ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Apprentice Embalmer Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

All JobsApprentice Embalmer JobsApprentice Embalmer Jobs in Tennessee

Apprentice Embalmer information

See Tennessee salary details

$11

$19

$33

How much do apprentice embalmer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for apprentice embalmer in Tennessee is $19.99, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.72 and $21.83 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How hard is it to get a job as an embalmer?

Securing a job as an apprentice embalmer can be competitive due to the specialized nature of the work and the need for relevant education and certification. Candidates typically need a high school diploma, completion of an embalming program, and state licensure, with experience and strong attention to detail being important factors in employment opportunities.

How much do apprentice morticians make?

Apprentice embalmers typically earn between $20,000 and $35,000 annually, depending on location and experience. As apprentices gain skills and certifications, their pay increases, and they may earn higher wages once fully licensed. Compensation often includes on-the-job training and mentorship in funeral homes.

Can I work at a morgue with no experience?

Apprentice embalmers typically need some background in biology or anatomy, but formal experience is not always required as on-the-job training is provided. Employers often look for strong attention to detail, the ability to follow safety protocols, and a willingness to learn specialized skills. Certification or licensing may be required depending on local regulations, but initial entry often involves supervised training in embalming procedures and mortuary practices.

What is an Apprentice Embalmer job?

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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Apprentice Embalmer position, and why are they important?

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 a typical day look like for an Apprentice Embalmer?

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.

Can you become a mortician apprentice?

Yes, aspiring morticians can become apprentices to gain hands-on experience in embalming, restorative art, and funeral service operations. Apprenticeship programs often require completion of relevant education and may lead to licensure or certification in the funeral industry.
What are popular job titles related to Apprentice Embalmer jobs in Tennessee? For Apprentice Embalmer jobs in Tennessee, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Apprentice Embalmer jobs in Tennessee look for? The top searched job categories for Apprentice Embalmer jobs in Tennessee are:
What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Apprentice Embalmer jobs? Cities in Tennessee with the most Apprentice Embalmer job openings:
Apprentice Embalmer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Apprentice Embalmer job openings in Tennessee as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $41,574 per year, or $20 per hour.

Funeral Director/Embalmer

Park Lawn Corporation

Savannah, TN • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Re-posted 20 days ago

Park Lawn Corporation rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

2nd of 9 rated funeral services

Job description

Why Work for Savannah Chapel?
Service
  • At every level, our dedicated team members display a strong work ethic and commitment to our core values, respect for the family, the profession, and the individual.
  • Work with leading experts in the funeral and cemetery profession.

Benefits
  • Financial assistant programs encouraging employees through education and development in industry related subjects.
  • Robust Health and Welfare Plans, and savings account options, designed to support your personal needs, enhance well-being and help navigate life's challenges.
  • Rich 401k and Roth Retirement Plan options available for both Full Time and Part Time employees along with a Company Match.
  • Variety of Vacation, Personal Days and Sick Days based on your role emphasizing the importance of physical and emotional replenishment for our team.
  • Employee Discounts on services, merchandise, and property to help our team members in their time of need.

Culture
  • We value honesty, courage, integrity, ethical behavior and the development of personal growth.
  • We are rooted in the communities to provide a personal touch to every family we serve.
  • We believe in the value of funeral and cemetery service, drawing on decades of experience to create the best experience for our families.

