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A coroner makes an average annual salary of $71,916 in the United States. This is one relevant piece of information that can help those settling for this career. That’s right.
Indeed, a typical crime scene can’t be complete without the coroner’s arrival. This official sees that the deceased is moved to his facility for examinations.
The precision with which a coroner carries out his duties with cadavers leaves people wondering how much they make in the United States.
Join us as we take you through the earnings of a coroner, as well as factors that affect his salary in the United States.
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Who is a Coroner?
A coroner is a public official elected or appointed to investigate and verify the cause of death. Simply put, this official’s primary responsibility is to examine specific types of deaths.
Coroners also identify the bodies, notify the next of kin, sign the death certificate, and return any personal belongings discovered on the body to the deceased’s family.
The coroner’s office typically keeps death records for those who died within the coroner’s jurisdiction.
Coroners work hand in hand with the Sheriff’s Department and other crime team members, such as homicide detectives. In addition, this public official must have a medical degree.
Even though many coroners are not required to bag medical degrees, they are trained in certain areas as it affects their job.
These areas include criminology, forensic science, anatomy, medicine, experimental pathology, forensic science, physiology, and pre-medicine.
In addition, the most common major for a coroner is criminal justice.
What is the Role of a Coroner?
Generally, a coroner’s job is investigating unexplained deaths to determine the “who, when, where, and how.”
However, it is essential to spell out the responsibilities of a coroner correctly.
The following are the responsibilities of a coroner:
- Investigates the crime scene
- Announces death and determines the time of death, as well as transporting it to their forensic facilities
- Identifies the deceased
- Determines and notifies the next of kin
- Issues a death certificate
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What is the Average Salary of a Coroner?
The average salary of a Coroner is $71,650. On an hourly basis, he receives an average of $34.45.
The average salary of a corona is always of interest to those in the field and those on the sidelines.
A coroner’s average salary will be discussed in different categories: hourly and yearly.
Factors Affecting the Salary of a Coroner in the US
Like every profession, some factors affect the salary of a coroner in the United States.
These factors define the amount a coroner will part with at the end of the month or year.
The following factors affect the pay scale of a coroner in the United States:
- Education
- Years of experience
- Certifications
- Additional Skills
How Much Does a Coroner Make in the US in 2023?
A coroner makes an average annual salary of $71,916 in the United States. This pay is always a primary concern to interested parties.
This is one relevant piece of information that can help those settling for this career. That’s right.
Financial gain is also a priority regardless of the passion for a profession.
The coroner’s salary in the United States will be discussed in different categories, such as hourly and yearly.
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How Much Does a Coroner Make a Year?
The yearly salary of a coroner in the United States ranges from $38,950 to $117,500.
However, these figures largely depend on the earning level of a coroner. For instance, an entry-level coroner won’t make up to $117,500, which is obtainable for a senior-level coroner.
How Much Does a Coroner Make in an Hour?
As a coroner in the United States, it is not out of the ordinary to be concerned about the hourly average pay you will receive.
The average hourly rate of a coroner in the United States is $34.45. However, this rate ranges by the percentile or level.
Therefore, it ranges from $18.73 to $56.49.
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Salary of Coroner in the US Based on Location
As you already know, the salary for coroners differs by location in the United States.
Therefore, what one coroner earns in one area will differ from what he is likely to earn in another state or city.
