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Cremation Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Cremation information

See Iowa salary details

$8

$16

$30

How much do cremation jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for cremation in Iowa is $16.46, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $11.59 and $19.69 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are cremation services?

Cremation services involve the process of reducing a deceased person's body to ashes using high heat and flame. This process is typically carried out in a specialized furnace called a cremator at a crematorium. Cremation is an alternative to traditional burial and may include additional services such as memorial ceremonies, viewings, or the handling of remains. The cremated ashes, also known as cremains, are then returned to the family in an urn or container of their choice. Families can choose to keep the ashes, scatter them, or inter them in a cemetery or special location.

What are some unique challenges faced by cremation technicians in their day-to-day work?

Cremation technicians often work in environments that require attention to detail, respect for grieving families, and adherence to strict regulatory standards. One common challenge is managing multiple cremation schedules while ensuring that all documentation and identification protocols are meticulously followed to prevent errors. Additionally, technicians must handle specialized equipment safely and perform routine maintenance, all while maintaining a compassionate approach when interacting with clients or family members. This role also requires emotional resilience, as technicians may encounter sensitive situations frequently.

What is the difference between Cremation vs Embalming Technician?

AspectCremationEmbalming Technician
Required CredentialsTypically requires a state license or certification, training in cremation proceduresRequires mortuary science license, embalming certification, and state licensing
Work EnvironmentFacilities with cremation equipment, crematories, or funeral homesFuneral homes, mortuaries, embalming rooms
Industry UsagePart of funeral services, focusing on cremation processPart of funeral services, focusing on embalming and body preparation

While both cremation and embalming technicians work in funeral services, cremation involves operating cremation equipment to reduce remains to ashes, whereas embalming technicians prepare bodies for viewings through embalming and restorative techniques. Each role requires specific certifications and work environments but shares the common goal of providing respectful body care in the funeral industry.

What Are Cremation Jobs?

Cremation jobs include a cremation technician, crematorium operator, or director of a crematorium. As a cremation technician or operator, your duties are to ensure that the crematorium equipment is working properly, prepare the remains for the process, load bodies into the crematory, operate the machine, and ensure that the remains are completely cremated before preparing the ashes for the bereaved. You must keep careful logs of your work. In addition to cremating bodies, your responsibilities include helping families fill out paperwork, preparing funerals at a crematory, and arranging transport. In a director role, you oversee and manage staff and perform a wide range of administrative tasks, although at smaller facilities, you may also handle similar duties as a technician.

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

To thrive as a Cremation Technician, you need a solid understanding of crematory operations, safety protocols, and compliance with legal and ethical standards, often supported by a high school diploma and on-the-job training or certification. Familiarity with cremation equipment, record-keeping systems, and environmental controls is typically required. Attention to detail, integrity, and sensitivity when interacting with grieving families are crucial soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure respectful, safe, and legally compliant handling of remains, supporting families during a difficult time.
What are popular job titles related to Cremation jobs in Iowa? For Cremation jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Iowa are hiring for Cremation jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most Cremation job openings:
Infographic showing various Cremation job openings in Iowa as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $34,244 per year, or $16.5 per hour.

