What You Need to Know About Coroner
Coroner Example 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.
Coroner Responsibilities
- Interview persons present at death scenes to obtain information useful in determining the manner of death.
- Testify at inquests, hearings, and court trials.
- Record the disposition of minor children, as well as details of arrangements made for their care.
- Witness and certify deaths that are the result of a judicial order.
- Provide information concerning the circumstances of death to relatives of the deceased.
- Direct activities of workers conducting autopsies, performing pathological and toxicological analyses, and preparing documents for permanent records.
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What Every Coroner Should Know
When polled, Coroners say the following skills are most frequently used in their jobs:
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Writing: Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Coordination: Adjusting actions in relation to others’ actions.
Social Perceptiveness: Being aware of others’ reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Types of Coroner
- Medical Investigator
- Chief Deputy Coroner
- Forensic Medical Examiner
- Medical Legal Investigator (MLI)
- Forensic Pathologist
Job Outlook for Coroners
There were about 288,300 jobs for Coroner in 2016 (in the United States). New jobs are being produced at a rate of 8.2% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 23,700 new jobs for Coroner by 2026. There will be an estimated 25,900 positions for Coroner per year.

The states with the most job growth for Coroner are Utah, Nevada, and Washington. Watch out if you plan on working in Alaska, Maine, or Maryland. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
Average Coroners Salary
The salary for Coroners ranges between about $38,320 and $109,650 a year.

Coroners who work in District of Columbia, Alaska, or California, make the highest salaries.
Below is a list of the median annual salaries for Coroners in different U.S. states.
State | Annual Mean Salary |
---|---|
Alabama | $67,700 |
Alaska | $80,840 |
Arizona | $64,340 |
Arkansas | $56,820 |
California | $82,380 |
Colorado | $73,710 |
Connecticut | $84,590 |
Delaware | $77,670 |
District of Columbia | $93,240 |
Florida | $63,890 |
Georgia | $63,030 |
Hawaii | $69,980 |
Idaho | $59,420 |
Illinois | $74,180 |
Indiana | $61,970 |
Iowa | $63,340 |
Kansas | $60,030 |
Kentucky | $58,260 |
Louisiana | $61,230 |
Maine | $66,230 |
Maryland | $77,250 |
Massachusetts | $83,100 |
Michigan | $71,470 |
Minnesota | $76,190 |
Mississippi | $54,700 |
Missouri | $62,180 |
Montana | $62,620 |
Nebraska | $68,610 |
Nevada | $67,540 |
New Hampshire | $70,670 |
New Jersey | $83,210 |
New Mexico | $68,290 |
New York | $76,370 |
North Carolina | $67,100 |
North Dakota | $70,970 |
Ohio | $67,140 |
Oklahoma | $59,340 |
Oregon | $71,860 |
Pennsylvania | $71,090 |
Rhode Island | $76,440 |
South Carolina | $61,390 |
South Dakota | $57,930 |
Tennessee | $61,780 |
Texas | $74,690 |
Utah | $59,470 |
Vermont | $69,520 |
Virginia | $75,900 |
Washington | $84,340 |
West Virginia | $60,740 |
Wisconsin | $62,700 |
Wyoming | $67,370 |
What Tools & Technology do Coroners Use?
Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Coroners:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Git
- Web browser software
- Data entry software
- Email software
- Word processing software
- Spreadsheet software
- Structured query language SQL
- Linux
- UNIX
- Android
- Graphics software
- Corel WordPerfect
- Customer relationship management CRM software
- Microsoft SQL Server Reporting Services
- Transact-SQL
- EMC Documentum
Becoming a Coroner
Education needed to be a Coroner:

How Long Does it Take to Become a Coroner?

Where Coroners Work

The table below shows the approximate number of Coroners employed by various industries.

You May Also Be Interested In…
Are you already one of the many Coroner in the United States? If you’re thinking about changing careers, these fields are worth exploring:
References:
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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