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Forensic Death Investigator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Forensic death investigations include conducting interviews, photographing the scene and body, and gathering and preserving evidence. This position also requires transferring deceased individuals ...

The Medical Examiner's Office will be relocating to the newly constructed Forensic Science and ... The Medicolegal Death Investigator (MDI) will report information discovered during thorough ...

The Medical Examiner's Office will be relocating to the newly constructed Forensic Science and ... The Medicolegal Death Investigator (MDI) will report information discovered during thorough ...

FORENSIC INVESTIGATOR

Baltimore, MD · On-site

$52K - $67K/yr

Three years of experience investigating the circumstances of death at death scene incidents. Notes ... Science, or Forensics from an accredited college or university and one year of experience ...

Lead Medicolegal Death Investigator

Denver, CO · On-site

$100K - $119K/yr

The goal of forensic investigation and autopsy is to develop logical, scientific, and unbiased information necessary to determine the cause and manner of death for the proper and accurate completion ...

Vision To provide consistent, quality death investigation and laboratory analysis for the benefit ... The Forensic Neuropathologist conducts crucial components of medicolegal death investigations ...

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Forensic Death Investigator information

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$33K

$77.4K

$133K

How much do forensic death investigator jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for forensic death investigator in the United States is $77,448.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $57,000.00 and $89,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are forensic death investigators?

Forensic death investigators are professionals who examine deaths that occur under unusual, suspicious, or unexplained circumstances. They work closely with medical examiners, law enforcement, and other forensic specialists to determine the cause and manner of death. Their duties often include visiting death scenes, collecting evidence, interviewing witnesses, and preparing detailed reports. Forensic death investigators play a crucial role in criminal investigations and in ensuring that deaths are thoroughly and accurately examined.

What can I do with a forensic science death investigation degree?

A forensic death investigator with a forensic science death investigation degree can work in crime laboratories, medical examiner offices, or law enforcement agencies to analyze evidence, determine causes of death, and assist in criminal investigations. The role often requires knowledge of pathology, evidence collection, and report writing, and may involve certifications or specialized training. Career options include forensic pathology assistant, crime scene investigator, or death investigator in various forensic and law enforcement settings.

What does a forensic death investigator do?

A forensic death investigator examines death scenes, collects evidence, and documents findings to determine the cause and manner of death. They often work closely with law enforcement, medical examiners, and forensic specialists, requiring knowledge of crime scene procedures and forensic techniques.

How much does a medicolegal death investigator make in Florida?

A forensic death investigator in Florida typically earns between $40,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on experience, education, and location. The role often requires knowledge of pathology, crime scene investigation, and certification through relevant agencies.

How do you become a forensic death investigator?

To become a forensic death investigator, candidates typically need a background in criminal justice, forensic science, or a related field, often requiring a bachelor's degree. On-the-job training and certification in forensic investigation or death scene analysis are common, along with strong attention to detail and the ability to work in challenging environments.

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

To thrive as a Forensic Death Investigator, you need a strong background in forensic science, criminal justice, or a related field, often supported by a relevant degree and specialized training. Proficiency with crime scene analysis tools, evidence collection protocols, and case management systems is essential. Attention to detail, analytical thinking, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for accurately interpreting evidence and working with law enforcement and legal professionals. These skills and qualifications ensure precise, unbiased investigations that contribute to accurate determinations of cause and manner of death.

What are some common challenges faced by Forensic Death Investigators during the course of an investigation?

Forensic Death Investigators often encounter challenging situations such as working in emotionally charged environments, dealing with unpredictable schedules, and managing exposure to distressing scenes. They must maintain objectivity while collecting evidence, accurately documenting findings, and communicating with both law enforcement and grieving families. Additionally, they must stay current with evolving forensic technologies and adhere to strict legal and ethical guidelines to ensure that their findings are admissible in court.

What Does a Forensic Death Investigator Do?

The job duties of a medicolegal or forensic death investigator are to examine a body and the place of death and determine a cause of death. In this career, your responsibilities include coming to a conclusion about the cause of death and collecting and cataloging evidence for legal purposes. A forensic death investigator investigates in the field at a crime scene or another place of death. You then bring your findings back to a laboratory to perform relevant tests that aid in your investigations.

