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Cemetery Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

NorthStar Memorial Group

Cemetery Caretaker

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$18 - $22/hr

NorthStar Memorial Group is seeking a Cemetery Caretaker at Sunset Lawn Chapel of the Chimes in Sacramento, CA . Our maintenance teams take pride in maintaining our grounds with attention to detail ...

Northstar Memorial Group

Cemetery Caretaker

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$18 - $22/hr

NorthStar Memorial Group is seeking a Cemetery Caretaker at Sunset Lawn Chapel of the Chimes in Sacramento, CA . Our maintenance teams take pride in maintaining our grounds with attention to detail ...

Apply Early

NorthStar Memorial Group

Cemetery Caretaker

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$18 - $22/hr

NorthStar Memorial Group is seeking a Cemetery Caretaker at Sunset Lawn Chapel of the Chimes in Sacramento, CA . Our maintenance teams take pride in maintaining our grounds with attention to detail ...

Northstar Memorial Group

Cemetery Caretaker

Oakland, CA

$21 - $23/hr

NorthStar Memorial Group is seeking a Cemetery Caretaker at Chapel of the Chimes Oakland, CA. Our maintenance teams take pride in maintaining our buildings and grounds with attention to detail and ...

Apply Early

NorthStar Memorial Group

Cemetery Caretaker

Oakland, CA

$21 - $23/hr

NorthStar Memorial Group is seeking a Cemetery Caretaker at Chapel of the Chimes Oakland, CA. Our maintenance teams take pride in maintaining our buildings and grounds with attention to detail and ...

NorthStar Memorial Group

Cemetery Caretaker

Oakland, CA · On-site

$21 - $23/hr

NorthStar Memorial Group is seeking a Cemetery Caretaker at Chapel of the Chimes Oakland, CA. Our maintenance teams take pride in maintaining our buildings and grounds with attention to detail and ...

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All JobsCemetery JobsCemetery Jobs in California

Cemetery information

See California salary details

$15

$27

$36

How much do cemetery jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for cemetery in California is $27.52, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $23.27 and $32.98 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much money do cemetery workers make?

Cemetery workers, including roles such as groundskeepers and maintenance staff, typically earn between $25,000 and $45,000 annually, depending on experience and location. Skilled workers with certifications or specialized tasks may earn higher wages, and the job often requires physical labor and knowledge of safety procedures.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Cemetery Worker, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Cemetery Worker, you typically need physical stamina, attention to detail, and basic landscaping or groundskeeping experience, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with machinery such as backhoes, lawn mowers, and record-keeping systems is commonly required. Compassion, reliability, and respectful communication are important soft skills for interacting with grieving families and working as part of a team. These skills ensure the cemetery is maintained with dignity, safety, and sensitivity to the needs of visitors.

What are some common challenges faced by cemetery workers, and how can they be addressed on the job?

Cemetery workers often encounter challenges such as working outdoors in varying weather conditions, handling heavy equipment, and performing physically demanding tasks like grave preparation and landscaping. Additionally, the role requires sensitivity and professionalism when interacting with grieving families. To address these challenges, workers should prioritize safety protocols, use proper protective gear, and receive training in customer service and equipment operation. Many cemeteries also foster teamwork and provide support resources to help staff manage the emotional aspects of the job.

What Are Different Jobs at a Cemetery?

The jobs in a cemetery or graveyard revolve around taking care of the grounds and facilitating funeral services. You may find a position as a caretaker or groundskeeper whose duties include caring for the grounds of the cemetery and tending to the graves or other memorial markers. Cemeteries may also have a gravedigger whose responsibilities involve digging and placing the remains in the grave. A cemetery may have sales professionals who sell grave plots, memorial service directors, and other service providers, such as stone engravers, flower arrangers, and hearse drivers.

What are the different jobs at a cemetery?

Jobs at a cemetery include roles such as groundskeeper, funeral director, monument installer, administrative staff, and maintenance workers. These positions often require knowledge of cemetery operations, customer service skills, and sometimes certifications in funeral services or horticulture. Employees typically work in outdoor environments and may need to handle sensitive situations with professionalism.

What are cemetery workers called?

