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Coroner Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The pay range for this position is $201,120 to $281,520 annually, based on relevant experience This position will serve as a Deputy Coroner and Deputy Medical Examiner and will serve as second in ...

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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 July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 23% Part Time, and 1% Temporary. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution.
Deputy Coroner Level I/II

Deputy Coroner Level I/II

Sacramento County, CA

Sacramento, CA • On-site

$74K - $104K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

Posted yesterday


Sacramento County rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 41 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

242nd of 700 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

Salary : $74,792.16 - $104,754.96 Annually
Location : Sacramento, CA
Job Type: Permanent Full-Time
Job Number: 27818-A
Department: Coroner
Opening Date: 01/23/2026
Closing Date: 12/23/2026 5:00 PM Pacific
The Position
This is a continuous filing exam. Next filing cut-offs are at 5:00 pm on:
2/6/2026, 2/20/2026, 3/20/2026, 4/17/2026, 5/22/2026, 6/26/2026, 7/24/2026, 8/28/2026, 9/25/2026, 10/23/2026, 11/25/2026, 12/23/2026 (Final)
Level I - $6,232.68 - $7,953.50/month
Level II - $6,838.17 - $8,729.58/month

Under general supervision, the Deputy Coroner Level I/II conducts investigations to determine the jurisdiction, circumstances, manner and cause of deaths which occur within the jurisdiction of the Sacramento County's Coroner's Office.
Examples of Knowledge and Abilities
Knowledge of
  • Applicable federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations
  • Principles, methods and techniques of investigation and interviewing with emphasis on investigation of deaths to determine cause and manner
  • Techniques and sources for identifying and locating persons
  • Rules of evidence and standard techniques for gathering and preserving evidence
  • Basic anatomy and medical terminology
  • Office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and applicable software applications such as word processing, spreadsheets and databases
  • Medical and laboratory procedures related to death investigation
  • English usage, spelling, grammar, and punctuation
Ability to
  • Understand and follow oral instructions and Coroner's Office procedures and laws
  • Accurately observe and record information relating to deaths
  • Deal tactfully and effectively with the public and other governmental agencies in situations that are highly stressful
  • Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with department personnel, law enforcement agencies, other coroner's offices, medical offices, the media, and others
  • Interpret laws and regulations
  • Write clear and concise reports, field notes, and correspondence and maintain accurate records using modern office equipment
  • Analyze and interpret medical and other technical reports relating to investigations and assess them for completeness and accuracy
  • Learn the use and care of small firearms

Employment Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications
Successful completion of 60 semester (90 quarter) units from an accredited college or university with at least 9 semester (13 quarter) units of coursework in criminal justice, life science, health science, or other closely related field.
Desirable Qualifications: A Bachelor's Degree in criminal justice, life science, health science or other closely related field from an accredited college or university is desirable, but not required.
Note: If the minimum qualifications include an educational or certificate/license requirement, applicants must submit proof of requirements with the application. Failure to submit proof of requirements may result in disqualification from the examination. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable. For guidelines on submitting acceptable proof of educational requirements, please click or speak to someone in our office before the final filing or cut-off date listed in this notice.
General Qualifications
Compliance with Government Code: Incumbents appointed to this class shall meet the minimum standards set forth in California Government Code, Section 1031.
Criminal History and Background Checks: The County may access criminal history information on candidates who have accepted a conditional offer of appointment for this class consistent with the provisions of Board of Supervisors Resolution No. 82-602, Personnel Policies and Procedures, and applicable federal and state laws. The County shall not consider for employment any candidate who has been convicted of a felony or misdemeanor that relates to or impacts the candidate's ability to perform the job duties of this class unless it is determined that mitigating circumstances exist. For purposes of accessing criminal history information, the candidate will be fingerprinted. A subsequent arrest notification may be obtained.
The County may also conduct a background check on the candidate prior to appointment to a position within this class. The background check may include personal and professional reference checks, credit history checks, Social Security Number verification, professional license/registration verification, military service information and driving history. Information obtained in the course of this background check will be considered by the appointing authority in the selection process. In obtaining such information, the County will comply with applicable consent and disclosure practices in the Fair Credit Reporting Act and the California Investigative Consumer Reporting Agencies Act.
License Requirement: Some positions may require possession of a valid California Driver License, Class C or higher, prior to appointment to this class. Failure to maintain a valid license may constitute cause for personnel action in accordance with Civil Service Rules and/or the applicable bargaining agreement. Individuals who do not meet this requirement due to disability will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
Certificate Requirement: Deputy Coroner Level I: Successful completion of a Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) certified PC 832 Arrest and Firearms course and a POST certified Coroner's Death Investigation Course must be successfully completed within one year of appointment.
Deputy Coroner Level II: Successful completion of a Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) certified PC 832 Arrest and Firearms course is required at the time of appointment. A POST certified Coroner's Death Investigation Course must be successfully completed within one year of appointment.
Physical Requirements: Positions in this class require the incumbent to be able to:
  • Lift and move bodies weighing up to 150 pounds with assistance
  • Assist with carrying dead bodies up and down stairs and steep levees, and in confined areas
Individuals who do not meet these requirements due to disability will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
Working Conditions: Positions in this class require the incumbent to be able to:
  • Handle death in a mature and respectful manner
  • Tolerate unpleasant aspects associated with traumatic death, bodies of deceased persons in various stages of decomposition, odors and larva
  • Travel when necessary to conduct business
  • Make tactful and empathetic death notifications
  • Work in all weather conditions
  • Work on-call as necessary including nights, weekends and holidays
Probationary Period
The probationary period for this classification is twelve (12) months.
Application and Testing Information
APPLICATION
Qualified applicants are encouraged to apply immediately. All applicants must complete and submit an online County of Sacramento employment application by 5:00 PM on the posted cut-off date. Click here to apply.
County of Sacramento
Department of Personnel Services
Employment Services Division
700 H Street, Room 4667
Sacramento, CA 95814
Phone (916) 874-5593; 7-1-1 California Relay Service
Email EmployOffice@Saccounty.net
Inter-Office Mail Code: 09-4667
www.SacCountyJobs.net
  • Employment applications and all documentation requested in this announcement must be submitted by 5:00 p.m. on the cut-off date.
  • Employment Services is not responsible for any issues or delays caused by an applicant's computer or web browser. Applicants will be automatically logged out if they have not submitted their applications and all documentation prior to 5:00 p.m. on the cut-off date.
  • Your application should highlight all relevant education, training, and experience, and clearly indicate how you meet the minimum qualifications for the position as of the cut-off date.
  • Application information must be current, concise and related to the requirements in this job announcement. You may only apply for this recruitment once. Duplicate and incomplete applications will be disqualified.
  • A resume may be included with your application, however it will not substitute for the information requested on the application.

SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE
Applicants are required to provide a full and complete response to each supplemental question. The Supplemental Questionnaire is located in the tab marked "Supplemental Questions". Please be descriptive in your response.
Note: Responses of "See Resume" or "See Application", or copy and paste of work experience are not qualifying responses and will not be considered.
  • Supplemental Questionnaires must be submitted by 5:00 p.m. on the cut-off date. Employment Services is not responsible for any issues or delays caused by an applicant's computer or web browser. Applicants will be automatically logged out if they have not submitted their applications and all documentation prior to 5:00 p.m. on the cut-off date.
  • The supplemental questions are designed to elicit specific information regarding a candidate's experience, education, and training. Responses should be consistent with the information on your application and are subject to verification.
  • Please provide place of employment, pertinent dates, and concise, descriptive and detailed information for each question.
  • If a job included responsibilities applicable to several questions, separate the different functions of the job to answer all the questions completely.
  • Resumes or referral to the application or other questionnaire responses will not be accepted in lieu of completing each question.
  • If you have no experience, write "no experience" for the appropriate question.
  • For many individuals, it is more efficient to develop responses to the supplemental questions in a word processing document and then paste them into the final document to be submitted. Changes or corrections to your Supplemental Questionnaire cannot be made once your application packet has been submitted.
  • If the Supplemental Questionnaire is used in the Formula Rate exam, failure to complete all of the questions or incomplete responses will result in a lower score. While scoring the Supplemental Questionnaire, the candidate's application and/or attachments will not be reviewed, therefore, a candidate's responses to the questions should be accurate, thorough, detailed, and complete.

FORMULA RATE EXAMINATION (Weighted 100%)
All candidates meeting the minimum qualifications by the cut-off date will have their Supplemental Questionnaire scored in the Formula Rate Examination.
This examination will evaluate the relevance, level, recency, progression and quality of candidate's education, training and experience. The candidate's application or other materials will not be included in this examination. Therefore, the candidate's responses to the supplemental questionnaire should be thorough, detailed and complete. The score from the Formula Rate Examination will determine the ranking on the eligible/employment list for this job.
All candidates competing in the testing process will receive written notice of their examination results by email. Notices can also be accessed in their governmentjobs.com inbox. Applicants achieving a passing score will be placed on the eligible list in rank order. The rank is determined by the test score attained from the examination.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Click for Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)
For information regarding County jobs:
www.saccountyjobs.net
Sacramento County is about enriching communities to thrive. We strive to create inclusive workplaces that reflect the communities we serve. We value and celebrate the unique perspectives, backgrounds, abilities, and diverse dimensions of our employees and residents. Through transparency, courage, innovation, and trust we are committed to advance equity and transformational change.
We are a proud equal opportunity employer. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability for any phase of the hiring process, please contact our Disability Compliance Office at or 916-874-7642, CA Relay 711. For more information, visit:
EMPLOYEE BENEFITS
At Sacramento County, we strive to provide benefit programs designed to meet our employees' current and future needs and help them as they balance their careers and personal life. County of Sacramento employees have a variety of benefits available. These benefits include:
  • Dental Insurance
  • Vision Benefits
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
  • Health Insurance
  • Health Savings Account (HSA)
  • Life Insurance
  • Critical Illness
  • Retiree Health Savings Plan (RHSP)
  • Deferred Compensation

More information can be found on the
TEMPORARY POSITIONS:
Most benefits do not apply to temporary positions.
VACATION:
Generally, vacation with pay begins at 10 days annually. With increase over a period of years, the maximum annual vacation with pay is 25 days.
HOLIDAYS:
14.5 holidays per year as recognized by the Board of Supervisors.
SICK LEAVE:
Equivalent to 15 days annually, unlimited accumulation.
TUITION REIMBURSEMENT:
Regular County employees may be eligible to receive Tuition Reimbursement. The costs for course tuition/registration fees and required books/supplies may be eligible fo

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