1

Apprentice Funeral Director Embalmer Jobs in Riverside, CA

Must hold a license as a funeral director and embalmer in one of the 50 states WORK ENVIRONMENT Navy Morticians are shore-based and assigned to Navy Casualty. While most all Navy Mortician positions ...

Apprentice Funeral Director Embalmer information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$32.9K

$59.8K

$81.9K

How much do apprentice funeral director embalmer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for apprentice funeral director embalmer in Riverside, CA is $59,801.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $51,600.00 and $67,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as an Apprentice Funeral Director Embalmer, you need foundational knowledge in mortuary science, anatomy, and funeral service procedures, typically supported by enrollment in an accredited program and state apprenticeship registration. Familiarity with embalming tools, restorative art techniques, and case management software is essential. Compassion, attention to detail, and strong interpersonal skills help you support grieving families and maintain professionalism. These competencies ensure dignified care for the deceased, regulatory compliance, and sensitive client service.

What does an apprentice funeral director embalmer do?

An Apprentice Funeral Director Embalmer assists licensed funeral directors and embalmers with preparing bodies for burial or cremation, planning funeral services, and supporting grieving families. The apprenticeship provides hands-on training in embalming techniques, restorative art, and funeral service procedures under supervision. Apprentices also learn about state and federal regulations, documentation, and ethical practices needed in the funeral industry. This role is essential in gaining the experience required to become a licensed funeral director and embalmer.

What is the difference between Apprentice Funeral Director Embalmer vs Funeral Director?

AspectApprentice Funeral Director EmbalmerFuneral Director
CredentialsRequires apprenticeship, state licensing, and embalming certificationRequires licensing, experience, and often embalming certification
Work EnvironmentAssists with embalming, funeral arrangements, and prep work under supervisionManages funeral services, coordinates arrangements, and supervises staff
Industry UsageEntry-level role in funeral homes, learning trade skillsFull professional role responsible for client services and operations

The Apprentice Funeral Director Embalmer is an entry-level position focused on learning embalming and funeral preparation under supervision. A Funeral Director is a fully licensed professional responsible for managing funeral arrangements, client interactions, and overseeing staff. The main difference lies in experience, responsibilities, and certification level, with apprentices still in training and licensed funeral directors handling full responsibilities.

What are some common challenges faced by apprentice funeral director embalmers, and how can they be managed?

Apprentice Funeral Director Embalmers often encounter emotional challenges when supporting grieving families and handling deceased individuals with care and respect. Time management can also be demanding, especially when balancing administrative duties, preparation of remains, and funeral service coordination. Building resilience, seeking mentorship from experienced colleagues, and maintaining clear communication within the team are effective strategies to manage these challenges. Regular training and self-care practices are also important to sustain professionalism and well-being in this sensitive field.
What are popular job titles related to Apprentice Funeral Director Embalmer jobs in Riverside, CA? For Apprentice Funeral Director Embalmer jobs in Riverside, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Apprentice Funeral Director Embalmer jobs in Riverside, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Apprentice Funeral Director Embalmer jobs in Riverside, CA are:
What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Apprentice Funeral Director Embalmer jobs? Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Apprentice Funeral Director Embalmer job openings:
Infographic showing various Apprentice Funeral Director Embalmer job openings in Riverside, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 2% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $59,801 per year, or $28.8 per hour.

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Re-posted 20 days ago


United States Navy rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 379 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

42nd of 49 rated military and defense


Job description

When a Sailor makes the ultimate sacrifice, we have an honored duty to ensure that crew member’s remains are treated with the utmost dignity and respect. For this reason, Navy Morticians have a very important role to play. You’ll be responsible for handling all parts of the process, from communicating with families and foreign governments to retrieve and deliver remains, to carefully preparing each body and conducting funeral services to honor those who have fallen. The Navy is the only branch of the military that employs its own morticians as military personnel. Our Sailors have devoted their lives to defense; it is only right that we find the best caretakers to defend their legacy.

RESPONSIBILITIES

As an Enlisted Mortician (HM-Mortician), you are technically part of the Hospital Corpsman program. You will handle administrative, logistical, and mortuary services for deceased Sailors and Marines. Your role requires treating those you serve with the utmost dignity, honor and respect for the sacrifice they have made. In your job, you may expect to:

  • Assist in recovery, identification and inspection of remains
  • Oversee the care and preparation of the remains of fallen Sailors, including embalming duties and final presentation
  • Prepare for and direct the transportation of remains
  • Liaison with families and foreign government officials for disposition of remains, and ensure proper documentation accompanies remains
  • Conduct funeral services and direct pallbearers, clergy, mourners and flowers as needed
  • Offer counsel and comfort to bereaved families or friends 

PAY AND BENEFITS

From the day you start, you’ll receive:

  • Competitive salary
  • Potential to earn a bonus upon enlistment
  • Free health insurance
  • Free housing
  • A retirement plan
  • Paid training
  • College credit

EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES 

  • Navy College Program and Tuition Assistance
  • Post-9/11 GI Bill, up to 100% tuition
  • Professional credentials and certifications
  • College credit hours toward a bachelor’s or associate degree through the American Council on Education

QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

  • U.S. citizen or equivalent
  • High school graduate or equivalent
  • 17 years of age or older
  • Must have graduated from an accredited mortuary school
  • Must hold a license as a funeral director and embalmer in one of the 50 states

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Navy Morticians are shore-based and assigned to Navy Casualty. While most all Navy Mortician positions are located in the U.S., a Mortician’s responsibilities could require them to travel to distant locations around the world, and some Morticians may be assigned to overseas stations.


What United States Navy employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


US Navy logo

About US Navy

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

National security, national security and international affairs, public safety statistics centers and offices, guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing and public administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Washington, DC, US

Social media