Veterinarian at Boone Veterinary Hospital

Mission Pet Health

Boone, IA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 days ago


Job description

General Information
Ref #
53092
Department
Veterinarian
Job Site
Boone Veterinary Hospital
Date Published
07-24-2026
Pay Class
Full-Time
Base Min.
$ 110000
Base Max.
$ 135000
Location Address
2507 Eastgate Dr., Boone, IA 50036
Job Description
Additional Hospital Information & What We Are Looking For:
Associate Veterinarian Opportunity - Boone Veterinary Hospital Boone, IA
Interest In: Small-animal general practice in a full-service, community-focused hospital offering a rewarding mix of preventative care, wellness exams, vaccinations, diagnostic testing, dentistry, routine and advanced surgery, pain management, and urgent medical cases during regular business hours. Doctors also have access to advanced imaging, ultrasound, cold laser therapy, canine rehabilitation, senior pet care, and compassionate end-of-life services, creating opportunities to practice comprehensive medicine while developing individual clinical interests.
Open to New Graduates or Experienced Veterinarians - Build the Career That Fits Your Life: Whether you are a new graduate looking for a strong clinical foundation or an experienced veterinarian seeking your next professional home, we would love to connect.
New graduates will benefit from our structured, year-long mentorship program, including a dedicated Clinical Mentor whose schedule intentionally overlaps with yours so you never feel as though you are navigating cases alone. The program also includes regular mentor meetings, goal-setting and communication workshops, and hands-on learning opportunities. Before entering practice, eligible new graduates can participate in a five-day Surgical Mentorship Program with individualized instruction and approximately 20-40 procedures completed in a small-group setting, as well as a two-day Dental Wet Lab led by our own veterinary dental specialist.
Experienced veterinarians will enjoy clinical autonomy, collaboration, and continued investment in their professional interests, because learning does not stop after graduation. In addition to generous continuing education support, doctors have access to our Clinical Tracks Program, which provides complimentary, RACE-approved CE facilitated by veterinary specialists within our network.
Have a special interest? Let's discuss how we can help make it a larger part of your everyday practice.
Supportive, Experienced Team: Practice alongside compassionate veterinary professionals who are committed to excellent patient care and client service. Our team supports doctors through patient handling, diagnostic testing, anesthesia and surgical assistance, dental care, rehabilitation services, treatment support, and client education, allowing veterinarians to focus on medicine and meaningful relationships.
Advanced & Diverse Services: Boone Veterinary Hospital offers much more than routine wellness care. Our services include advanced imaging and ultrasound, in-house diagnostic testing, dentistry, routine and advanced surgical procedures, cold laser therapy, rehabilitation, pain management, and compassionate end-of-life and cremation services. This range creates a varied caseload and allows doctors to provide continuity of care from a patient's first visit through their senior years.
Facility & Surgical Highlights: Our full-service facility includes dedicated medical, dental, diagnostic, and surgical resources designed to support efficient, high-quality patient care. The surgical area is equipped to manage procedures ranging from routine spays and neuters to more advanced operations, with a strong emphasis on thorough preoperative evaluation, patient comfort, monitoring, pain control, and recovery.
Collaborative, Relationship-Focused Culture: Boone Veterinary Hospital believes that exceptional medicine begins with trust. Our team prioritizes client education, preventative care, thoughtful communication, and treating every patient like a valued family member. We want our next veterinarian to bring curiosity, compassion, and fresh ideas while becoming an important part of the hospital and the Boone community.
A Thoughtful Approach to Sustainability: The hospital has incorporated environmentally conscious practices into its daily operations, including solar energy, compostable bags, biodegradable exam gloves, and purposeful recycling efforts. It is one more way the team demonstrates its commitment to caring for patients, the community, and the world around us.
Patient Mix: A well-rounded companion-animal caseload consisting primarily of dogs and cats, with a balance of wellness and preventative care, dentistry, surgery, diagnostic workups, rehabilitation, senior care, chronic disease management, and urgent medical needs.
Website: https://booneveterinary.com/
Location:2507 Eastgate Drive Boone, IA 50036
Apply Today for Immediate Consideration!
Whether you are preparing to begin your first role after graduation or looking for a hospital where your experience and interests will be valued, we would love to meet you.
For confidential consideration, please send your resume to:
Katie Shaffer
katie.shaffer@mvetpartners.com
All applications and conversations will be handled with the utmost discretion, professionalism, and confidentiality.
Why Boone, IA?
Located in central Iowa, Boone offers a welcoming community, approachable pace of life, and convenient access to both Ames and the greater Des Moines area. Residents can enjoy the comfort and connection of a smaller community while remaining within reach of regional dining, entertainment, universities, airports, and cultural attractions.
Outdoor enthusiasts will find plenty to explore nearby, including Ledges State Park, the High Trestle Trail, the Des Moines River Valley, local parks, and miles of walking, biking, and recreation opportunities. The area is also known for the Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad, community events, and its rich railroad history.
Whether you are looking for more space, shorter commutes, access to nature, or a community where you can genuinely put down roots, Boone provides an inviting place to build both a rewarding veterinary career and a fulfilling life outside of work.
What Your Day-to-Day Looks Like
  • Build Lasting Relationships: Connect with clients and their pets, becoming their trusted partner in a pet's lifelong health.
  • Practice Your Best Medicine: From diagnosis to treatment, you'll lead patient care with the freedom to uphold the highest standards.
  • Educate and Empower: Clearly communicate findings and treatment plans, empowering clients to make informed decisions.
  • Collaborate and Grow: Work alongside a supportive paraprofessional team, contributing to a positive hospital culture.
Who We're Looking For
  • Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree.
  • A valid state license and in good standing to practice.
  • A collaborative spirit and a dedication to practicing the highest standard of medicine.
  • Excellent communication skills with a positive, friendly attitude.

Responsibilities and Benefits
How You're Supported
As part of the Mission Pet Health family, you get the autonomy of a local practice backed by the comprehensive benefits and resources of a larger network. The focus is on investing in you, so you can focus on what you love.
Generous Compensation
Competitive base salary and a monthly production bonus with no negative accrual.
Total Wellbeing
Comprehensive coverage including Health, Dental, Vision, and more, plus Maternity Leave and 24/7 TeleDoc access.
Financial Health
Plan for your future with a 401k featuring a generous company match, plus Long & Short-Term Disability insurance for peace of mind.
Commitment to Growth
Receive a yearly CE allowance with dedicated paid days off. Grow with leadership tracks and structured mentorship.
The Power of a Network
Tap into a nationwide community of over 20,000 veterinary professionals for collaboration and to explore your unique interests.
Peace of Mind
Company-paid Professional Liability Coverage, so you can focus on what you do best: practicing great medicine.
About Mission Pet Health
Mission Pet Health was founded by veterinarians on the belief that local practices thrive with clinical autonomy, collaboration, and medical excellence. The organization provides world-class support to its 850+ hospital teams on a hyper-local basis so they can focus on what matters most: the medicine, their patients, and their team culture. Learn more at missionpethealth.com.
Driving the award-winning culture are the WAG values - Work Together, Amaze, and Grow. Mission Pet Health is veterinarian-led, people-focused, and on a mission to be the best place to work in veterinary medicine.
EEO Statement: Mission Pet Health is an equal opportunity employer. We embrace diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.