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Cremation Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

St. Louis Cremation

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PET CREMATION SERVICE SPECIALIST

Saint Louis, MO · On-site

$50K - $57K/yr

... euthanasias, and operating pet incinerator on a daily basis. Specific Responsibilities · ... Louis Cremation, Inc. as necessary; receive caskets and other funeral home supplies as well as ...

Carriage Services

Crematory Operator

Matthews, NC · On-site

$16.75 - $22.25/hr

Our Crematory Operators are responsible for providing cremation services and managing the overall process to ensure expectations of client families are exceeded. Compensation: Job Type: Full-Time ...

Carriage Services

Crematory Operator

Matthews, NC

$16.75 - $22.25/hr

Our Crematory Operators are responsible for providing cremation services and managing the overall process to ensure expectations of client families are exceeded. Compensation: Job Type: Full-Time ...

Carriage Services

Crematory Operator

Matthews, NC · On-site

$16.75 - $22.25/hr

Our Crematory Operators are responsible for providing cremation services and managing the overall process to ensure expectations of client families are exceeded. Compensation: Job Type: Full-Time ...

Angelus Rosedale Cemetery- Mortuary - Crematory

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Crematory Operator

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$19.25 - $25.50/hr

Crematory Operator Location: Angelus Rosedale Cemetery Reports to: Crematory Manager FLSA Status ... the cremation process • Maintains chain-of-custody documentation and issuance of a numbered ...

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Cremation Operator information

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How much do cremation operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for cremation operator in the United States is $20.34, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.07 and $22.84 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Cremation Operator, you need knowledge of crematory operations, safety procedures, and regulatory compliance, often supported by a high school diploma and on-the-job training or certification. Familiarity with cremation equipment, maintenance tools, and record-keeping systems is important for daily tasks. Attention to detail, discretion, and compassion are crucial soft skills for managing sensitive situations and interacting with grieving families. These skills ensure respectful handling of remains, legal compliance, and the provision of professional, empathetic service.

What job makes $10,000 a month without a degree?

A cremation operator typically does not earn $10,000 a month without specialized training and experience; most roles in this field pay lower wages. High-paying jobs that can reach this level without a degree often include sales, real estate, or entrepreneurship, which rely on skills, certifications, or business acumen rather than formal education.

How long does it take to become a crematory operator?

Becoming a cremation operator typically requires completing on-the-job training that can last from a few weeks to several months, depending on the employer and state regulations. Some positions may also require certification or licensing, which can involve additional coursework and testing, often taking a few months to complete.

What are some common challenges faced by Cremation Operators, and how can they be addressed?

Cremation Operators often encounter challenges such as managing the emotional environment when interacting with grieving families, maintaining strict adherence to safety and regulatory protocols, and operating specialized equipment efficiently. Staying organized and detail-oriented ensures proper identification and handling of remains, which is crucial for accuracy and respect. Regular training and communication with funeral directors and support staff help address these challenges, while a supportive team environment can make emotionally taxing days more manageable.

What is a cremation operator?

A cremation operator is a professional responsible for operating crematory equipment to perform the cremation of human remains. Their duties include preparing the cremation chamber, ensuring regulatory compliance, handling remains with respect, and maintaining records. Cremation operators must follow strict safety and legal guidelines throughout the process to ensure dignity and accuracy. They may also interact with funeral directors, families, and regulatory agencies. The role requires attention to detail, empathy, and technical proficiency.

What is the difference between Cremation Operator vs Crematory Technician?

AspectCremation OperatorCrematory Technician
CertificationsTypically requires on-the-job training, OSHA safety trainingOften requires OSHA safety training, possibly state-specific certifications
Work EnvironmentWork primarily in cremation chambers and facilities, handling equipmentWork in crematories, performing maintenance, and ensuring proper operation
Employer & Industry UsageCommonly employed by funeral homes and crematoriesEmployed by funeral homes, crematories, or specialized cremation service providers

The main difference between a Cremation Operator and a Crematory Technician lies in their scope of responsibilities. Cremation Operators focus on operating cremation equipment and ensuring proper procedures, while Crematory Technicians often handle maintenance, troubleshooting, and technical aspects. Both roles require safety training and are integral to cremation services, but the Technician role may involve more technical skills and certifications.

Is being a crematory operator hard?

Cremation operators are responsible for operating cremation equipment and ensuring proper procedures are followed, which requires attention to detail, technical skills, and adherence to safety protocols. The job can be physically demanding and may involve working in a sensitive environment, but it generally involves routine tasks once trained and certified. The difficulty depends on individual aptitude and experience with the equipment and procedures involved.

