critical thinking, sound judgment, and emotional intelligence in daily work
  • Takes ownership of responsibilities and maintains a high level of accountability
  • Communicates openly, professionally, and with transparency
  • Collaborates effectively with others while maintaining a positive attitude under pressure

Job Responsibilities:
  • Execute routine tasks/processes within area (e.g., Vet services: assessment of lab murine model health cases, emergency health condition triaging; Research services: breeding colony maintenance, sample collection and processing), with limited guidance.
  • Perform assigned procedures within area (e.g., necropsy, euthanasia; PK/PD projects & surgical procedures) as applicable.
  • Troubleshoot, report, and record any issues with equipment/processes within area.
  • Monitor own delivery for compliance with overall guidelines and SOPs.
  • Inform relevant stakeholders (e.g., researchers, veterinarians) of findings and unusual observations/occurrences in a timely manner.
  • Maintain relevant documentation (e.g., medical records, process logs, files, billing reports) as applicable for own area.
  • Perform other related duties as assigned to meet the goals and objectives of the department and the institution.
  • Maintain regular and predictable attendance.

Minimum Education and/or Training:
  • High School Diploma

Minimum Experience:
  • High school diploma/GED with 4+ years of experience in a professional animal care facility (e.g. zoo, veterinary clinic, laboratory facility) OR Associate's degree in Lab Model Science, Biology, Toxicology, or Agricultural with 2+ years experience OR Bachelor's degree and no prior industry experience.
  • Prior experience within the area preferred (e.g., model handling and restraint; model health monitoring; operation and sanitization/sterilization of equipment; sample collection).
  • Some experience working with software tools to maintain documentation/records

Licensure, Registration and/or Certification Required:
  • Assistant Laboratory Technician (ALAT) - American Association for Laboratory Science within 18 months

Compensation
In recognition of certain U.S. state and municipal pay transparency laws, St. Jude is including a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role. This is an estimate offered in good faith and a specific salary offer takes into account factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to skill sets, experience and training, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the salary range and compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case. A reasonable estimate of the current salary range is $22.00 - $38.50 per hour for the role of Veterinary Technologist- ARC.
Explore our exceptional benefits!
St. Jude is an Equal Opportunity Employer
No Search Firms
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital does not accept unsolicited assistance from search firms for employment opportunities. Please do not call or email. All resumes submitted by search firms to any employee or other representative at St. Jude via email, the internet or in any form and/or method without a valid written search agreement in place and approved by HR will result in no fee being paid in the event the candidate is hired by St. Jude.

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