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Apprentice Embalmer Jobs in Massachusetts (NOW HIRING)

Apprentice Embalmer information

See Massachusetts salary details

$13

$24

$40

How much do apprentice embalmer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for apprentice embalmer in Massachusetts is $24.05, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.89 and $26.25 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.

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.

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.

How to become an apprentice embalmer?

To become an apprentice embalmer, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and must complete a state-approved embalming apprenticeship program, which often lasts one to three years. During the apprenticeship, you learn embalming techniques, sanitation, and restorative art, and may need to obtain a license or certification depending on state requirements.

What are the most commonly searched types of Embalmer jobs in Massachusetts?

The most popular types of Embalmer jobs in Massachusetts are:

What are popular job titles related to Apprentice Embalmer jobs in Massachusetts?

For Apprentice Embalmer jobs in Massachusetts, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Apprentice Embalmer jobs in Massachusetts look for?

The top searched job categories for Apprentice Embalmer jobs in Massachusetts are:

Infographic showing various Apprentice Embalmer job openings in Massachusetts as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 97% Full Time, and 3% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,026 per year, or $24.1 per hour.

Funeral Director/Embalmer Apprentice (part-time)

Service Corporation International

Hyannis, MA • On-site

$21/hr

Part-time

Retirement

Re-posted 6 days ago


Service Corporation International rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 97 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

5th of 9 rated funeral services


Job description

Our associates celebrate lives. We celebrate our associates.
Under the guidance of a licensed funeral director, implements choices made by the families' legal representatives regarding the funeral, final disposition of the body and memorialization of the individual. Provides customer service in all areas of funeral arrangements, cremation ceremonies and internment to assist families following the loss of a loved one. Provides exemplary personalized and professional service.
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Performs on-call responsibilities including: taking first calls, talking with families, answering questions, providing initial details, and; conducting transfers
  • Supervises and cares for the deceased in a respectful manner while performing a variety of tasks such as: verifying identification; obtaining authorization for embalming; embalming; dressing, styling hair and/or applying cosmetics; preparing cremated remains
  • Arranges and conducts funeral and memorial ceremonies in a professional, organized and caring manner consistent with company policies and procedures
  • Negotiates and enters into funeral contracts. Handles contracts, legal documents, and collection of payment in accordance with company policies
  • Ensures client families are informed of special recognition/services available for veterans and ensures the delivery of selected recognition/services
  • Arranges for the interment or cremation of human remains
  • Confirms authorization to proceed with the service arrangements
  • Supervises/assists in funeral services by: supervising the parking of cars; ushering; driving funeral vehicles; assisting at chapel and church services; assisting at the cemetery; delivering of flowers, caskets, urn, photos and other personal keepsakes or mementos of client families; setting up and removal of chairs, and; participating at special functions
  • Ensures adherence to all applicable professional, municipal, provincial/state and federal licensing authority, regulations and rules
  • Provides aftercare in absence of Family Service Counselor
  • Ensures potential pre-need referrals are shared with Family Service Counselors
  • Prepares and accurately completes documents and online entries related to services, cremations, maintenance
  • Retains heritage and grows market share through active involvement with community, religious and other organizations

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
Education
  • High School diploma or equivalent
  • Completion of or currently enrolled in a dual degree training program at an accredited mortuary college or technical school specializing in funeral and mortuary science as required by state/province law and as prescribed by each state board

Experience
  • Typically requires a minimum of 6 months experience in a funeral home, crematory or cemetery

Certification/Licenses
  • Must meet all licensing requirements in applicable state/province as required by law as prescribed by each state board
  • Current state/province issued driver's license with an acceptable driving record

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
  • Basic knowledge of religious and fraternal organizations customs
  • Knowledge of computers and some software including MS Office Suite required
  • High level of compassion and integrity
  • Good communication skills
  • Problem solving skills
  • Ability to multi task and set priorities
  • Detail oriented

Pay: $21 an hour
Benefits: Part-time associates working an average 20 hours a week may be eligible for 401(k).
Postal Code: 02601-3706
Category (Portal Searching): Operations
Job Location: US-MA - Hyannis

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