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Coroner Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Coroner Opening Date: 08/22/2025 Description/Summary Green County Deputy Coroner. This position is an on-call position that does not have a guaranteed set number of hours and is paid an hourly ...

Description/Summary Green County Deputy Coroner. This position is an on-call position that does not have a guaranteed set number of hours and is paid an hourly stipend for work performed. Essential ...

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Coroner information

What are the qualifications to be a coroner?

To become a coroner, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, and many jurisdictions prefer or require a background in medicine, law enforcement, or forensic science. Some positions require completing specialized training or certification, and candidates must often pass background checks and have good communication skills for investigative work.

How do coroners get their jobs?

Coroners are typically elected officials or appointed by local government authorities, often requiring candidates to meet specific qualifications such as relevant medical or forensic training. Many coroners have backgrounds as physicians, forensic pathologists, or law enforcement, and must often pass certification or training programs relevant to death investigation. The hiring process varies by jurisdiction but generally involves a combination of election, appointment, and meeting professional standards.

What does a coroner pay?

Coroners' salaries vary by location and experience, but typically range from $40,000 to $80,000 annually. Some coroners are elected officials and may receive additional benefits or stipends, while others are employed by government agencies or medical examiner offices. Certification and specialized training can influence earning potential.

How hard is it to get a job as a coroner?

Securing a job as a coroner typically requires relevant education, such as a medical degree or forensic training, along with experience in medical or forensic fields. Competition can be high due to the specialized nature of the role, and candidates often need to pass certification or licensing requirements depending on the jurisdiction.

What Do Coroners Do?

Coroners are in charge of recording the cause, time, and manner of death of citizens in their jurisdiction. It is the coroner’s job to determine if the manner of death was natural or if foul play was involved. If needed, the coroner will request an investigation. Some coroners may be elected or appointed to the role and may have served previously in other crime prevention or government positions. When a coroner investigates or reports a suspicious death, they may refer to a forensic specialist for assistance. Local laws vary by jurisdiction as to what the coroner has the power to do.

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

To thrive as a Coroner, you need a background in medicine, forensic science, or law, often supported by a medical degree, law degree, or relevant certification depending on jurisdiction. Familiarity with forensic pathology tools, death investigation protocols, and legal documentation systems is essential. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and excellent communication skills are key soft skills for interacting with law enforcement, families, and the judicial system. These competencies ensure accurate cause-of-death determinations, proper legal proceedings, and sensitive handling of bereaved families.

What does a coroner do?

A coroner is an official responsible for investigating deaths that are sudden, unexplained, or suspicious. Their main duties include determining the cause and manner of death, overseeing autopsies, and sometimes holding inquests. Coroners work closely with law enforcement, pathologists, and other professionals to establish facts about deaths within their jurisdiction. In some regions, coroners may be elected or appointed and can have medical or legal backgrounds.

What are some common challenges coroners face when working with families of the deceased?

Coroners often encounter emotionally charged situations when interacting with grieving families, as they are responsible for explaining autopsy findings, cause of death, and legal procedures. Balancing compassion with the need to obtain accurate information can be challenging. Additionally, coroners must maintain confidentiality and sensitivity while ensuring that families understand the processes involved, which requires strong communication and interpersonal skills.

What is the difference between Coroner vs Medical Examiner?

AspectCoronerMedical Examiner
CredentialsMay not require medical degree; often electedMust be a licensed physician, often a forensic pathologist
Work EnvironmentTypically in county or local government officesIn hospitals, morgues, or government agencies
Industry UsageCommon in rural or smaller jurisdictionsUsed in larger cities and counties
Role FocusDetermine cause of death, often with limited medical trainingPerform autopsies, determine cause of death, and testify in court

While both Coroners and Medical Examiners determine causes of death, Medical Examiners are licensed physicians with specialized training in forensic pathology, working primarily in larger jurisdictions. Coroners may not require medical degrees and are often elected officials in smaller areas. Their roles overlap in death investigations, but Medical Examiners typically provide more detailed autopsies and expert testimony.

What cities are hiring for Coroner jobs? Cities with the most Coroner job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Coroner jobs? The most popular types of Coroner jobs are:
Who are the top companies hiring for Coroner jobs? The top employers for Coroner jobs are:
What states have the most Coroner jobs? States with the most job openings for Coroner jobs include:
Infographic showing various Coroner job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 24% Part Time, and 1% Temporary. Highlights an 97% Physical, and 3% Remote job distribution.
Executive Administrative Assistant(Office of Coroner)

Executive Administrative Assistant(Office of Coroner)

Luzerne County

Wilkes Barre, PA

$30K/yr

Full-time

Posted 29 days ago


Luzerne County rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

194th of 668 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

Description THIS POSITION WILL REMAIN POSTED UNTIL FILLED The position is advanced clerical work involving document processing, billing, workflow management, statistical data management and customer service. Work is performed with considerable initiative and independence. Reports directly to the County Coroner and Chief Deputy County Coroner.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities Maintain Coroner's calendar, schedule appointments/meetings. Submit material to the State when required (including electronically in coroner programs) Review all incoming mail, determining the nature, urgency and action required by the office or the Coroner directly Respond to requests for documents and general information from the public Maintain statistical data on county deaths such as coroner views, motor vehicle fatalities, homicides, etc. Maintain office files and other record keeping Review all death certificates for cremation purposes in county and process the permits and billing of same Assist contract deputy coroners with questions related to their completion of reports in the electronic report management system Monitor information regarding the office budget using the county financial software program Oversee the ordering of supplies and equipment Maintain chain of custody of toxicology samples as well as forward to appropriate agency Other duties as assigned Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Comprehensive knowledge of procedural requirements of government offices Knowledge of English grammar, punctuations, and spelling Knowledge of administrative methods and techniques to manage workflow Ability to gather and present information Proficient in computers and software, including Word, Excel, Outlook Ability to take accurate notes of discussions and produce documents from such notes Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with coroner's staff, law enforcement and the general public General knowledge of medical terminology when reviewing death certificates Ability to work independently and perform well in a team environment Knowledge of standard office procedures and practices such as the types, organizations, and use of standard office files, logs, forms, and letter formats Ability to proofread varying types of information for conformance with a prescribed pattern or form, to assure adherence to instructions and clerical office procedures, to maintain consistency of thought and requirements, and for compliance with specific administrative or procedural rules Ability to organize work in a manner which ensures smooth processing and accomplishment of priority items on schedule Proficient in the use of computers, fax machines, copiers and other related office equipment Minimum Qualifications High School graduate Three years experience in a judicial, legal or governmental organization Previous experience using computers and software, including Word, Excel, Outlook Any equivalent combination of education, experience and training The County of Luzerne is an EEO/ADA employer.