The table below displays the annual salary of coroners in the different states:
| State Name | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $96,570 |
| New Hampshire | $86,050 |
| New Jersey | $84,080 |
| Massachusetts | $80,760 |
| California | $80,330 |
| New York | $79,690 |
| Connecticut | $78,850 |
| Vermont | $78,210 |
| Minnesota | $78,040 |
| Alaska | $78,010 |
| Maryland | $77,250 |
| Oregon | $77,250 |
| Rhode Island | $77,250 |
| Washington | $77,240 |
| Virginia | $77,230 |
| Colorado | $76,880 |
| Maine | $76,670 |
| Illinois | $76,450 |
| North Dakota | $75,880 |
| Pennsylvania | $68,370 |
| Texas | $67,470 |
| Hawaii | $66,640 |
| Delaware | $65,890 |
| Michigan | $65,590 |
| Nevada | $63,470 |
| Ohio | $63,470 |
| Indiana | $63,460 |
| Wyoming | $63,290 |
| Wisconsin | $63,250 |
| West Virginia | $63,170 |
| Louisiana | $62,980 |
| North Carolina | $62,980 |
| Nebraska | $62,800 |
| Alabama | $62,750 |
| Iowa | $62,750 |
| Montana | $62,750 |
| Arizona | $62,470 |
| South Carolina | $62,020 |
| Kentucky | $61,710 |
| Florida | $60,850 |
| Arkansas | $60,490 |
| Georgia | $60,490 |
| Idaho | $60,490 |
| New Mexico | $60,040 |
| Missouri | $59,730 |
| Tennessee | $59,460 |
| Kansas | $59,360 |
| Utah | $58,760 |
| South Dakota | $57,220 |
| Oklahoma | $50,140 |
| Mississippi | $49,490 |
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Coroner Salary Georgia
The average annual salary of a coroner in Georgia would interest you if you reside or intend to move there.
Coroners in the state of Georgia earn modestly. The average annual salary for this official in Georgia is $60,490, while he makes an hourly average of $29.08.
However, the annual coroner’s salary falls between $34,290 and $115,650.
In addition, the hourly salary for this official ranges from $16.49 to $55.60 by the percentile or level.
Coroner Salary in California
California falls among the highest-paying states for coroners in the United States.
A coroner in California receives an annual average salary of $80,330. In addition, the average hourly salary for this cadaver lord is $38.62.
However, the yearly salary for this official ranges from $48,660 to $127,280. The monthly pay also falls between
Furthermore, the hourly pay for coroners in California ranges from $23.40 to $61.19.
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What are the Highest-Paying States in the United States for Coroner Jobs?
Knowing how much coroners in the United States earn by state is not enough.
You also need to know about the highest-paying states as well. This information can be put to good use when scouting for coroner jobs.
Hence, it is vital for you the know the highest-paying states in the US.
The following are the highest-paying states in the United States, as displayed in the table above:
| State Name | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $96,570 |
| New Hampshire | $86,050 |
| New Jersey | $84,080 |
| Massachusetts | $80,760 |
| California | $80,330 |
| New York | $79,690 |
| Connecticut | $78,850 |
| Vermont | $78,210 |
| Minnesota | $78,040 |
| Alaska | $78,010 |
What are the Top Ten Cities with the Highest Salary for Coroner Jobs?
Other than the highest-paying states in the United States for coroners, there are the highest-paying cities too for this profession.
You can find the highest-paying cities in the United States for coroners below:
| City | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $70,615 |
| Washington DC, DC | $65,501 |
| New York City, NY | $65,429 |
| Boston, MA | $63,837 |
| Minneapolis, MN | $62,684 |
| Omaha, NE | $49,358 |
| Indianapolis, IN | $48,429 |
| Salt Lake City, UT | $47,074 |
| Nashville, TN | $43,833 |
| Oklahoma City, OK | $43,689 |
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Salary for Coroners in the US Based on Level
When it comes to salaries, it is a fact that there is a salary distinction between coroners at different levels.
That is to say that coroners at different levels earn differently. These levels are divided into entry-level and senior-level.
The salary for entry-level coroners is lesser than what those at the senior-level receive. In other words, there is a salary gap between both levels.
How Much Do Coroners Make Based on Entry Level?
As expected, an entry-level coroner earns lesser than those at senior level. On this note, coroners at entry levels earn between $34,290 and $60,490 annually.
The hourly pay for a coroner in the US ranges from $16.49 to $29.08.
How Much Does a Coroner Make Based at the Senior Level?
As already established, senior-level coroners earn higher than their counterparts at the entry-level.
At the senior level, a coroner makes an annual salary that ranges from $96,660 to $117,500.
Senior-level coroners in the United States earn between $46.47 and $56.49 hourly.
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Salary of a Coroner in the US Based on Field
Coroners in the United States are at liberty to pursue their careers in different fields and, as such earn based on the fields.
