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Cremation Specialist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

BJC HealthCare

Decedent Affairs Specialist

Saint Louis, MO · On-site

$17.50 - $23.88/hr

Barnes-Jewish Hospital is seeking an onsite Decedent Affairs Specialist to provide dignified ... Louis or cremation and complete the appropriate documentation which becomes part of BJH's legal ...

Matthews International

WI · On-site

$75 - $85/hr

POSITION SUMMARY Matthews Environmental Solutions is a globally recognized leader in cremation and ... As an Industrial Field Service Specialist , you will travel to customer sites to install, service ...

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How much do cremation specialist jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for cremation specialist in the United States is $18.46, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.70 and $19.95 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a cremation specialist?

Cremation specialists are professionals trained to handle the cremation process for deceased individuals. Their responsibilities include preparing the body, operating crematory equipment, ensuring all legal and ethical standards are met, and sometimes assisting families with paperwork and memorial arrangements. They play a crucial role in ensuring the process is conducted respectfully and efficiently. Cremation specialists may also maintain crematory facilities and handle the proper disposition of remains.

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

To thrive as a Cremation Specialist, you need knowledge of crematory operations, legal requirements, and safe handling of human remains, often supported by completion of industry-specific training or certification. Familiarity with crematory machinery, record-keeping software, and compliance systems is typically required. Attention to detail, respect for privacy, and strong communication skills help professionals support grieving families and maintain regulatory standards. These skills and qualities are essential to ensure dignified, compliant, and safe cremation services.

What are some common challenges faced by cremation specialists and how can they be addressed?

Cremation Specialists often encounter emotionally sensitive situations, as they regularly interact with grieving families and must handle remains with the utmost care and respect. Another challenge is maintaining strict adherence to legal and health regulations throughout the cremation process. Managing multiple cases simultaneously can also require strong organizational skills. These challenges are best addressed through comprehensive training, clear communication with families and colleagues, and a commitment to meticulous record-keeping and process protocols.

What is the difference between Cremation Specialist vs Funeral Director?

AspectCremation SpecialistFuneral Director
CertificationsState-specific cremation operator license, OSHA trainingFuneral director license, embalming certification
Work EnvironmentFuneral homes, crematories, processing facilitiesFuneral homes, cemeteries, client consultation areas
Job ResponsibilitiesOperating cremation equipment, preparing remains, maintaining facilitiesArranging funerals, coordinating services, providing grief support

While both roles work within the funeral industry, a Cremation Specialist primarily handles cremation processes and equipment, whereas a Funeral Director manages funeral arrangements and client services. The roles often overlap in funeral homes but differ in daily tasks and required certifications.

How much does a cremation specialist make?

A cremation specialist typically earns between $30,000 and $50,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and employer. The role often requires knowledge of cremation procedures, handling of equipment, and adherence to safety and environmental regulations.
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Cremation Specialist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cremation Specialist job openings in the United States as of August 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 $38,406 per year, or $18.5 per hour.

Lead Cremation Specialist &Operations Coordinator

Thomas McAfee Funeral Home Inc

Greenville, SC • On-site

Full-time, Part-time

Re-posted 5 days ago

Job description

Description:


Job Title: Lead Cremation Specialist & Operations Coordinator

Location: White Horse Road, Greenville, SC

Position Type: Full-Time

Reports To: COO

Position Overview

We are seeking a dedicated, detail-oriented, and highly adaptable Lead Cremation Specialist to oversee our daily cremation operations. This role is central to maintaining the seamless continuity of our Cremation Center. This role will also assist in the scheduling department, by coordinating the necessary staff members for all funeral service needs. In addition, this role will assist in many other areas of funeral service, such as working funerals and driving company vehicles. 

The ideal candidate brings a high level of technical competency, strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and a deeply respectful demeanor to ensure every family's wishes are executed flawlessly.

Key Responsibilities

Cremation Center Coverage & Operation

  • Act as the primary operational backup in the cremation center, stepping in to manage daily retort operations, processing, and packaging when the primary operator is off.
  • Safely operate and monitor cremation equipment in strict accordance with manufacturer guidelines, EPA standards, and local environmental laws.
  • Maintain meticulous records of the cremation process, tracking logs, and chain-of-custody documentation to guarantee 100% accuracy.

Funeral Service Operations

  • Telephone and Reception Operations: Monitors telephones and processes calls in an efficient, accurate, and professional manner.
  • Visitation and Funeral Services: Approaches visitors as they enter the facility, providing a warm and comfortable greeting.
  • Funeral and Memorial Services: Follow company protocol for the position assigned, to assist in carrying out each funeral or memorial service.
  • Driving and Escorting: Transports deceased, client family members, visitors, equipment, and staff as needed.
  • Respond to first calls and perform dignified, professional removals and transfers from residential and medical facilities.
  • Ensure all necessary legal documentation, permits, and identification tags are thoroughly verified and in place prior to transport or any operational steps.
  • Maintain and care for company vehicles, ensuring they are clean, stocked, and presentable at all times.
  • Health and Safety: Adheres to company policies for the health and safety of personnel.
  • Working Relationships: Interacts with other associates to facilitate positive, productive working relationships.
  • Performance and Professionalism: Consistently exhibits satisfactory levels of performance.
  • General: Perform other duties as assigned and directed to satisfaction of supervisor.

Scheduling & Logistics Coordination

  • Manage the master operational schedule for all services
  • Communicate with Directors for their scheduling needs for funeral services and scheduling the necessary staff to work services.
  • Serve as the primary point of contact between the funeral directing team, the part time team, and the management team, to maintain an efficient, error-free workflow.


Requirements:

 Qualifications & Requirements

  • Certification: Valid Certified Crematory Operator (CCO) designation (CANA, NFDA, or equivalent state-certified program) or the ability to obtain it within 60 days of hire.
  • Experience: Minimum of 2–3 years of experience in crematory operations, funeral home logistics, or a highly related supervisory/coordinating role within deathcare.
  • Logistical Skills: Proven ability to manage schedules, balance competing priorities, and communicate clearly across multiple departments.
  • Physical Requirements: Ability to lift, push, and pull significant weight (up to 500 lbs assisted) and perform the physical demands of removals and equipment operations.
  • Licensing: Clean, valid driver’s license with an insurable driving record.
  • Availability: Ability to participate in an on-call rotation for transfers, evenings, weekends, and holidays as required by operational demands.