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Cemetery Jobs in Rochester, NY (NOW HIRING)

City of Rochester (NY)

Cemetery Worker

Rochester, NY · On-site

$22.02 - $27.80/hr

Employees work under the general supervision of a Cemetery Operations Supervisor. Related work is performed as required. CITY RESIDENCY WILL BE REQUIRED WITHIN ONE YEAR OF HIRE. Typical Work ...

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Cemetery information

See Rochester, NY salary details

$15

$27

$36

How much do cemetery jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for cemetery in Rochester, NY is $27.51, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $23.22 and $32.98 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What requirements do you need to work at a cemetery?

To work at a cemetery, applicants typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, and some roles may require knowledge of groundskeeping, embalming, or customer service. Physical stamina, attention to detail, and the ability to work outdoors in various weather conditions are important. Certifications such as a state embalmer license or groundskeeping training can be required for specific positions.

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 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 does a cemetery worker 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.
More about Cemetery jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Cemetery jobs in Rochester, NY? The most popular types of Cemetery jobs in Rochester, NY are:
What job categories do people searching Cemetery jobs in Rochester, NY look for? The top searched job categories for Cemetery jobs in Rochester, NY are:
What cities near Rochester, NY are hiring for Cemetery jobs? Cities near Rochester, NY with the most Cemetery job openings:
Cemetery jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cemetery job openings in Rochester, NY as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, and 50% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $57,220 per year, or $27.5 per hour.

Cemetery Worker

City of Rochester (NY)

Rochester, NY • On-site

$22.02 - $27.80/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 20 days ago

City Of Rochester (New York) rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 9 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

144th of 841 rated public administrative organizations

Job description

General Description This position performs burial and cremation functions in the City of Rochester cemetery system. Employees work under the general supervision of a Cemetery Operations Supervisor. Related work is performed as required.

CITY RESIDENCY WILL BE REQUIRED WITHIN ONE YEAR OF HIRE. Typical Work Activities Performs identification check and completes documentation prior to initiation of the cremation process; Loads retort, operates cremation equipment and processes remains in a safe and appropriate manner, and in accordance with City Cemetery Code and New York State laws; Performs record keeping functions relative to cremations and disposal of remains; Marks graves location to the accuracy of one inch; Digs new graves, trims grave interiors, positions the casket lowering device, backfills and tamps graves; Removes crypt/niche front, inters casket or urn in mausoleum/columbarium, closes and seals crypt or niche; Disinters caskets and human remains for removal to new graves; Lays foundations for headstones or monuments; Straightens existing headstones and repairs foundations; Mows grass; trims weeds from around headstones, buildings, and flower beds; Pickups up litter and empties litter baskets; Operates any motorized equipment as well as other equipment used in the performance of required duties; Removes snow, ice, leaves, and other debris from roads, parking lots, walkways, and building entrances; Leads labor crews in the maintenance of grounds. Minimum Qualifications High School Diploma or Equivalent PLUS One (1) year of experience working in a cemetery performing grounds maintenance that included the operation of motorized equipment.

. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: 1. Possession of a New York State Class D Motor Vehicle license at the time of appointment.

Licensure must be maintained throughout employment. 2. Successful completion of cremation certification course approved by the New York State Division of Cemeteries within twelve (12) months of appointment.

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