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Death Investigator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Jackson County Missouri

INVESTIGATOR I

Kansas City, MO

$28.58/hr

Conducts on-site investigations to determine the circumstances surrounding death including time of death and probable cause of death; and collects medical records and demographic information Minimum ...

Jackson County Missouri

INVESTIGATOR I

Kansas City, MO · On-site

$28.58/hr

Conducts on-site investigations to determine the circumstances surrounding death including time of death and probable cause of death; and collects medical records and demographic information Minimum ...

State of Maryland

FORENSIC INVESTIGATOR

Baltimore, MD · On-site

$52K - $67K/yr

Three years of experience investigating the circumstances of death at death scene incidents. Notes : 1. Candidates may substitute the possession of an Associate of Arts degree in Health Sciences ...

Bexar County, TX

Medical Investigator - C

Madison, SD

$25.89 - $30.42/hr

Conducts death scene investigations, which include visiting the death scene, drawing diagrams , taking photographs, interviewing witnesses, family members, police, or other pertinent individuals to ...

Maricopa

Medical Examiner

Phoenix, AZ · Hybrid

$240K - $306K/yr

Successful applicants will be expected to direct medicolegal death investigations, perform postmortem examinations in compliance with the National Association of Medical Examiners (N.A.M.E.) Forensic ...

Maricopa County, AZ

Medical Examiner

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$240K - $306K/yr

Successful applicants will be expected to direct medicolegal death investigations, perform postmortem examinations in compliance with the National Association of Medical Examiners (N.A.M.E.) Forensic ...

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Death Investigator information

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$32K

$75.3K

$131K

How much do death investigator jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 1, 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 does a death investigator 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a death investigator?

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 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 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.

How hard is it to become a death investigator?

Becoming a death investigator typically requires a background in criminal justice, forensic science, or a related field, along with relevant experience such as law enforcement or medical examiner training. Certification and on-the-job training are often necessary, and the role can involve irregular hours and exposure to traumatic scenes, making it a challenging profession.

How much do death investigators make?

Death investigators, also known as forensic or medical examiners, typically earn between $40,000 and $80,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and certification. Experienced investigators or those working in larger jurisdictions can earn higher salaries, and the role often requires knowledge of forensic science and investigative procedures.

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 required, along with strong analytical skills and attention to detail. Certification or training in forensic investigation or death scene management may also be beneficial.
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Death Investigator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Death Investigator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $75,325 per year, or $36.2 per hour.

Medicolegal Death Investigator- Forensic Center

The University of Tennessee

Memphis, TN • On-site

$22.77/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 3 days ago

Job description


Market Range: 10
Hiring Salary: $22.77/Hourly
The Medicolegal Death Investigator assists with the investigation of deaths reported to the West Tennessee Regional Forensic Center, Office of the Medical Examiner, particularly as it pertains to the seeking, gathering, and documentation of pertinent circumstantial, historical, and other medicolegal data. Aids the Medical Examiner with identification of the decedent, determination of cause and manner of death, preservation of evidence, and anticipated future questions. This position is considered essential and is required to report to work as scheduled during weather or other related emergencies or when the university has otherwise suspended or delayed operations.
Responsibilities
  1. Receives and responds to the initial report of a death or request for cremation.
  2. Creates an office record with the preliminary information.
  3. Seeks and gathers facts and additional data necessary to establish the Medical Examiner's jurisdiction.
  4. Communicates and coordinates with the Medical Examiner, family members, employers, witnesses, and personnel from law enforcement, hospital, medical, civil, mortuary, insurance, and other fields.
  5. Responds as appropriate to the death or injury scene or body location; Inspects and documents by means of notes, diagrams, sketches, and photography the appearance and condition of the locale, body, and other pertinent objects on or near or associated with the body.
  6. Makes preliminary external examination of the body as appropriate with reference to identification of findings and factors related to time, place, manner, and cause of injury, disease, or death, and with reference to routine physical characteristic documentation and identity.
  7. Obtains pertinent past and present medical, social, family, and other history from persons and sources associated with the decedent, including family, physicians, hospitals, coworkers, employers, and law enforcement agencies.
  8. Prepares for collection and removal the body and any pertinent valuables or evidentiary materials and removes or transports the body or materials to the appropriate location or facility.
  9. Ensures the preservation and storage of evidentiary items and materials, available records, the body, and any associated clothing, valuables, or personal effects.
  10. Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications
EDUCATION: Bachelor's Degree. (Master's Degree preferred) (TRANSCRIPT REQUIRED)
EXPERIENCE: Two (2) years acceptable and proven experience in death investigation; law enforcement; and/or Licensed Paramedic/EMT; OR a combination of related education and work experience to equal six (6) years of related experience. Must have valid Driver's license.
LICENSE/CERTIFICATION: Certification from the American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigators is required within one (1) year of hire date. (COPY OF LICENSE/CERTIFICATION REQUIRED)
TYPICAL WORKING ENVIRONMENT: Work is generally performed in a clinical setting or exam room. Position will occasionally be exposed to environmental elements such as heat, rain, or cold when conducting on-site crime scene investigations. Position will also be exposed to biohazards and chemicals necessary for the autopsy procedures during the pre- and post-mortem process.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
  • Knowledge of laws and standards of medico legal investigation, anatomy, physiology, medical terminology, and forensic pathology.
  • Knowledge of the rules and regulations affecting the operation of the Medical Examiner's Office.
  • Knowledge of company policies and procedures.
  • Knowledge of customer service and telephone etiquette.
  • Knowledge of safety procedures; Knowledge of the rules of evidence and court procedures.
  • Ability to follow oral and written instructions.
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships; Ability to interface with personnel from various outside entities including law enforcement.
  • Ability to draw logical conclusions and exercise independent judgement.
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.

WORK SCHEDULE: Must be available to work rotating shift, overnight, weekends, and holidays.

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