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Medical Examiner Investigator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

UNCLASSIFIED POSITION VACANCY IS IN THE MEDICAL EXAMINER'S DEPARTMENT Minimum Qualifications ... Investigates deaths as assigned: conducts investigations of deaths that result from criminal ...

Provides in-house training of Medical Examiner Investigators. Distinguishing Characteristics: This is the fourth in a series of four investigator-related job classifications within the Medical job ...

Medical Examiner

Manitowoc, WI · On-site

$71K - $83K/yr

Medical Examiner Are you an experienced investigator and compassionate leader looking for a meaningful career? Join our team as Medical Examiner, where you'll play a vital role in serving families ...

Medical Examiner Are you an experienced investigator and compassionate leader looking for a meaningful career? Join our team asMedical Examiner, where you'll play a vital role in serving families ...

Medical Examiner

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$240K - $306K/yr

The goal of these investigations is to determine the medical cause and manner of death to help ... Perform postmortem examinations to determine the cause and manner of death and produce written ...

Medical Examiner

Phoenix, AZ · Hybrid

$240K - $306K/yr

The goal of these investigations is to determine the medical cause and manner of death to help ... Perform postmortem examinations to determine the cause and manner of death and produce written ...

The Medical Examiner will lead a team of Investigators, Autopsy Technicians, an Operations Manager, and temporary extra-help staff. They will effectively collaborate with law enforcement, legal, and ...

Medical Examiner

Friendship, WI · On-site

$32.01/hr

Conducts death investigations; examines the body and requests an autopsy if necessary; identifies the deceased; performs physical examinations. Obtains personal data and medical history of the ...

MEDICAL EXAMINER

Las Vegas, NV · On-site

$235K - $347K/yr

ABOUT THE POSITION The Clark County Office of the Coroner/Medical Examiner is seeking to fill the ... Background Investigation: Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background ...

Medical Examiner

Friendship, WI · On-site

$32.01/hr

Conducts death investigations; examines the body and requests an autopsy if necessary; identifies the deceased; performs physical examinations. Obtains personal data and medical history of the ...

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Medical Examiner Investigator information

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$32K

$75.3K

$131K

How much do medical examiner investigator jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for medical examiner 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 is a medical examiner investigator?

Medical Examiner Investigators are professionals responsible for investigating deaths that are sudden, unexpected, or have occurred under suspicious circumstances. They work closely with forensic pathologists to gather evidence, examine the scene of death, interview witnesses, and collect medical and personal history of the deceased. Their main goal is to help determine the cause and manner of death, often working in collaboration with law enforcement agencies. Medical Examiner Investigators play a critical role in the medicolegal death investigation process, ensuring that all relevant facts are collected for an accurate and thorough case evaluation.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a medical examiner investigator?

To thrive as a Medical Examiner Investigator, you need a background in forensic science, criminal justice, or a related field, often with a bachelor’s degree and experience in death investigations. Familiarity with case management systems, digital evidence tools, and chain-of-custody protocols is typically required. Strong attention to detail, analytical thinking, and excellent communication are crucial soft skills for effectively gathering evidence and working with law enforcement. These skills and qualities are essential for ensuring accurate, thorough investigations and upholding legal and medical standards.

What are some of the unique challenges medical examiner investigators face during death scene investigations?

Medical Examiner Investigators often encounter emotionally charged and sometimes hazardous environments at death scenes. They must balance sensitivity toward grieving families with the need to collect thorough, unbiased evidence. Additionally, investigators frequently work irregular hours, including nights and weekends, and collaborate closely with law enforcement, forensic pathologists, and other agencies. Attention to detail, clear communication, and strong coping skills are essential for managing both the technical and emotional demands of the role.

What is the difference between Medical Examiner Investigator vs Forensic Investigator?

AspectMedical Examiner InvestigatorForensic Investigator
Required CredentialsMedical training, often a medical degree or background in medicineCriminal justice, forensic science degree or related certification
Work EnvironmentHospitals, morgues, medical examiner officesCrime scenes, laboratories, courtrooms
Employer & IndustryMedical examiner offices, government agenciesLaw enforcement agencies, forensic labs

Medical Examiner Investigators primarily focus on death investigations, often requiring medical credentials, and work closely with medical examiners. Forensic Investigators typically have backgrounds in criminal justice or forensic science, working on crime scene analysis and evidence collection. Both roles are essential in death and crime investigations but differ in their training, work environment, and specific responsibilities.

More about Medical Examiner Investigator jobs

What cities are hiring for Medical Examiner Investigator jobs?