What cities are hiring for Forensic Death Investigator jobs? Cities with the most Forensic Death Investigator job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Forensic Death Investigator jobs? The most popular types of Forensic Death Investigator jobs are:
What states have the most Forensic Death Investigator jobs? States with the most job openings for Forensic Death Investigator jobs include:
Infographic showing various Forensic 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 $77,448 per year, or $37.2 per hour.
Forensic Investigator I

Forensic Investigator I

State of Delaware

Wilmington, DE • On-site

$46K/yr

Other

Posted 14 days ago


State Of Delaware rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 80 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

13th of 50 rated states


Job description

Summary Statement
The level I position will perform forensic death investigations to assist in determining the circumstances, jurisdiction, and cause and manner of death, including but not limited to accidents, homicides, suicides, and suspicious deaths. Forensic death investigations include conducting interviews, photographing the scene and body, and gathering and preserving evidence. This position also requires transferring deceased individuals from the death scene to a stretcher and transporting the decedent to the Division of Forensic Science. This work involves significant exposure to unpleasant sights, smells, and sounds, including exposure to disease and hazardous body fluids and gases. Scheduling requires alternating overnight, weekend, and holiday coverage.
Essential Functions
Essential functions are fundamental, core functions common to all positions in the class series and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all job duties for any one position in the class. Since class specifications are descriptive and not restrictive, incumbents can complete job duties of similar kind not specifically listed here.
  • Investigates circumstances of death at the scene by questioning police, witnesses, medical personnel, and others present; preserving evidence; photographing the scene and the body.
  • Determines compliance with medicolegal death investigation laws, rules, regulations, standards, policies, and procedures.
  • Conducts investigations to gather additional information, such as interviewing relatives of the deceased to ascertain medical history, recent health and other pertinent factors concerning the circumstances surrounding the death; contacts decedent's physician, hospital personnel, dentists, law enforcement, attorneys, and others who may have pertinent information.
  • Prepares body for transport while preserving body evidence, transports the body to the office, tags and photographs the body in the autopsy room.
  • Coordinates with a tissue procurement agency, the forensic pathologist, and relatives of the deceased to facilitate anatomical gifts.
  • Prepares various investigative reports of findings to include statistical data, body condition, body receipts, personal effects receipts, and other forms associated with the disposition of the body.
  • Participates in mass fatality preparedness and drills.
  • Uses a Laboratory Information Management Database System to provide data for drug overdose deaths to the Department of Public Health, Federal DPA, and other agencies.
  • Assists in the conduct of autopsies by labeling specimen containers, opening and suturing the body, and cleaning the area and instruments; and taking x-rays of bodies.

Job Requirements
JOB REQUIREMENTS for Forensic Investigator I Applicants must have education, training and/or experience demonstrating competence in each of the following areas:
  1. Six months experience in conducting investigations such as conducting interviews to obtain confidential information, preserving evidence and documenting findings.
  2. Six months experience in determining compliance with laws, rules, regulations, standards, policies or procedures.
  3. Six months experience in narrative report writing.
  4. Knowledge of forensic, medical, and legal terminology.
  5. Knowledge of digital photographic techniques and photographic equipment such as cameras, flash, tripod and related equipment.
  6. Possession of a valid Driver's License (not suspended, revoked or cancelled, or disqualified from driving).

Additional Posting Information
The State of Delaware recognizes the value of telework and flexible working schedules. This position is eligible for Alternative Work Schedules according to the State of Delaware's Alternative Work Arrangement Policy. More information will be shared at the time of interview.
Conditions of Hire
Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. The State of Delaware Executive Branch participates in the Federal E-Verify system where the State will provide the federal government with each new hires Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S. For more information refer to our job seeker resources.
This position is a classification organized under an exclusive bargaining representative (labor organization) that has been elected by employees as their representative for collective bargaining and other applicable terms and conditions of employment, in accordance with Title 29, Chapter 59 and Title 19, Chapter 13 and 16. This position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement based on its individual terms.
As a Condition of Hire, a satisfactory background check (including a fingerprint-based background check administered by the Delaware State Police) is required. The selected candidate will be required to submit a buccal swab for DNA upon employment and subject to randomized drug testing during the term of their employment.
All new hires are required to report to the Statewide New Employee Orientation (SNEO) on their first day of employment. Sessions are held at designated locations in Kent or New Castle County.
Benefits
To learn more about the comprehensive benefit package please visit our website at https://dhr.delaware.gov/benefits/
Selection Process
The application and supplemental questionnaire are evaluated based upon a rating of your education, training and experience as they relate to the job requirements of the position. It is essential that you provide complete and accurate information on your application and the supplemental questionnaire to include dates of employment, job title and job duties. For education and training, list name of educational provider, training course titles and summary of course content. Narrative information supplied in response to the questions must be supported by the information supplied on the application including your employment, education and training history as it relates to the job requirements.
Once you have submitted your application on-line, all future correspondence related to your application will be sent via email. Please keep your contact information current. You may also view all correspondence sent to you by the State of Delaware in the "My Applications" tab at StateJobs.Delaware.gov.
Accommodations
Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities in all phases of the application and employment process.
Individuals who use TDD may request auxiliary aid or service by calling (800) 232-5470 or by visiting delawarerelay.com.
If you need assistance with an accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or general applicant support, you may call (302) 739-5458 or email jobs@delaware.gov.
The State of Delaware is an Equal Opportunity employer and values a diverse workforce. We strongly encourage and seek out a workforce representative of Delaware including race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression.

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