Cemetery workers are commonly called groundskeepers, maintenance workers, or cemetery attendants. They are responsible for tasks such as landscaping, maintaining gravesites, and assisting visitors, often working outdoors and requiring knowledge of safety procedures and sometimes certifications in groundskeeping or horticulture.

What is the difference between Cemetery vs Funeral Director?

AspectCemeteryFuneral Director
Primary RoleMaintains and manages burial grounds and grave sitesCoordinates funeral services and assists families with arrangements
Work EnvironmentOutdoor, cemetery groundsIndoor office, funeral homes, and sometimes outdoor sites
Required CertificationsMay require state-specific groundskeeping or maintenance licensesFuneral director license, embalming certification
Industry UsagePart of the funeral services industry, often working closely with funeral directorsFuneral services industry, overseeing arrangements and ceremonies

While cemeteries focus on maintaining burial grounds, funeral directors handle funeral arrangements and coordinate services. Both roles are essential in the funeral industry but serve different functions within the process of honoring the deceased.

What are cemetery workers and what do they do?

Cemetery workers are responsible for maintaining the grounds of cemeteries, preparing gravesites for burials, and sometimes assisting with funeral services. Their duties often include landscaping, operating machinery to dig or fill graves, setting up burial markers, and ensuring the cemetery remains a peaceful and respectful environment for visitors. They may also provide customer service to grieving families, help with record-keeping, and ensure compliance with legal and safety regulations. The role requires attention to detail, respect for the deceased and their families, and physical stamina.

What qualifications do you need to work at a cemetery?

To work at a cemetery, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent. Relevant skills include knowledge of groundskeeping, basic maintenance, and customer service; some roles may require certifications in operating equipment or handling hazardous materials. Prior experience in landscaping or funeral services can be beneficial.
More about Cemetery jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Cemetery jobs in California? The most popular types of Cemetery jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Cemetery jobs in California? For Cemetery jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Cemetery jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Cemetery jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Cemetery jobs? Cities in California with the most Cemetery job openings:
Cemetery jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cemetery job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 94% In-person, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $57,234 per year, or $27.5 per hour.
Cemetery Caretaker

Cemetery Caretaker

NorthStar Memorial Group

Sacramento, CA • On-site

$18 - $22/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 21 days ago

Job description

NorthStar Memorial Group is seeking a Cemetery Caretaker at Sunset Lawn Chapel of the Chimes in Sacramento, CA. Our maintenance teams take pride in maintaining our grounds with attention to detail and tradition, ensuring every family's unique experience is honored. As integral parts of our community, our maintenance workers have a strong sense of ownership in our grounds and locations, reflecting the highest standards of quality and comfort in this stable role. In this role, the facilities maintenance crew gains transferable skills fostering even more of a sense of purpose.
The Cemetery Caretaker is responsible for the overall appearance of cemetery, mausoleum, and funeral home locations, including maintenance and grounds keeping, locating grave sites, digging graves, installing crypt faces, memorials, monuments, conducting interments, entombments and inurnments, and repairs and maintenance tasks. Individual responsibilities may include some, or all, of the following activities: grounds keeping, interment/memorialization, and facilities cleaning/maintenance. An employee's position assignment will be based on demonstrated competence in the skills required for the next level in the job family.
Responsibilities includes, but not limited to
  • Grounds Keeping:
    • Cuts grass.
    • Maintains lawn and trims around trees, walkways, and memorial markers
    • Lays sod
    • Moves and removes flowers to and from the chapel and graveside.
    • Blows leaf and grass
    • Edges with stick edger
    • Clears debris and maintains drives and walkways in a safe condition.
    • Cleans ponds and fountains
    • Hand digs/trenching
  • Facilities Cleaning:
    • Maintains overall appearance and cleanliness of funeral homes and mausoleum facilities.
    • Cleans and maintains the facility, performs minor repairs, painting, etc.
    • Assists in loading and unloading caskets.
    • Vehicle and golf cart washing/cleaning

Qualifications
  • Valid driver's license
  • High School Diploma or equivalent
  • 6 + months of experience in grounds keeping and/or maintenance
  • Backhoe certification and/or documented training with experience highly preferred

Compensation
  • $18.00 - $22.00

Benefits
  • Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
  • Health Savings Account (HSA)
  • Life Insurance
  • 401(k) with Employer Matching

We are an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.

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