These fields are open to coroners to use their skills and experience in determining the cause of death or unexplained deaths.
Deputy Coroner Salary
As the name implies, this coroner assists in determining the cause of death.
According to climbtheladder, the average annual salary of a deputy coroner is $54,698.
However, a deputy coroner’s salary ranges from $37,586 and $76,557.
Salaries of Coroners in the Top Industries in the US
While you are now familiar with the salary details of a coroner in the US, it will be beneficial for you to identify the top industries in the United States.
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Salary of Similar Professions in the United States
Other professions are closely associated with this profession in the United States. It would be a disservice not to take note of similar professions.
The following are some of the similar professions:
| Career | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Hearing officer salary | $103K |
| Special agent salary | $84K |
| Customs inspector salary | $84K |
| Detective salary | $84K |
| Chiropractor salary | $75K |
| Coroner salary | $72K |
| Sheriff salary | $65K |
| Police officer salary | $65K |
| Transit police officer salary | $65K |
| Forensic science technician salary | $62K |
Are There Other Benefits of Being a Coroner Aside from the Salary?
Absolutely! There are other benefits of being a coroner besides the financial help you accrue monthly and yearly.
You would agree that the benefits tied to a job or profession tend to attract more people.
The following are some of the benefits you can derive from being a coroner in the United States:
- Health insurance
- Retirement
- Dental Insurance
Job Prospects For Coroners
If you have ever been curious about the job prospects for this career, not worry, the opportunities for this career in the US look good.
This career is expected to grow by 23 percent between 2018 and 2028, creating 154,900 job opportunities across the United States, according to Zippia.
So if you have been nursing the idea of pursuing a career as a coroner, the projection is a huge assurance.
There will always be a need for coroners, as deaths will always occur across the board.
Conclusion
The salary of a coroner in the United States varies by several factors. It’s normal for most persons to be unable to stand the sight of dead bodies.
Getting to deal with corpses daily is not an easy deal you already know.
This will help you decide if the amount they earn as salary matches their job description.
We hope this article met your expectation. Kindly reach us through the comment section for feedback.
Frequently Asked Questions on Coroner Salary
Where Do Coroners Get Paid the Most?
The highest a coroner gets aid in the United States is in the District of Columbia, with an average annual salary of $96,570.
Is a Coroner a Doctor?
The Coroner is not a physician and has no training in medicine, forensic medicine, or forensic science.
Who Pays for an Autopsy When Someone Dies?
Unlike a coroner or medical examiner, the family is usually required to pay for the autopsy.
Private autopsies, however, can be expensive. That cost will not be covered by insurance or attorney.
What is the Difference Between Coroner and Medical Examiner?
Medical examiners are appointed professionals with board certification in a medical specialty, whereas coroners are elected laypeople with little professional training.
Does the Coroner Do an Autopsy?
Yes. Autopsies can only be performed by coroners who do not necessarily need a medical degree.
Can an Autopsy be Done After Embalming?
Yes, but for the best results, an autopsy on an un-embalmed body should be performed after proper refrigeration.
FAQs
Where do coroners get paid the most?
The highest a coroner gets aid in the United States is in the District of Columbia, with an average annual salary of $96,570.
Is a coroner a doctor?
The Coroner is not a physician and has no training in medicine, forensic medicine, or forensic science.
Who pays for an autopsy when someone dies?
Unlike a coroner or medical examiner, the family is usually required to pay for the autopsy.
Private autopsies, however, can be expensive. That cost will not be covered by insurance or attorney
What is the difference between coroner and medical examiner?
Medical examiners are appointed professionals with board certification in a medical specialty, whereas coroners are elected laypeople with little professional training.
Does the coroner do an autopsy?
Yes. Autopsies can only be performed by coroners who do not necessarily need a medical degree.
Can an autopsy be done after embalming?
Yes, but for the best results, an autopsy on an un-embalmed body should be performed after proper refrigeration.
References
- archuletacounty.org – Associated Responsibilities of the Coroner
- careerexplorer.com – Coroner salary
- climbtheladder.com – Deputy Coroner Salary
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