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Full Time Forensic Death Investigator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Death Investigator

Vancouver, WA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Job Summary The Death Investigator is responsible for the objective investigation of the ... This is a full-time represented position represented by Local 8. Qualifications Experience and ...

Death Investigator

Hamilton, OH · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Job Summary The Death Investigator is responsible for the objective investigation of the ... This is a full-time represented position represented by Local 8. Qualifications Experience and ...

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 ...

Medicolegal Death Investigator I

Bellingham, WA · On-site

$31.54 - $45.48/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

State Street Building - 1500 N State St, Bellingham, WA 98225 Job Type: Full-Time Job Number: M527 ... Responds to investigate death; photographs the scene and decedent; conducts visual inspection of ...

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Full Time Forensic Death Investigator information

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$33K

$77.4K

$133K

How much do full time forensic death investigator jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for full time 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 the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a full time forensic death investigator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Full Time Forensic Death Investigator, you need a background in forensic science or criminal justice, knowledge of death investigation protocols, and experience with evidence collection—often supported by a relevant degree and certifications such as ABMDI. Familiarity with case management databases, digital photography, and forensic pathology tools is typically required. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, emotional resilience, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for this role. These skills are essential for accurately determining causes of death, maintaining evidence integrity, and collaborating with law enforcement and legal authorities.

What is a full time forensic death investigator?

Full Time Forensic Death Investigators are professionals who examine deaths that occur under unusual, suspicious, or unexplained circumstances. They work closely with law enforcement, medical examiners, and forensic pathologists to investigate scenes, gather evidence, and determine the cause and manner of death. Their responsibilities include conducting interviews, photographing scenes, collecting physical evidence, and writing detailed reports. These investigators often work irregular hours and may be required to testify in court based on their findings.

What are some common challenges faced by full time forensic death investigators, and how can they be managed?

Full Time Forensic Death Investigators often encounter emotionally challenging scenes, demanding schedules with irregular hours, and the need to interact with grieving families. Managing these challenges typically involves strong emotional resilience, effective teamwork with law enforcement and medical examiners, and ongoing training in investigative procedures. Many agencies also provide access to counseling services and peer support to help investigators process difficult experiences and maintain their well-being.
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What cities are hiring for Full Time Forensic Death Investigator jobs?

Cities with the most Full Time 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 Full Time Forensic Death Investigator jobs?

States with the most job openings for Full Time Forensic Death Investigator jobs include:

Infographic showing various Full Time Forensic Death Investigator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 88% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 3% 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

$22.77/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 13 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.