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Death Investigator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

mkecounty

Medicolegal Death Investigator

Wauwatosa, WI · On-site

$33.92 - $50.88/hr

The goal of the Medicolegal Death Investigator position is to provide high quality and timely medicolegal death investigations to assist the Medical Examiner in determining cause and manner of death.

mkecounty

Medicolegal Death Investigator

Wauwatosa, WI

$33.92 - $50.88/hr

The goal of the Medicolegal Death Investigator position is to provide high quality and timely medicolegal death investigations to assist the Medical Examiner in determining cause and manner of death.

Mayo Clinic

$30.54 - $45.87/hr

Responsibilities Conducts death investigations on an on-call basis for specified geographic area under the jurisdiction of the county Medical Examiner (ME). Responds quickly to potentially traumatic ...

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$32K

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How much do death investigator jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for death investigator in the United States is $75,325.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $52,500.00 and $98,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Death Investigator, you need a strong understanding of forensic science, criminal justice, and anatomy, typically supported by a relevant degree and specialized training. Familiarity with evidence collection tools, case management systems, and sometimes certification from organizations like the American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigators (ABMDI) is common. Keen attention to detail, critical thinking, and effective communication skills help investigators accurately document findings and coordinate with law enforcement and families. These skills ensure thorough, objective investigations that uphold legal standards and provide closure for affected parties.

What are death investigators and what do they do?

Death investigators are professionals who examine the circumstances, causes, and manner of deaths that occur under unusual, suspicious, or unexplained circumstances. They work closely with law enforcement, medical examiners, and forensic pathologists to gather information from death scenes, interview witnesses, and review medical histories. Their job is to determine whether a death was due to natural causes, an accident, suicide, or homicide, and to provide crucial evidence for legal and public health purposes. Death investigators may work for government agencies, medical examiner offices, or coroner systems.

What Does a Death Investigator Do?

A death investigator or medicolegal investigator works for a coroner or medical examiner’s office. Your responsibilities in this career revolve around helping the coroner or ME determine the cause of death of a person. Typically, your duties are to report to the scene of a death and assist with the forensic investigation. You investigate the scene and collaborate with law enforcement and medical professionals, but you ensure that you remain independent in your investigation. Additionally, in some jurisdictions, your responsibilities include informing the family of the deceased.

What is the difference between Death Investigator vs Medical Examiner?

AspectDeath InvestigatorMedical Examiner
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles require forensic or criminal justice trainingMedical degree (MD or DO), pathology residency, board certification
Work EnvironmentCrime scenes, morgues, officesHospitals, morgues, courtrooms
Employer & Industry UsageLaw enforcement agencies, medical examiner officesCounty or state medical examiner offices, hospitals
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for investigative roles in death casesCompared for medical and autopsy responsibilities

The main difference is that a Death Investigator typically works on crime scenes and initial investigations, often with law enforcement, while a Medical Examiner is a licensed physician who performs autopsies and determines cause of death. Both roles are essential in death investigations but require different qualifications and work environments.

What qualifications do you need to be a death investigator?

To become a death investigator, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, with many positions requiring post-secondary education such as an associate's or bachelor's degree in criminal justice, forensic science, or a related field. Relevant experience in law enforcement, forensic science, or medical fields is often preferred, along with strong analytical skills and attention to detail. Certification or training in forensic investigation or death scene analysis may also be required or beneficial.

Do you have to be a cop to be a death investigator?

No, you do not have to be a police officer to become a death investigator. Many death investigators have backgrounds in forensic science, medicine, or criminal justice, and they often require specialized training and certifications in death investigation procedures.

How much do death investigators make in Texas?

Death investigators in Texas typically earn an average annual salary of around $45,000 to $55,000, depending on experience, location, and certifications. They often work in forensic or medical examiner offices and may require specialized training or certifications in forensic science or death investigation.

What are some common challenges faced by Death Investigators during scene investigations?

