How Much Money Does a Medical Examiner Make?
Medical examiners are licensed doctors who perform autopsies on the bodies of people who died in unexpected or violent ways. They also analyze blood samples, DNA and other evidence to determine the cause of death and assist law enforcement in investigating crime scenes.
They also testify in court when necessary to prove their work and are subpoenaed by legal representatives. The job of a medical examiner is complex, challenging and rewarding.
How much money does a medical examiner make?
The salary of a medical examiner varies depending on experience level, but it can be quite high. This is because this career requires a lot of dedication and commitment. It can be a stressful and emotionally demanding job, so it is important to be willing to deal with death on a daily basis.
How to become a medical examiner
To become a medical examiner, you need a bachelor’s degree in medicine or a related field from an accredited college or university. After you complete undergraduate studies, you must then attend medical school to earn your doctorate in medicine. To be a medical examiner, you must also have a background in the field of forensic pathology.
After graduating from medical school, you must complete a residency in a relevant specialty area to get your license to practice as a physician. This will give you a lot of experience and help you build your professional network. You should consider completing a fellowship after your residency to focus on specific aspects of the profession.
You should start working on your education right after high school, so you can complete the 8 to 12 years of study needed to become a medical examiner. This will help you to develop a strong work ethic and stay focused on your goal.
Besides the educational requirements, medical examiners must also have a thorough understanding of forensic pathology and anatomy. They must be able to identify different types of body fluids, organs and tissues. In addition to this, they must know how to use advanced techniques for conducting autopsies and preparing reports.
They can also specialize in a variety of areas such as forensic pathology, criminal investigation, toxicology, autopsy or a related field. These skills can help you land a high-paying medical examiner position.
The average medical examiner salary in New York-Manhattan, NY is $419,623 or an equivalent hourly rate of $202. Those with 1-3 years of experience tend to earn an average of $279,186 while those with 8+ years of experience earn $406,257.
How to advance in the medical examiner career
After completing medical school, most medical examiners choose to specialize in their fields through post-graduate training and/or a fellowship. These programs are typically based at government-run medical examiner offices and will give you specialized training in the field of forensic pathology.
These programs are designed to prepare you for a successful career in this field and may offer scholarships or other financial incentives. Other opportunities for advancement include professional certification in medical coding and other skills such as claim handling, Medicaid claims, medical records or financial analysis.
