Medical Examiner Salaries

Position

Salary

How much does a Medical Examiner make?

The average salary for a Medical Examiner is $100,442 per year in the US.

Graph depicting the yearly salary distribution for Medical Examiner positions, showing an average salary of $100,442 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.

Graph depicting the monthly salary distribution for Medical Examiner positions, showing an average salary of $100,442 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.

Graph depicting the weekly salary distribution for Medical Examiner positions, showing an average salary of $100,442 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.

Graph depicting the hourly salary distribution for Medical Examiner positions, showing an average salary of $100,442 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.

A Medical Examiner examines bodies to find out what caused someone's death. They play a key role in the justice system. The pay for this job can vary quite a bit. At the lower end, a Medical Examiner might earn around $35,000 a year. As they gain more experience and education, this number can go up. The average yearly salary for a Medical Examiner is about $100,442.

The exact salary depends on many factors. These can include the state in which they work and how much experience they have. Some Medical Examiners make less, while others make more. For example, those who work in larger cities or have more experience can earn up to $261,149 a year. This shows that there is a lot of room for growth and earning more over time.

What are the highest paying cities for a Medical Examiner?

Cities like Houston, TX, and Seattle, WA, offer some of the highest salaries for medical examiners. Medical examiners in Houston enjoy an average salary of $173,958, while those in Seattle earn about $161,582. Richmond, VA, and Phoenix, AZ, also provide competitive wages, with averages around $156,674 and $147,280, respectively. In addition to these cities, Indianapolis, IN, and Chicago, IL, provide notable salaries for medical examiners. Indianapolis offers an average of $122,850, while Chicago provides about $95,548. Finally, Des Moines, IA, rounds out the list with an average salary of $92,366 for this profession.

Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Medical Examiner jobs, highlighting Houston, TX with the highest at $173,958 and Des Moines, IA with the lowest at $92,366.

Houston, TX
Average Salary: $173,958
In Houston, this role combines expertise in forensic science with a strong medical background. With prominent institutions like the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences, professionals thrive in a dynamic work environment. Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits packages are standard.
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Seattle, WA
Average Salary: $161,582
Seattle offers a blend of challenging work and progressive opportunities. The King County Medical Examiner's Office is a leading agency in the region. Professionals enjoy a high quality of life with plenty of outdoor activities and a vibrant community.
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Richmond, VA
Average Salary: $156,674
Richmond provides a balanced work environment with historical charm. The Virginia Office of the Chief Medical Examiner is a notable employer. The city's rich history and diverse culture make it an appealing place to live and work.
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Phoenix, AZ
Average Salary: $147,280
In Phoenix, this career offers a mix of medical expertise and investigative work. The Maricopa County Medical Examiner's Office is a key player. Professionals benefit from a warm climate and a growing job market.
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Indianapolis, IN
Average Salary: $122,850
Indianapolis provides a stable and supportive work environment. The Marion County Coroner’s Office is a reputable institution. The city is known for its friendly people and a strong sense of community.
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Chicago, IL
Average Salary: $95,548
Chicago is a hub for medical examiners with many high-profile cases. The Cook County Medical Examiner's Office is one of the largest in the nation. Professionals enjoy a bustling city life with numerous cultural and recreational opportunities.
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Des Moines, IA
Average Salary: $92,366
Des Moines offers a quieter but rewarding experience for medical examiners. The Polk County Medical Examiner’s Office is a respected employer. The city's clean environment and lower cost of living are big advantages.
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What are the best companies a Medical Examiner can work for?

Looking for a well-paying job as a Medical Examiner? The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania offers one of the highest average salaries at $85,024. Another excellent choice is the State of Michigan, with an average salary of $58,363. For those open to other opportunities, APPS / Portamedic provides a competitive average salary of $35,000. These figures highlight some of the top-paying employers in this field.

Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Medical Examiner jobs, highlighting Commonwealth of Pennsylvania with the highest at $85,024 and APPS / Portamedic with the lowest at $35,000.

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
Average Salary: $85,024
The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania offers rewarding Medical Examiner jobs. These positions involve detailed work in examining bodies to determine the cause of death. The Commonwealth operates in several locations including Harrisburg, Philadelphia, and Pittsburgh, providing opportunities in bustling urban and suburban settings.
State of Michigan
Average Salary: $58,363
The State of Michigan provides valuable Medical Examiner roles with a solid average salary. These jobs focus on performing autopsies and analyzing evidence to establish the cause of death. Opportunities are available in key cities like Detroit, Lansing, and Ann Arbor, offering diverse environments to work in.
APPS / Portamedic
Average Salary: $35,000
APPS / Portamedic offers Medical Examiner positions with a competitive average salary. These roles involve carrying out examinations and documenting findings. The company operates nationwide, giving candidates the chance to work in various regions and settings.

How to earn more as a Medical Examiner?

Working as a Medical Examiner can be a rewarding career. To earn more in this field, consider several key factors. These factors can help improve earnings and job satisfaction.

First, gaining specialized certifications can increase earning potential. Certifications in forensic pathology or forensic toxicology can set a Medical Examiner apart. These additional qualifications often lead to higher salaries. They also open up opportunities for more advanced roles. Second, gaining experience in high-demand areas can lead to higher pay. Working in busy urban areas or in specialized departments can result in higher income. Third, continuing education is important. Attending workshops and conferences can keep skills sharp. It can also open doors to new job opportunities. Fourth, working for government agencies can offer higher salaries. These positions often come with better benefits and job stability. Finally, moving into a supervisory or administrative role can increase earnings. These positions often come with higher pay due to added responsibilities.

Seeking out these opportunities can lead to a more lucrative career as a Medical Examiner. Focusing on professional development and gaining new skills can result in higher pay and job satisfaction.

Consider the following factors to increase earnings:

Gain specialized certifications
Work in high-demand areas
Attend continuing education opportunities
Work for government agencies
Move into supervisory roles

Medical Examiner Salaries

How much does a Medical Examiner make?

What are the highest paying cities for a Medical Examiner?

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

How to earn more as a Medical Examiner?

Currently 32 Medical Examiner job openings, nationwide.

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

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