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Cremation Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

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Cremation information

See Iowa salary details

$8

$16

$30

How much do cremation jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 31, 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.
More about Cremation jobs
What are popular job titles related to Cremation jobs in Iowa? For Cremation jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Cremation jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Cremation jobs in Iowa are:
What cities in Iowa are hiring for Cremation jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most Cremation job openings:
Cremation jobs near you
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.

Receptionist (part-time)

Service Corporation International

Davenport, IA

$15 - $19.75/hr

Part-time

Posted 3 days ago

New

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.

Receives client families and visitors at the front desk by greeting, welcoming, directing and announcing them courteously and appropriately. Answers, screens, and routes incoming phone calls plus other general office support duties.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Greets guests and visitors, offering assistance when entering the building

  • Notifies staff members when appointments arrive and escorts guests to appropriate room

  • Answers routine questions associated with services, products, location directions, etc.

  • Immediately notifies and involves management with customer service and security issues

  • Receives deceased belongings from family and follows chain of custody procedures 

  • Answers, screens, and routes incoming calls to appropriate staff members 

  • Maintains a comfortable environment for clients, providing beverages and other amenities for families as needed.  May make coffee. 

  • Maintains guest-waiting area, disposing of trash, replacing tissues, and general straightening of furniture

  • Receives incoming mail and packages 

  • Maintains organized and current electronic and paper files and records, such as deeds and trust files

  • May perform light typing, proofreading, data entry or printing

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Education

  • High School Diploma or equivalent

Experience

  • Six months general office, receptionist, or administrative support experience preferred

  • Proficient at operating telephones, fax, copier 

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

  • Working knowledge of MS Office Suite

  • Clear and professional speaking voice and tone

  • Professional interpersonal skills to handle sensitive and confidential situations

  • Position continually requires demonstrated poise, tact and diplomacy

  • Ability to work schedule including Saturday and or Sunday and beyond standard business hours

Postal Code: 52807Category (Portal Searching): OperationsJob Location: US-IA - Davenport

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

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