Cities with the most Medical Examiner Investigator job openings:

What states have the most Medical Examiner Investigator jobs?

States with the most job openings for Medical Examiner Investigator jobs include:

Infographic showing various Medical Examiner Investigator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $75,325 per year, or $36.2 per hour.

MEI - Medical Examiner/Investigator

Western Michigan University

Kalamazoo, MI • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 7 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Respond to scenes of reported deaths and perform investigations to determine if the death falls within the Medical Examiner's jurisdiction.

  • Prepare human remains for transport and communicate with emergency personnel, law enforcement, and family members to gather and share information.

  • Submit accurate reports of investigations in a timely manner and maintain professional knowledge through continuing education.


Western Michigan University rating

6.7

Company rating: 6.7 out of 10

Based on 30 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

491st of 631 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Description
Western Michigan University Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine is seeking qualified (on-call) Medical Examiner Investigators for the Medical Examiner's Office. These individuals will investigate the medically relevant circumstances surrounding deaths reported to the Office of the Medical Examiner and prepare written reports documenting the investigative findings. We have position openings in the counties of Allegan, Barry, Berrien, Calhoun, Cass, Grand Traverse, Leelanau, Kalamazoo, Mason, Muskegon, St. Joseph, Van Buren, Branch, and Osceola.
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FULL-TIME EMPLOYEE BENEFITS
  • Wellness reimbursement.
  • Continuing education and tuition reimbursement.
  • Employer-funded retirement plan.
  • Two medical plan options: PPO and High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) with employer HSA contribution.
  • Flexible work solutions based on position and department.
  • Up to four weeks of PTO accrual beginning in year one.
  • Paid holidays.
  • Paid volunteer time.
  • Paid preferred holiday.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Respond to scenes of reported deaths and perform a skilled investigation.
  • Determine whether a death is within the Medical Examiner's jurisdiction and requires an investigation, based on Michigan Law and Western Michigan University School of Medicine Forensic Pathology policies and procedures.
  • Maintain availability by pager or telephone during on-call hours.
  • Prepare human remains for transport.
  • Communicate effectively with emergency personnel and law enforcement investigators in order to obtain accurate and comprehensive information regarding the circumstances surrounding a death.
  • Communicate effectively and compassionately with the decedent's loved ones and other witnesses.
  • Obtain medical history from physicians, medical records, emergency personnel, relatives, witnesses, police and other involved persons.
  • Communicate effectively with Funeral Directors and funeral home personnel.
  • Speak and write in a professional manner; maintain a professional appearance.
  • Submit clear, accurate and objective reports, in a computerized web-based records management system, in a prescribed format in a timely manner for all death investigations.
  • Insure that the next-of-kin is notified of the death.
  • Maintain and upgrade professional knowledge and skills by attending continuing education seminars, training programs and appropriate courses.
  • Comply with policies and procedures established by the Medical Examiner.
  • Perform other duties as assigned by the Medical Examiner and/or Chief Medical Examiner Investigator.
  • At times may be responsible for cleaning up bodily fluids from cadavers outside of department.
  • Availability to work occasional overtime on weekends or evenings to complete time sensitive projects.
  • Acquires knowledge for new technology and policy/procedure revisions.
  • All other duties as assigned.
  • Must reside in one of the counties we serve.

Requirements
EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:
  • An associate degree or equivalent from a two-year college, university or accredited technical school.
  • An equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • Law enforcement experience of at least three years, or Medical background, or Experience as a first-responder (e.g. Firefighter, EMT).

LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS, CERTIFICATIONS:
  • Achieve ABMDI Registry Certification (basic) within one year of hire, if applicant has previous experience as an investigator and meets minimum requirements to apply for ABMDI Registry Certification (basic), at the time of hire

OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
  • Preferably at least 24 years of age.
  • Must possess and maintain a valid State of Michigan Operator's License.
  • No prior felony convictions.
  • Ability to demonstrate a thorough knowledge of modern medical examiner principles, procedures, techniques and equipment.
  • Ability to maintain good physical condition and mobility in order to safely perform job duties.
  • Ability to walk or stand for extended periods of time while on-scene.
  • Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
  • Ability to maintain effective working relationships with peers and supervisors.
  • Ability to exercise sound judgement in evaluating situations and making decisions.
  • Ability to follow and give verbal and written instructions.
  • Must be able to respond to a scene within the assigned county within 60 minutes of report.
  • Must be available to commit to at least 8-10 on-call shifts per month.
  • Internet access.
  • Demonstrates the ability to recognize priorities in organization of work flow.
  • Able to perform duties independently, with a minimal need for direct supervision.

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