How much money does a crematory operator make?

A cremation operator typically earns between $30,000 and $50,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and employer. The role often requires knowledge of cremation equipment and adherence to safety and environmental regulations.
More about Cremation Operator jobs
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What states have the most Cremation Operator jobs? States with the most job openings for Cremation Operator jobs include:
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Cremation Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cremation Operator job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $42,306 per year, or $20.3 per hour.
PET CREMATION SERVICE SPECIALIST

PET CREMATION SERVICE SPECIALIST

St. Louis Cremation

Saint Louis, MO • On-site

$50K - $57K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 11 days ago

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Job description

**Must have valid drivers license and clean driving record**

**Post offer, candidates will be require to pass a physical examination demonstrating the ability to lift, push, and carry a 150 lb. load and drug screening**

General Accountabilities

Pet cremation service specialist personnel report to the owner/operations manager. Personnel will be required to pick up and transport deceased pets, meet veterinarians at client’s homes for euthanasias, and operating pet incinerator on a daily basis.


Specific Responsibilities

· Transports deceased pets from veterinary hospital or homes to our office.

· Reports to work or a specific destination promptly and ready to work.

· Hours for this position primarily every day, Monday - Friday from 12pm to 8pm. As well as on call service every other weekend 12hr shifts 8am to 8pm Sat and Sun. Paid at time and a half.

· Respectfully places pets picked up at home on stretcher if applicable and loads stretcher into removal vehicle.

· Replaces supplies and disposable items on removal vehicle.

· Performing actual cremation services for deceased pets.

· Care for the deceased in a respectful manner while performing a variety of tasks which may include: transfers, lifting of deceased pet remains.

· Complete all required documentation with respect to transportation and cremation process.

· Strict adherence to all professional, municipal, state and federal licensing authority regulations applicable to the operation of a motor vehicle.

· Promote a safe work environment by being aware of and practicing universal precautions and adopting general principles of safe conduct

· Complete and accurate preparation of all documents related to services, transportation, maintenance, and any other type of data entry

· Washing and cleaning of all vehicles and equipment as required from time to time.

· Assist with the maintenance of vehicles, the facility, property and for St. Louis Cremation, Inc. as necessary; receive caskets and other funeral home supplies as well as place into inventory and carrying out any other responsibilities that may be reasonably delegated by management

· Answering phones, preparing reports as necessary and participating in staff meetings

· General housekeeping duties

· Any other duties as directed by management

· This position requires physical contact with the remains of the deceased

· This job is Nonexempt.

Experience and Educational Requirements

· Equivalent to high school education.

· Must have a valid drivers license.

· Good driving record and insurable by our chosen insurance company’s standards

· Knowledge of computers and some software would be an asset, or willingness to learn

· Above average communication skills

· High level of compassion and integrity

· Problem solving skills

· Ability to multi task and set priorities

· Detail oriented

Working Conditions

Physical
The job is frequently expected to lift, carry, push or pull objects weighing up to 150 lbs. (without the assistance of mobile, powered equipment).
Physical effort requiring manual dexterity is occasionally required (i.e., between 25% and 75% of time on the job).
Physical work pace and/or exertion bring on a limited amount of physical fatigue.
Mental/ Sensory
On a daily basis, the work involves short to intermediate periods of non-interrupted mental/sensory attention (i.e., usually up to one (1) hour at a time, occasionally longer than one (1) hour), with ample opportunity for breaks in concentration during the course of the workday.

Some of these duties may involve long hours and need to be done on weekends, evening, nighttime and holidays. At times, some duties may require you to work outside in the cold weather or hot weather. Some duties may also require you be exposed to un-pleasantries associated with deceased human remains.

Mental stress
When considering the mental/emotional tension associated with this job the following factors may apply:

  • The need to work overtime or to be called in before scheduled hours of work often cannot be anticipated.
  • The job has minimal to no control over workflow or service demands.

Company Description

St. Louis Cremation (St. Louis Cremation Services, Inc) is the Cremation Specialist and one of the largest providers of cremation services in St. Louis, and in the surrounding area. More people have chosen St. Louis Cremation than any other cremation provider in the state of Missouri. St. Louis Cremation believes that cremation is a dignified method of disposition. Our staff is trained to handle every detail of making cremation or traditional funeral arrangements. These could include memorial services, filing for certified copies of the death certificate, cemetery services, obituaries for newspapers and assuring that all legal requirements are met. At St. Louis Cremation we can even help with the confusion associated with Veterans benefits, and military protocol.