Background Certain risk factors have been shown to increase the mortality of patients with neonatal sepsis. This study aimed to determine the risk factors for neonatal sepsis-related mortality. Methods Google Scholar, MEDLINE, ProQuest, ScienceDirect, and Scopus databases were searched to identify relevant literature from 2014 to 2023. Observational analytical studies in English that reported the risk factors for neonatal sepsis mortality were chosen. We assessed the risk of bias by using the checklists of the Joanna Briggs Institute. Fixed-effect models were used when the number of included studies was <5; otherwise, random-effects models were employed. Heterogeneity was evaluated using the I2 statistic. Publication bias was assessed using a funnel plot, and a sensitivity analysis was performed. Statistical significance was set at P <0.05. Analyses were conducted using the RevMan 5.4.1. Results Twelve out of 40,587 articles included a total of 2232 patients. The majority of patients were male (50.4%–70%). The I2 statistics showed no heterogeneity across studies for sex, gestational age, birth weight, or requirement for inotropic support. History of invasive ventilation (OR = 35.06 [16.84–72.99]), requirement for inotropic support (OR = 18.04 [8.38–38.81]), low 1st minute Apgar score (OR = 4.93 [2.1–11.58]), convulsive (OR = 4.69 [2.03–10.82]), poor feeding (OR = 3.95 [2.12–7.33]) episodes, preterm birth (OR = 3.63 [2.78–4.74]), low birth weight (OR = 3.02 [1.58–5.75]), early onset sepsis (OR = 2.52 [1.74–3.64]), and lethargy (OR = 2.14 [1.5–3.04]) were associated with neonatal sepsis mortality. Conclusions A history of invasive ventilation use, requirement for inotropic support, low 1st minute Apgar score, convulsions, poor feeding episodes, preterm birth, low birth weight, early onset sepsis, and lethargy were identified as significant risk factors for neonatal sepsis mortality. Clinicians must be vigilant to improve outcomes and prevent death.