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Cemetery Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

This position is also responsible for other cemetery grounds maintenance duties and assisting with setting up and taking down seasonal displays. Duties/Responsibilities: * Prepares burial plots and ...

Burial Crew Member

Cedar Rapids, IA · On-site

$18 - $22/hr

This position is also responsible for other cemetery grounds maintenance duties and assisting with setting up and taking down seasonal displays. Duties/Responsibilities: * Prepares burial plots and ...

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Cemetery information

See Iowa salary details

$14

$26

$34

How much do cemetery jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for cemetery in Iowa is $26.19, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.12 and $31.39 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.
What are the most commonly searched types of Cemetery jobs in Iowa? The most popular types of Cemetery jobs in Iowa are:
What are popular job titles related to Cemetery jobs in Iowa? For Cemetery jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Iowa are hiring for Cemetery jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most Cemetery job openings:
Infographic showing various Cemetery job openings in Iowa as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,471 per year, or $26.2 per hour.
Landscaping and Cemetery Grounds Keeper

Landscaping and Cemetery Grounds Keeper

DES Employment Group

Davenport, IA • On-site

$13 - $14/hr

Full-time

PTO

Posted 27 days ago

Be an early applicant


Job description

Job Opportunity: Cemetery Grounds & Maintenance Crew

Location: Davenport, IA


Pay: $14.00 per hour ($500 gross paid weekly average)

Schedule: Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM

(Occasional Saturdays; hours may vary based on burial assistance)

Earn PTO on the first day of work


Position Overview

We are seeking a detail-oriented and reliable individual to join our grounds maintenance team. This role involves the physical upkeep of cemetery grounds, assisting with burial services, and ensuring a respectful environment through precise landscaping.


Key Responsibilities
  • Landscaping & Upkeep: Extensive string trimming around headstones, mowing, brush collection, and debris removal.
  • Equipment Operation: Occasional use of riding mowers, gators, and tractors.
  • Burial & Installation Support: Assisting with the preparation of burial sites and the installation of headstones.
  • Navigation: Reading and interpreting cemetery maps to locate specific plots and work areas.


Requirements
  • Physical Stamina: Ability to be on your feet all day and carry heavy equipment.
  • Technical Skills: Ability to read maps and operate basic landscaping machinery.
  • Communication: Must be able to follow detailed instructions and feel comfortable asking for clarification when needed.
  • Mindset: Strong focus on safety, attention to detail, and the ability to work independently.


Benefits of the Role
  • Consistent daytime schedule.
  • Opportunity for career advancement within the organization.