Summary/Objective
This position is the primary contact for client families is accountable for performing a variety of tasks during the preparation, planning, and execution of the funeral and memorialization process to ensure services run smoothly and that the expectations of our client families and their guests are exceeded.
Essential Functions
  • Consults with client families or legal representative of the deceased to create services designed to meet their memorialization expectations.
  • Ensures that client families are presented with all merchandizing and service options available.
  • Obtains information needed to complete required documents such as obituaries, death certificates, burial permits, and insurance.
  • Coordinates all service arrangements and details with clergy, other presiding persons, fraternal or military organizations, and others who may participate in conducting the funeral service.
  • Utilizes systems to record merchandise selections, enter contracts, and complete necessary forms.
  • Prepares and embalms the deceased for interment, cremation, or other disposition in conformity with legal requirements and with the utmost respect and dignity.
  • Ensures proper paperwork, including permits, logs, identification tags, and certificates are completed accurately and timely and in accordance with relevant laws and regulations.
  • Properly and safely utilizes embalming instruments and machinery in accordance with company guidelines.
  • Utilizes personal protective equipment and adheres to relevant operational and safety procedures.
  • Dresses, apples cosmetics, and performs casketing duties.
  • Plans, schedules, and conducts visitations and services.
  • Oversees all employees participating in services, ensuring that each member of the team understands their individual role and is professionally representing the location.
  • Places casket or remains in visitation area, setting up the area to comply with client family wishes, including adjusting light fixtures, and arrangement of flowers or plants.
  • Directs and usher families and service attendees to and from the location of the funeral service.
  • Supervises and assists in the transportation of client families to ensure a timely departure and arrival.
  • Arranges and coordinates shipment or transportation of remains to and from other cities and locations.
  • Instructs and oversees work of Apprentice Funeral Directors/Embalmers on cases, services, and paperwork.
  • Stocks and cleans preparation room and refrigeration unit.
  • Works on-call /first-call, as needed.
  • Identifies and remedies all hazards on grounds.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

Competencies
  • Communication Proficiency.
  • Teamwork Orientation.
  • Detail Orientation.
  • Thoroughness.
  • Customer Service Orientation.
  • Time Management.

Required Education, Experience, Certifications and Licensure
  • Four-year degree or equivalent combination of education, training and experience preferred.
  • 5 years' experience as a licensed Funeral Director/Embalmer.
  • Valid and applicable state Funeral Director and Embalmer License; reciprocal across states and in good standing.
  • Valid state issued driver's license in good standing and acceptable driving record.

Additional Eligibility Qualifications
  • Attend and perform work in a professional and courteous manner in accordance with the employer's requirements.
  • Demonstrated willingness to participate in growing market share through community involvement.
  • Able to read, write and speak English fluently. Bilingual is a plus.
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, Access and PowerPoint) preferred
  • Ability to communicate effectively with internal, as well as external customers, community leaders, and grieving client families.
  • Ability to empathize with client families and their guests and demonstrate tact and patience in emotionally charged situations.
  • Tactful and professional when dealing with complaints or dissatisfaction with services or merchandise.
  • Maintains a positive attitude and working environment through organization and communication.
  • Ability to simultaneously handle multiple projects, prioritizes tasks, and exercise good judgment.
  • Effective and professional communication skills, with an emphasis on verbal skills and the ability to resolve and respond to issues in a professional manner.
  • Attention to detail and follow-through.
  • Ability to work independently with little or no supervision.

Supervisory Responsibility
This position has no direct supervisory responsibilities.
Physical Demands and Work Environment
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
  • The duties associated with this position are generally performed in an indoor office setting.
  • Outdoor duties may require exposure to natural elements such as inclement weather, extreme temperatures, uneven ground, dust, gas, and/or fumes.
  • Equipment used to perform the essential function of this position includes, but is not limited to; computer, fax, copier, multi-line phone system, AV system, body lift, casket handling/tansport devices, personal or company owned vehicle.
  • Employees in this role must have sufficient strength and manual dexterity and must be willing to work safely and comply with the Company's safety procedures, including wearing any personal protective equipment that may be required.
  • Employees in this role are regularly required to climb, sit, stand, bend, kneel, and frequently lift up to 75 pounds, and may be required to lift up to 100 pounds.
  • This position may also require power reaching, pushing, and pulling.
  • Employees in this role must be able to perform job duties when awakened from a sound sleep.
  • This position may also be exposed to chemicals and/ or blood borne pathogens. Exposure risk is considered: High
  • Overtime is sometimes necessary or required.

Travel
  • This position may require up to 10 percent out of area and overnight travel.
  • Travel is primarily local occurring during the business day only.

Other Duties
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

What Park Lawn Corporation employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply