Position
Salary

How much does a Medical Examiner make?

The average salary for a Medical Examiner is $103,366 per year in the US.

Medical Examiners play a vital role in the healthcare industry. They investigate deaths to determine the cause. They work closely with law enforcement and coroners. This job often pays well. The average yearly salary for a Medical Examiner is around $103,366. This can vary based on experience, location, and qualifications.


Here’s how salaries break down by experience level:

  • Entry-level Examiners start at around $34,000.
  • With a few years of experience, this rises to about $56,706.
  • Those with 10 years or more can earn up to $261,058.
These figures highlight the potential for growth in this field. Continuing education and experience can lead to higher salaries. It’s a career where dedication can pay off handsomely.

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What are the highest paying cities for a Medical Examiner?

Medical examiners can find some of the best-paying opportunities in Houston, TX, where the average salary is $173,958. Seattle, WA, follows closely with an average salary of $144,583. Indianapolis, IN, offers a competitive average salary of $128,144. These cities provide a mix of high demand and quality benefits for medical examiners. Apart from Houston and Seattle, other cities like Chicago, IL, and Des Moines, IA, offer robust salaries. Chicago pays an average of $97,278, while Des Moines provides around $92,366. Such figures reflect the demand for skilled medical examiners in these regions. Job seekers can explore these cities for attractive job opportunities.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Medical Examiner jobs, highlighting Houston, TX with the highest at $173,958 and Dallas, TX with the lowest at $40,023.
  1. Houston, TX
    Average Salary: $173,958
    In Houston, you can find rewarding work in a city with a strong healthcare system. With institutions like the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences, you can gain experience in a bustling environment. The city's diverse population provides a wide range of cases to study, enhancing your skills.
    Find Medical Examiner jobs in Houston, TX


  2. Seattle, WA
    Average Salary: $144,583
    Seattle offers a vibrant setting for those in the field. The King County Medical Examiner’s Office is a key employer here. Professionals benefit from the city’s reputation for medical innovation, offering many opportunities for growth and specialization.
    Find Medical Examiner jobs in Seattle, WA


  3. Indianapolis, IN
    Average Salary: $128,144
    Working in Indianapolis means you’re in a city that values thorough investigations. The Marion County Coroner’s Office is a leading employer in the area. The supportive community and ample resources make it an excellent place to build a career.
    Find Medical Examiner jobs in Indianapolis, IN


  4. Chicago, IL
    Average Salary: $97,278
    Chicago provides a dynamic and challenging environment. The Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office is one of the largest and most respected in the nation. The city’s diverse population and numerous cases make it an ideal place to develop your expertise.
    Find Medical Examiner jobs in Chicago, IL


  5. Des Moines, IA
    Average Salary: $92,366
    In Des Moines, you can expect a close-knit community and steady work. The Polk County Medical Examiner’s Office is a key employer. The area offers a good balance between work and a high quality of life, making it an attractive option for many.
    Find Medical Examiner jobs in Des Moines, IA


  6. Rochester, MN
    Average Salary: $81,383
    Rochester is known for its strong medical community. Mayo Clinic is a prominent employer in the area, offering top-notch facilities and resources. Working here means you can be part of a world-renowned institution and contribute to significant advancements in medicine.
    Find Medical Examiner jobs in Rochester, MN


  7. Dallas, TX
    Average Salary: $40,023
    Dallas offers a fast-paced environment with plenty of opportunities. The Dallas County Medical Examiner’s Office is a major employer. The city’s growth and diversity provide a wide range of cases and experiences, making it an exciting place to work.
    Find Medical Examiner jobs in Dallas, TX

What are the best companies a Medical Examiner can work for?

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania stands out as a top employer for medical examiners, offering an average salary of $84,530. This position provides a stable career with opportunities for growth and specialization. The State of Michigan also pays its medical examiners well, with an average salary of $58,213, making it another attractive option for those in the field.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Medical Examiner jobs, highlighting Commonwealth of Pennsylvania with the highest at $84,530 and APPS / Portamedic with the lowest at $35,000.
  1. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
    Average Salary: $84,530
    The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania offers Medical Examiner jobs in various locations. These positions involve examining bodies to determine the cause of death. Key locations include Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and Harrisburg, where the demand for skilled Medical Examiners is high.


  2. State of Michigan
    Average Salary: $58,213
    The State of Michigan provides rewarding Medical Examiner roles across the state. These roles require professionals to analyze and report on autopsies. Cities such as Detroit, Lansing, and Grand Rapids offer opportunities for Medical Examiners to make a significant impact.


  3. APPS / Portamedic
    Average Salary: $35,000
    APPS / Portamedic has several Medical Examiner positions available. These roles involve assisting in the examination of deceased individuals. Locations like Chicago and other urban areas provide a variety of opportunities for candidates seeking to enter this field.

How to earn more as a Medical Examiner?

Working as a Medical Examiner can lead to a fulfilling and well-paying career. By focusing on key areas, a Medical Examiner can increase their earning potential. Achieving higher positions and additional certifications are effective ways to boost income. Attention to detail and continuous education also play a significant role in advancing this profession.

Some of the most impactful factors for increasing earnings include:

  • Advanced Education: Obtaining a specialty certification or further degrees can lead to higher pay.
  • Experience: More years in the field often result in higher salaries.
  • Location: Medical Examiners in certain regions or cities may earn more.
  • Leadership Roles: Taking on supervisory or management positions can increase income.
  • Workload: Taking on extra duties, such as night shifts or weekends, can lead to higher pay.

Currently 50 Medical Examiner job openings, nationwide.

How's the job market for a Medical Examiner in the US?

Learn what a Medical Examiner does, how to become one, and understand the job outlook. Get simple steps to start your career as a Medical Examiner today.
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Medical Examiner
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