ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Apprentice Embalmer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

NorthStar Memorial Group

Embalmer Apprentice

Oakland, CA · On-site

$25 - $27/hr

NorthStar Memorial Group is seeking an Embalmer Apprentice to join our team at Chapel of the Chimes in Oakland, CA. United by a common desire to serve, Funeral Directors and Embalmers at NorthStar ...

Northstar Memorial Group

Embalmer Apprentice

Oakland, CA · On-site

$25 - $27/hr

NorthStar Memorial Group is seeking an Embalmer Apprentice to join our team at Chapel of the Chimes in Oakland, CA. United by a common desire to serve, Funeral Directors and Embalmers at NorthStar ...

All JobsApprentice Embalmer JobsApprentice Embalmer Jobs in California

Apprentice Embalmer information

See California salary details

$12

$21

$36

How much do apprentice embalmer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for apprentice embalmer in California is $21.73, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.07 and $23.70 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an apprentice embalmer?

An Apprentice Embalmer is a trainee who works under a licensed embalmer to learn the techniques of preparing human remains for burial or cremation. Responsibilities often include assisting with embalming procedures, restorative work, and maintaining funeral home equipment. Apprentices gain hands-on experience while completing the necessary education and licensing requirements to become a professional embalmer. This role provides essential training in sanitation, preservation, and presentation of deceased individuals with respect and care.

Can you apprentice to be an apprentice embalmer?

Yes, individuals can typically start an apprenticeship to become an embalmer by meeting state licensing requirements, which often include completing a formal apprenticeship program, gaining practical experience, and passing a licensing exam. Apprenticeship programs usually last one to two years and involve working under the supervision of licensed embalmers to learn embalming techniques, safety protocols, and industry standards.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an apprentice embalmer?

To thrive as an Apprentice Embalmer, you need a basic knowledge of anatomy, attention to detail, and a high school diploma or equivalent, often supplemented by enrollment in a mortuary science program. Familiarity with embalming instruments, safety protocols, and compliance with state regulatory requirements or licensure processes is necessary. Strong communication skills, professionalism, and emotional resilience help you provide compassionate service to families and work collaboratively with funeral home staff. These skills are vital for maintaining high standards of care, safety, and sensitivity in a role that requires both technical proficiency and interpersonal understanding.

What does an apprentice embalmer do?

As an Apprentice Embalmer, your typical day often involves assisting licensed embalmers in preparing bodies for viewings, operating specialized equipment, maintaining detailed records, and ensuring all procedures comply with safety and health regulations. You may also help set up and transport remains, sanitize work areas, and occasionally interact with grieving families in a supportive, professional manner. The role provides valuable hands-on experience and guidance from seasoned professionals, helping you build the expertise needed to advance to fully licensed positions in funeral service. Most work is done in a quiet, respectful setting alongside a close-knit team oriented toward honoring clients and their loved ones.

How to become an apprentice embalmer?

To become an apprentice embalmer, individuals typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and must complete a state-approved embalming apprenticeship program, which includes hands-on training under supervision. Licensing requirements vary by state but generally involve passing a written exam and gaining practical experience in embalming and restorative arts.
What are the most commonly searched types of Embalmer jobs in California? The most popular types of Embalmer jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Apprentice Embalmer jobs in California? For Apprentice Embalmer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Apprentice Embalmer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Apprentice Embalmer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Apprentice Embalmer jobs? Cities in California with the most Apprentice Embalmer job openings:
Apprentice Embalmer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Apprentice Embalmer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $45,206 per year, or $21.7 per hour.

Mortuary Leadperson

Forest Lawn Memorial-Park Association

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

$40 - $55/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 26 days ago

Job description

Description
Forest Lawn is in search of a compassionate, dedicated leader to support the Mortuary department at Hollywood Hills. This position provides assistance to the Mortuary Supervisor with administrative duties, training, and coordinating all activities within the Mortuary Department. In addition to the care and preparation of human remains for visitation, services, cremation and/or interment in conformity with legal requirements and Forest Lawn standards.
What You'll Be Doing
  • Prepares, disinfects, and temporarily preserves human remains for visitation, services, cremation and/or interment.

  • Reviews workflow to ensure that all decedents are prepared in advance of specified visitation service times.

  • Prepares daily schedule in the supervisor's absence.

  • Evaluates housekeeping in the facility and meets with housekeeping staff to review facility care.

  • Assumes responsibility for professionally and respectfully instructing and assisting employees as needed.

  • Oversees the entire mortuary department in the absence of the supervisor and provides updates to the Park Vice President.

  • Fosters good working relationships and teamwork with all support groups and supervisors.

  • As assigned, expedites all first calls and follows-up on any issue as necessary.

  • Assures the preparation room and work areas are in a sanitary condition at all times to ensure compliance with health regulations. Ensure all is ready in cases of a state inspection.

  • Assists with the Work Study and Apprentice Embalmer training programs. Observes and evaluates the development of employees to ensure proper guidance.

  • Instructs and oversee work of Apprentice Embalmer on cases and paperwork.

  • Assists supervisor with mortuary safety meetings.

  • Assists supervisor with inventory control of caskets and other assigned items.

  • Performs case analysis for all incoming human remains, enters, and updates Forest Lawn's systems to ensure accurate information is available for inquiry.

  • Assures the care and preparation of human remains meets California Law and is consistent with Forest Lawn's standards.

  • Operates various machinery in conjunction with assigned responsibilities.

  • Assists with the disinterment of human remains.

Requirements
  • Associate's degree (A.A) or equivalent from two-year College or technical school within Mortuary Science or Embalming.
  • Completed apprenticeship and licensed to perform duties as a Licensed Embalmer defined by the state of California.
  • Minimum 4 years of experience as a Licensed Embalmer in good standing.

Competitive Benefits
Forest Lawn takes pride in offering an excellent benefits package to our employees, which taken as a whole, leads our industry and is competitive with the benefits in just about any other industry.
Click here to learn more about our benefit offerings.
Drug Testing Policy
Prior to beginning employment, all job applicants who receive a job offer will be required to voluntarily submit to a drug screening test conducted by a laboratory designated by Forest Lawn. The drug screening method is a hair collection test that will detect the use of illegal drugs within the past 90 days. A positive drug test may result in the withdrawal of the job offer.
E-Verify Statement
Forest Lawn has registered to participate in the federal government's E-Verify program. With E-Verify we are able to confirm the employment authorization of all newly hired employees through an electronic database maintained by the Social Security Administration and Department of Homeland Security. With respect to new hires, the E-Verify process is completed in conjunction with a new hire's completion of the Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification upon commencement of employment. E-Verify is not used as a tool to pre-screen candidates.
For up-to-date information on E-Verify, go to https://www.e-verify.gov/employees/e-verify-overview.
Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance
Forest Lawn will consider for employment all qualified Applicants, including those with Criminal Histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles' Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance.

Apply