Occupation information for

Direct activities such as autopsies, pathological and toxicological analyses, and inquests relating to the investigation of deaths occurring within a legal jurisdiction to determine cause of death or to fix responsibility for accidental, violent, or unexplained deaths.

Currently Employed: 3,036

Yearly Projected Openings: 60

Typical Hourly Wage: $31.03 - $47.09

Typical Annual Salary: $64,600 - $98,000

• Arrange for the next of kin to be notified of deaths.
• Provide information concerning the circumstances of death to relatives of the deceased.
• Direct activities of workers conducting autopsies, performing pathological and toxicological analyses, and preparing documents for permanent records.
• Locate and document information regarding the next of kin, including their relationship to the deceased and the status of notification attempts.
• Perform medicolegal examinations and autopsies, conducting preliminary examinations of the body to identify victims, locate signs of trauma, and identify factors that would indicate time of death.
• Remove or supervise removal of bodies from death scenes, using the proper equipment and supplies, and arrange for transportation to morgues.
• Collect and document any pertinent medical history information.
• Observe, record, and preserve any objects or personal property related to deaths, including objects such as medication containers and suicide notes.
• Observe and record the positions and conditions of bodies and related evidence.
• Complete reports and forms required to finalize cases.

• Autopsy dissection forceps for general use
• Autopsy hanging scales
• Autopsy knives or blades
• Autopsy saws
• Autopsy scissors

• Data base user interface and query software
• Graphics or photo imaging software
• Project management software
• Spreadsheet software
• Word processing software