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Trainee Autopsy Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Pathologist

Bronx, NY · On-site +1

$250K - $400K/yr

The AP/CP pathologist will provide residents and/or trainees information on specimen processing and ... Issue completed autopsy report with clinicopathologic correlation within 60 days of autopsy.

... trainees, including providing direct supervision and instruction in autopsy performance as well as providing instructional presentations and lectures Participates in administrative aspects of the ...

... trainees, including providing direct supervision and instruction in autopsy performance as well as providing instructional presentations and lectures Participates in administrative aspects of the ...

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Trainee Autopsy information

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$25.5K

$43.5K

$63.5K

How much do trainee autopsy jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for trainee autopsy in the United States is $43,530.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $33,000.00 and $51,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Trainee Autopsy vs Autopsy Technician?

AspectTrainee AutopsyAutopsy Technician
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; on-the-job trainingHigh school diploma; specialized training or certification often preferred
Work EnvironmentLearning environment in medical examiner or morgue settingsAssisting with autopsies in morgues or forensic labs
Job ResponsibilitiesAssisting pathologists, preparing bodies, learning autopsy proceduresPreparing equipment, assisting during autopsies, maintaining lab cleanliness

In summary, a Trainee Autopsy is an entry-level role focused on learning and assisting under supervision, while an Autopsy Technician typically has more hands-on responsibilities and may require additional training or certification. Both roles are essential in forensic and medical examiner settings, but the Trainee Autopsy emphasizes learning and support.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Trainee Autopsy Technician, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Trainee Autopsy Technician, you need a background in biological sciences or forensic science, attention to detail, and knowledge of anatomy, often supported by a relevant degree or certification. Familiarity with laboratory instruments, safety protocols, and digital record-keeping systems is crucial. Strong communication, discretion, and the ability to work well under pressure are important soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure accurate post-mortem examinations, maintain legal and ethical standards, and support effective collaboration within forensic teams.

What are some common challenges faced by Trainee Autopsy professionals during their initial months on the job?

Trainee Autopsy professionals often encounter challenges such as adapting to the emotional aspects of working with deceased individuals and managing exposure to potentially distressing cases. Additionally, learning to accurately document findings and follow strict procedural protocols requires attention to detail and patience. Building effective communication skills is also important, as trainees frequently work alongside pathologists, law enforcement, and other healthcare professionals. Support and mentorship from experienced team members can help new trainees overcome these challenges and grow in their roles.

What are trainee autopsies?

A trainee autopsy refers to a post-mortem examination performed or observed by a medical professional who is in training, such as a pathology resident or forensic pathology fellow. Trainees learn to examine bodies to determine the cause of death, document findings, and understand disease processes under the supervision of experienced pathologists. This hands-on experience is essential for developing the skills needed to accurately assess and report on autopsy cases, while ensuring that all procedures adhere to legal and ethical standards.
More about Trainee Autopsy jobs
What cities are hiring for Trainee Autopsy jobs? Cities with the most Trainee Autopsy job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Autopsy jobs? The most popular types of Autopsy jobs are:
What states have the most Trainee Autopsy jobs? States with the most job openings for Trainee Autopsy jobs include:
Infographic showing various Trainee Autopsy job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $43,530 per year, or $20.9 per hour.
Forensic Autopsy Technician Senior - Tidewater District

Forensic Autopsy Technician Senior - Tidewater District

State of Virginia

Norfolk, VA • On-site

$49K - $60K/yr

Other

Posted 18 days ago


State Of Virginia rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 32 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

12th of 50 rated states


Job description

Forensic Autopsy Technician Senior - Tidewater District

Apply now Job no: 5104880
Work type: Full-Time (Salaried)
Location: Norfolk, Virginia
Categories: Applied Sciences and Natural Resources

