Coroners

SOC code 13-1041 · O*NET-SOC 13-1041.06 · Medium preparation needed · Business and finance

Coroners pay

U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number

Median pay

$80,730

a year

Hourly

$38.81

per hour

10th$48,220Median$80,73090th$133,720

The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.

Average pay

$88,400

$42.50 per hour

Middle 50%

$61,280 – $109,010

25th to 75th percentile

Full spread

$48,220 – $133,720

10th to 90th percentile

People employed

417,070

nationwide

National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.

These pay and employment figures are for the broader BLS group “Compliance Officers”, not this job alone.

10th percentile: $48,220; $23.18/hr
25th percentile: $61,280; $29.46/hr
Median percentile: $80,730; $38.81/hr
75th percentile: $109,010; $52.41/hr
90th percentile: $133,720; $64.29/hr

Job outlook · federal projection 2024–34

+3%

Growing about as fast as average

418,000

jobs in 2024

430,300

projected for 2034

About 12,300 more jobs

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics employment projections, 2024–34. Projections describe the broader occupation group and are estimates, not guarantees.

What does a coroner do?

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.

The tasks that matter most day to day

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.

How to become a coroner

Most people in this role hold bachelor's degree — 35% of workers surveyed reported it as their level of education.

Preparation level: zone 3 — Medium preparation needed

Education: Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Experience: Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
Training: Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.

See all zone 3 occupations →

Education reported by people doing this job

Bachelor's Degree35%
Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree15%
Post-Baccalaureate Certificate15%
High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)10%

Common questions

How much does a coroner earn?

The national median is $80,730 a year. The full range runs from $48,220 at the 10th percentile to $133,720 at the 90th — entry pay sits closer to the lower figure, and experience, licensing and specialisation move you up the range.

Can you become a coroner without a degree?

Yes — this occupation sits in preparation zone 3, meaning the typical entry route is most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree. A four-year degree is not the standard requirement, though licensing or certification may still apply.

Is coroner in demand?

Federal projections expect employment to grow by about 3% between 2024 and 2034 — growing about as fast as average. Openings also come from people retiring or changing jobs, which the growth figure does not count.

Skills and knowledge you need

Core skills

Speaking4.1/5
Critical Thinking4.1/5
Reading Comprehension4.0/5
Active Listening3.9/5
Writing3.6/5
Active Learning3.4/5

Knowledge areas

English Language4.6/5
Medicine and Dentistry4.5/5
Customer and Personal Service4.4/5
Law and Government4.2/5
Administration and Management3.9/5
Biology3.9/5
Education and Training3.9/5
Administrative3.8/5

Transferable strengths: Coordination, Social Perceptiveness, Judgment and Decision Making, Complex Problem Solving.