Death Investigators often encounter challenging environments, such as emotionally charged scenes, difficult weather conditions, and complex circumstances involving multiple agencies. Balancing the need for thorough evidence collection with sensitivity toward grieving families can be demanding. Additionally, they must maintain meticulous documentation and clear communication with law enforcement, medical personnel, and forensic experts to ensure accurate case resolution.

What does a death investigator do?

A death investigator examines deceased individuals to determine the cause and manner of death, often working with law enforcement, medical examiners, or coroners. They collect evidence, document findings, and may assist in autopsies, requiring attention to detail and knowledge of forensic procedures.
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Death Investigator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Death Investigator job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 88% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $75,325 per year, or $36.2 per hour.

Medicolegal Death Investigator

mkecounty

Wauwatosa, WI • On-site

$33.92 - $50.88/hr

Other

Posted 18 days ago

Job description

Closing Date: July 29th, 2026 or upon receipt of 50 applicant submissions

 

Medicolegal Death Investigator

Milwaukee County Medical Examiner’s Office (MCMEO)

Hourly Range: $33.92 – $50.88

The Milwaukee County Medical Examiner's Office investigates sudden, unexpected, and violent deaths, and determines the cause and manner of death. The goal of the Medicolegal Death Investigator position is to provide high quality and timely medicolegal death investigations to assist the Medical Examiner in determining cause and manner of death.

The Medical Examiner’s Office will be relocating to the newly constructed Forensic Science and Protective Medicine Facility at 9400 West Doyne Avenue, Wauwatosa, Wisconsin, located on the Froedtert and Medical College of Wisconsin campus. This modern facility represents a significant regional investment in advancing forensic analysis, public safety, and emergency preparedness. The building features highly specialized laboratory environments, stateoftheart autopsy suites designed to enhance diagnostic precision, expanded investigative and operational workspaces to support efficiency and interdisciplinary coordination, improved evidence-handling infrastructure, upgraded security systems, and enhanced environmental controls. The facility will also house the Wisconsin State Crime Laboratory and the Milwaukee County Office of Emergency Management, creating a centralized hub for collaboration and strengthening services across the region. The official movein date is scheduled for midSeptember 2026.

Job Summary: The Medicolegal Death Investigator (MDI) will report information discovered during thorough investigations pertaining to medical and forensic evidence of the body as well as personal/medical history of decedents. This position responds to active death scenes to determine the preliminary cause and manner of death based on evidence observed and collected, interviews of witnesses/families, and preliminary examination of the body. The MDI is responsible for locating the decedents family to notify them of the death, investigating requests for cremation, certifying cremation permits, and obtaining pertinent records. The MDI is exposed to all aspects of death, including grieving individuals, hostile situations, and traumatic/violent causes of death of all ages. This position is considered essential at the MCMEO and is required to report for all scheduled shifts regardless of inclement/treacherous weather, even if the County closes operations.

Job Responsibilities: 

