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Forensic Death Investigator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Ada County

Medicolegal Death Investigator

Meridian, ID · On-site

$27.39 - $29.39/hr

The investigator identifies forensic evidence to include collection and preservation. The MDI determines the identity of the deceased, identifies legal next of kin, and notifies them of the death.

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 ... Science, or Forensics from an accredited college or university and one year of experience ...

Soft Tox

Forensic Toxicologist

Pontiac, MI · On-site

$86 - $115/hr

Sep 30, 2026 Forensic Toxicology Join our team in a highly specialized scientific role where your ... Your work will provide critical scientific information to pathologists, death investigators, and ...

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How much do forensic death investigator jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 2, 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 is a forensic death investigator?

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 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 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.

How much do forensic death investigators make?

Forensic death investigators typically earn a median annual salary of around $50,000 to $70,000, depending on experience, location, and certifications. Salaries can vary based on the employer, geographic region, and whether the investigator works full-time or part-time in a medical examiner's office or law enforcement agency.
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Forensic Death Investigator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Forensic Death Investigator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, and 17% Part Time. Highlights an 92% In-person, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $77,448 per year, or $37.2 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.

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.

  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.

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