Title: Forensic Autopsy Technician Senior - Tidewater District

State Role Title: Laboratory & Research Spec I

Hiring Range: $49,000 - $60,000

Pay Band: 3

Agency: Virginia Department of Health

Location: CHIEF MEDICAL EXAMINER-TDWT

Agency Website: www.vdh.virginia.gov

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

The Forensic Autopsy Technician Senior will support the Forensic Autopsy Services Supervisor to ensure efficient and compliant morgue operations. This position is responsible for assisting the Assistant Chief Medical Examiners (Forensic Pathologists) in the completion of autopsies, including the initial incisions necessary for removing and weighing organs, collecting body fluids and tissues for retention and applicable testing, and collecting and preserving evidence. This position will ensure continuity of operations of the morgue while the supervisor is unavailable and may assist with ordering, inventory and purchasing of supplies. Additional responsibilities include assisting with training new employees, providing ongoing instruction for current staff, and supporting trainees rotating through the office. In conjunction with the supervisor, this position will ensure compliance with policies, procedures and adherence to safety standards. Other characteristic duties include preparing bodies for examination by weighing and photographing bodies and completing x-rays. This position, along with other forensic technicians, is responsible for cleaning the morgue facility, ensuring morgue equipment and vehicles receive proper maintenance and is required to instruct internal and external personnel on morgue procedures. This position will primarily work day shifts but may be requested/required to work weekends, evenings, nights, and state holidays. Ensures compliance with OSHA regulations. Responsible for responding to mass disaster scenes.

Minimum Qualifications

Demonstrated knowledge serving in a leadership capacity and to provide technical guidance and training
Considerable working knowledge of anatomy, evidence collection, chain of custody, autopsy assistance, morgue operations, and confidentiality through direct experience or equivalent education
Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook), database usage and data entry with strong keyboarding skills
Required to push/pull/maneuver weights up to 500+ pounds, with and without assistance, stand for long periods of time, traverse uphill, rocky or otherwise unstable terrain
Must be able to respond to mass disaster scenes and other out-of-district assignments for up to a 2-week rotation
Basic photography skills: to include knowledge of digital photography with a digital camera and the ability to save images on various types of media (CD, USB, digital server)
Must be able to work days, weekends, and some holidays throughout the calendar yea
Valid Driver's License

Additional Considerations

Previous experience with human remains in a hospital, morgue, funeral home or medical examiner or coroner's office.
Relevant training and experience in forensic sciences, health sciences, or related field preferred.
Training as an autopsy technician or medicolegal death investigator
Experience with obtaining/maintaining/shipping collected specimens for analyses, consultations, etc.
Training and experience in digital radiography and digital dental radiography preferred.
Knowledge of OSHA regulations for biohazard and chemical work environments preferred.

Special Instructions

You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or resume is submitted successfully. Please refer to "Your Application" in your account to check the status of your application for this position.

VDH accepts only on-line applications. Faxed, mailed, or e-mailed applications will not be considered.
Applications are accepted until 11:55 p.m. on the job closing date. Applications and/or resumes should
include relevant work history which indicates your qualifications for this position. Supplemental
questions are encouraged to be answered in a comprehensive manner and reference any pertinent
knowledge, skills, and abilities as well as any previous experience that relates to the position.
Employment is contingent upon satisfactory results of a state and federal criminal history background check
and the Department of Social Service's Child Abuse and Neglect Central Registry check, U.S. HHSIG
Exclusion List check, employment reference check and E-Verify. Other financial, credit, driving, background
checks or completion of Statement of Economic Interests may be required for certain positions.
It is the policy of the Commonwealth and VDH that all aspects of human resource management be
conducted without regard to race (or traits historically associated with race including hair texture, hair type,
and protective hairstyles such as braids, locks, and twists); sex; color; national origin; religion; sexual
orientation; gender identity or expression; age; veteran status; political affiliation; disability; genetic
information; and pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions. VDH employees have a shared Code of Ethics, which can be found in the bottom banner of our website: www.vdh.virginia.gov.
If you have been affected by DHRM Policy 1.30 layoff and possess a valid Interagency Placement Screening
Form (Yellow Card) or a Preferential Hiring Form (Blue Card), you must submit the card before the closing date for this position. The Card may be submitted with the state application as an attachment.
As a V3 (Virginia Values Veterans) employer VDH Welcomes Veterans to apply!

Contact Information

Name: Vontrell Hodges

Phone: 804-461-7605

Email: Vontrell.Hodges@vdh.virginia,gov

In support of the Commonwealth's commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.

Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.

Advertised: 19 May 2026 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close: 01 Jun 2026 Eastern Daylight Time

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