  • In accordance with Wisconsin State Statutes – Chapter 979, MCMEO Policies and Procedures, National Association of Medical Examiners (NAME) and American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigators (ABMDI) standards, perform medicolegal death investigations that consists of making death pronouncements; undressing and examining bodies and recording in detail the external appearance of bodies including anomalies and their locations using specific medical and forensic terminology. Interview police, first responders, fire personnel, witnesses, funeral directors, medical personnel, and families. Further document findings with photographs and descriptive written reports. Recover all biological human remains from death scenes not attached to the body.
  • Draw specimens from bodies such as blood, urine, vitreous humor, etc. Request antemortem specimens (blood and urine) from hospitals/medical facilities as well as package, label, and secure specimens for transport to the Medical Examiner’s Office Toxicology Laboratory. Maintain documented chain of custody for court purposes and per NAME standards. Enter specimens in MCMEO case management system.
  • Lift, turn, and move bodies, in possibly odd positions or locations, to thoroughly examine and document in detail any anomalies to the body using specific medical and forensic terminology. Receive, admit, and secure decedents in the MCMEO while maintaining integrity, identification, and chain of custody. Release decedents to Funeral Homes or other agencies, ensuring proper licensure and documenting chain of custody of the body and personal effects.
  • Identify decedent by utilizing scientific methods through fingerprints, dental records, radiographs, and DNA samples. Obtain fingerprints from decedents using ink, powder, and skilled photography methods when finger quality is degraded. Obtain skilled, detailed full mouth postmortem dental x-rays for forensic pathologists or forensic odontologist to compare with antemortem dental records/x-rays.
  • Conduct in person and by phone interviews with witnesses, family members, physicians, legal representatives, and other health care providers regarding decedents medical history and circumstances surrounding the death. Document all information in a professional written format. Communicate with proper authorities related to death investigations.
  • Refer family members in crisis/distress to appropriate agencies, communicate about their loved ones, and provide support through the grieving process. Inform families of preliminary autopsy findings and final cause and manner of death.
  • Inventory and safeguard personal property and evidence of decedents and facilitate the release to proper authorities while maintaining chain of custody standards.
  • Investigate requests for cremation by conducting external examination of bodies, photographs, and fingerprint the decedent. Issue cremation permits after reviewing death certificates, cause and manner of death, medical records, and/or interviews. Testify at inquest or in court as to investigative findings and investigative reports generated.
  • Nature of work frequently requires irregular, unpredictable, or particularly long hours as the investigative staff is present in the office 24/7 (i.e., overtime/double shifts/mandatory assignments).  Mandatory assignments are dispensed on a fair and even basis amongst the MDI staff. The MDIs are essential personnel to the MCMEO and must report for scheduled shifts even when the County Executive closes County operations.
  • Perform all other duties as assigned.

 

Minimum Qualifications:  

  • Current resident of the state of Wisconsin required.
  • Valid Wisconsin driver’s license required.
  • American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigation certification is required within one (1) year of hire; must maintain certification and participate in continuing education throughout employment.
  • Bachelor’s degree in medical, forensic science, criminal justice, or closely related field required.
  • At least one (1) year of experience performing medical, criminal, or civil investigation and investigative report writing required.
  • Candidates with a master's degree or higher in the medical, forensic science, criminal justice, or closely related field with no experience will also be considered.
  • Advanced experience using Microsoft Office Software, specifically Word and Excel required.
  • Ability to lift and carry up to 100lbs; push and pull up to 150lbs on a regular basis required.
  • This position requires a criminal background check; felony and some misdemeanor convictions would be a barrier to employment.

Note: The ideal candidate will be adaptable to a fluid work environment, in which pace and caseload can vary. They must be detail oriented and have organizational skills. Individuals should be able to work with others in a collaborative environment to accomplish investigative and other daily tasks as well as maintain a professional demeanor and rapport when working with families and outside agencies.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Advanced knowledge of Forensic Advantage or other Medical Examiner case management system, National Missing and Unidentified Person System (NamUs), TransUnion TLOxp, Hyland Utility Client – OnBase, Ancestry.com, Consolidated Court Automation Programs (CCAP) preferred.
  • Intermediate knowledge of State Vital Records Information System (SVRIS), Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP), ImageTrend (EMS reporting system), DEXIS – Digital Dental X-ray Management System preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Knowledge of criminal and/or civil investigative procedures; knowledge of the methods, principles and practices of human anatomy and physiology, and medical, legal, and forensic terminology; knowledge of basic photography methods; skill in the use of computer word processing applications; interviewing and report writing skills; oral and written communication skills; ability to handle cadavers; ability to pronounce death; ability to lift and transfer bodies; ability to hear and see to perform work safely; ability to stand, sit or move for long periods of time; ability to perform physically demanding investigations; ability to work in an environment which may include unpleasant sights, sounds and smells; ability to communicate with law enforcement personnel, fire department personnel, health care providers, families, funeral directors, the news media and the general public; and ability to work effectively and harmoniously with others.

NOTE: This ORIGINAL APPLICATION is open to qualified residents of the State of Wisconsin at the time of application. Candidates need to submit a full account of their training and experience (i.e., by submitting an up-to-date resume or by fully completing the application) during the application process and may also be asked to take additional written or performance tests as part of the selection process.

APPLICANTS MUST POSSESS MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AT TIME OF FILING APPLICATION

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