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What is an embalmer and how to become one
An embalmer preserves and prepares the bodies of the deceased for burial or cremation. They disinfect the body to prevent spread and use embalming fluid to preserve body tissues. They also dress style, cosmetically enhance and casket the bodies. Embalmers also maintain the funeral homes before and after events and work with the deceased's family members to discuss their preferences. In some instances, they may be involved in organizing funeral services on behalf of the family. They must ensure that they conform to laws of health and sanitation and legal requirements around embalming.
Embalmers usually work in hospitals, private funeral homes, medical schools, or morgues. They work closely with funeral directors and apprentice embalmers to efficiently carry out their roles. A successful embalmer should have compassion, empathy, understanding, and patience. They should also have communication skills, interpersonal skills, organizational skills, attention to detail, and listening skills
Embalmers work 40 hours a week, Monday to Friday. They usually work in shifts, although their work schedule can be irregular because it depends on the number of funerals.
Avg. Salary $44,575
Avg. Salary $59,228
American Indian and Alaska Native 0.69%
Asian 3.62%
Black or African American 7.23%
Hispanic or Latino 11.02%
Unknown 3.45%
White 73.99%
Genderfemale 39.75%
male 60.25%
Age - 51American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%
Asian 7.00%
Black or African American 14.00%
Hispanic or Latino 19.00%
White 57.00%
Genderfemale 47.00%
male 53.00%
Age - 51Stress level is very high
7.1 - high
Complexity Level is advanced
7 - challenging
Work Life balance is poor
6.4 - fair
Key steps to become an embalmer
Explore embalmer education requirements
Start to develop specific embalmer skills
Skills 
Percentages SCI 81.54% OSHA 13.43% Memorial Services 1.85% Death Certificates 1.76% Prep Room 1.42% Complete relevant embalmer training and internships
Accountants spend an average of 1-2 years on post-employment, on-the-job training. New embalmers learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as an embalmer based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real embalmer resumes.Research embalmer duties and responsibilities
- Review all accounts payable imports prepare by license coordinators.
- Direct maintenance of 60K database, overseeing development, design changes and compliance.
- Comply with OSHA standards to embalm human remains for funeral homes throughout the greater Los Angeles area.
- Secure NRC acceptance of shutdown plan for meeting requirements to maintain the option of a nuclear facility completion.
Apply for embalmer jobs
Now it's time to start searching for an embalmer job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:
- Browse job boards for relevant postings
- Consult your professional network
- Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
- Watch out for job scams
How Did You Land Your First Embalmer Job
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Average embalmer salary
The average Embalmer salary in the United States is $44,575 per year or $21 per hour. Embalmer salaries range between $26,000 and $74,000 per year.
What Am I Worth?
How do embalmers rate their job?
Embalmer reviews
I am able to make up my own schedule and work around family time.
As with owning any business, income isn't consistent and there are days you don't have any calls which in turn your not making money.
Trade embalming is a difficult job, not one for the weak of stomach or week of back. A “trade embalmer must be proficient in all aspects of prep room procedures. A specialist if you will. Able to care fo the case that staff embalmer can not or will not treat. He must be able to restore to a life like appearance mutilated bodys due to either tramitic accident I defacing desease. He must deal with highly infectious diseases ie. HIV, Menengitas , Hepatitis, TB etc.. He must deal with extreem obicity , (Those 800 pounders do come along). He must be ready to answer a call 24hrs. a day. And, oh yea, I have been a trade embalmer since 1971, and have embalmed well over 30,000 human body’s as well as a few cats and dogs. Even One rabbit. Rewards? It’s when a grieving family says “ she looks so beautiful”, when viewing the remains of their 19 year old daughter who had spent 12 days in the trunk of a car in the heat of summer as I have done.
The hours are bad , and the pay is not equivalent to the skill and devotion required. But it has provided me a comfortable living for 58 years.
Updated January 8, 2025
