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Cremation Operator Jobs in Seattle, WA (NOW HIRING)

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Cremation Operator information

See Seattle, WA salary details

$13

$23

$33

How much do cremation operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for cremation operator in Seattle, WA is $23.16, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.42 and $26.01 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a cremation operator?

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.

How do I become a cremation operator?

To become a cremation operator, individuals typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and must complete on-the-job training or specialized certification programs. Knowledge of cremation equipment, safety procedures, and respectful handling of remains is essential, and some states or employers may require licensing or certification to operate cremation machinery legally.

How much do cremation operators make?

Cremation operators typically earn between $30,000 and $45,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and employer. The role often requires knowledge of cremation equipment and adherence to safety and environmental regulations.

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 cremation operator a good job?

Cremation operators operate cremation equipment in funeral homes or crematories, requiring attention to safety protocols and proper handling of remains. The job can offer stable employment and requires physical stamina, technical skills, and sometimes certification. It is often part-time or full-time with regular hours, but job satisfaction depends on individual preferences and work environment.
What are popular job titles related to Cremation Operator jobs in Seattle, WA? For Cremation Operator jobs in Seattle, WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Cremation Operator jobs in Seattle, WA look for? The top searched job categories for Cremation Operator jobs in Seattle, WA are:
Cremation Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cremation Operator job openings in Seattle, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 57% Full Time, and 43% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $48,173 per year, or $23.2 per hour.

Grounds Specialist

Service Corporation International

Redmond, WA

$24 - $30/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 29 days ago

Service Corporation International rating

6.7

Company rating: 6.7 out of 10

Based on 94 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

5th of 9 rated funeral services

Job description

Our associates celebrate lives. We celebrate our associates.

Entry-level role maintaining the grounds provided at a cemetery or funeral home location(s). Performs all groundskeeping and maintenance matters on the properties and maintains the overall appearance of a cemetery, mausoleum or funeral home location. Incumbent gains an understanding of how a cemetery operates.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES 

  • Mows grass, plows snow, waters lawns, fertilizes and trims shrubs, tends flower beds and regularly inspects assigned work areas to ensure proper standards are maintained

  • Operates lawn and grounds equipment including push and power mowers, snow blowers, weed eaters, leaf blowers and other related power equipment

  • Removes debris and trash from grounds. May include turning down vases and removing wilted flowers

  • Participates on teams for openings and closings for interments, entombments and inurnments

  • Assists in determining the location and layout of individual graves with assistance, complying with verification procedures

  • May perform minor repairs to the cemetery, building systems or equipment

  • May perform some of the duties associated with cremations such as maintaining inventory and complying with federal and state cremation regulations under supervision

  • May assist in moving and installing burial vaults

  • Must follow safety rules and ensure compliance with the operating procedures of corporate, federal, state and local regulations, including OSHA regulations and Safety and Environmental guidelines

  • This is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of the essential functions or duties related to this job

MINIMUM Requirements

Education

  • High school diploma or equivalent required

Certification/License

Experience

  • Minimum (6) months relevant experience in landscaping, general construction, warehouse, physical labor demonstrating steady employment

  • Funeral industry experience preferred

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

  • Ability to operate hand-held tools and equipment, including, but not limited to a shovel, pick, rake, sledgehammer, lawn mower, weed trimmer and leaf blower

  • Ability to accurately use measuring devices (i.e. tape measure, yard-stick, etc.)

  • Ability to work in extreme weather conditions

  • Physically agile and dexterous

  • Ability to operate equipment in a safe and careful manner

  • Ability to effectively work with others to accomplish tasks

  • Ability to communicate effectively with associates, contractor personnel and client families

  • Basic computer skills to enable retrieving and responding to email communications

Work CONDITIONS                                                                  

Work Environment

  • Work outdoors during all seasons and weather conditions

  • Comply with Field dress code policy

Work Postures

  • Frequent, continuous periods of time standing, up 6 hours per day

  • Climbing stairs to access buildings frequently

Physical Demands

  • Lifting, pushing, pulling up to 50 pounds

Work Hours

  • Working beyond “standard” hours as the need arises

  • Schedule may fluctuate, if a need arises, to an earlier or a later shift

Compensation

$24.00 - $30.00/hr

Benefits
Medical * Dental * Vision * Flexible Spending Accounts (health care and dependent care) * Health Savings Account with Company Contribution * Sick Leave * Short-Term Disability * Long-Term Disability * Life Insurance * Voluntary Accidental Death or Dismemberment Insurance * Dependent Life Insurance * SCI 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan with Company match * Employee Assistance Program 
 

Postal Code: 98052Category (Portal Searching): Cemetery MaintenanceJob Location: US-WA - Redmond

Company Description

We are proud to be North America's leading provider of funeral, cremation and cemetery services.

Our nearly 25,000 associates are driven by our guiding purpose to compassionately support families during their most difficult times, celebrate the significance of life and preserve memories that transcend generations.

We’ve created a culture of Service Excellence to our families and to each other. It’s the reason more than 600,000 families turn to us each year to care for their loved ones.

What Service Corporation International employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

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