Coroners
Job Zone 3 - Medium preparation needed
Direct activities such as autopsies, pathological and toxicological analyses, and inquests relating to the investigation of deaths occurring within a legal jurisdiction to determine cause of death or to fix responsibility for accidental, violent, or unexplained deaths.
Median pay: $80,730/yr (U.S. national, May 2025)
Typical range nationwide (10th–90th percentile). This is a population snapshot, not a personal prediction - actual pay varies by location, employer, and experience.
Job outlook: +3% projected growth, 2024–2034 — about as fast as average.
About 33,300 openings per year, on average, over the decade.
Typical entry-level education: Bachelor's degree.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS and Employment Projections.
• Complete death certificates, including the assignment of cause and manner of death.
• Perform medicolegal examinations and autopsies, conducting preliminary examinations of the body to identify victims, locate signs of trauma, and identify factors that would indicate time of death.
• Interview persons present at death scenes to obtain information useful in determining the manner of death.
• Observe and record the positions and conditions of bodies and related evidence.
• Provide information concerning the circumstances of death to relatives of the deceased.
• Remove or supervise removal of bodies from death scenes, using the proper equipment and supplies, and arrange for transportation to morgues.
• Inquire into the cause, manner, and circumstances of human deaths and establish the identities of deceased persons.
• Observe, record, and preserve any objects or personal property related to deaths, including objects such as medication containers and suicide notes.
What's the median pay for Coroners?
The median pay for Coroners is $80,730 per year, per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
What's the job outlook for Coroners?
Employment for Coroners is projected to change +3% from 2024 to 2034 - about as fast as average.
What education is typically required for Coroners?
Typical entry-level education: Bachelor's degree.
How many job openings are there each year for Coroners?
About 33,300 openings per year, on average, over the decade.