ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Crematory Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

FAITHFUL COMPANION MEMORIALS INC

Crematory Operations

Troy, MI · On-site

$16.75 - $22.50/hr

Faithful Companion Pet Cremation Services is searching for a full-time crematory operator at our Troy, Michigan location for the afternoon shift. This position is responsible for a high quality ...

New

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsCrematory Operator Jobs

Crematory Operator information

See salary details

$12

$20

$29

How much do crematory operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for crematory 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.

How many hours do crematory operators work weekly?

Crematory operators typically work full-time hours, averaging around 40 hours per week. They may work irregular or on-call hours to accommodate funeral schedules and ensure proper operation of cremation equipment. Overtime can be required during busy periods or emergencies.

What Does a Crematory Operator Do?

A crematory operator provides cremation services for a funeral home or crematorium. The duties of a crematory operator are to ensure the body is treated with respect, correctly labeled and placed into the crematory machine. Some locations allow family members to witness the cremation, so a crematory operator must have the skills needed to perform their task with sensitivity and deference to the family.

How much does a crematory operator make per hour?

A crematory operator typically earns between $15 and $25 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer. The role often requires knowledge of cremation equipment and adherence to safety and environmental regulations.

What is the difference between Crematory Operator vs Funeral Director?

AspectCrematory OperatorFuneral Director
CertificationsTypically requires crematory operation training and certificationRequires funeral service license and embalming certification
Work EnvironmentWorks primarily in crematories, handling cremation equipmentWorks in funeral homes, managing funeral arrangements and services
Industry UsageSpecializes in cremation processes within funeral servicesProvides comprehensive funeral planning and services

While both roles are part of the funeral industry, a Crematory Operator focuses on operating cremation equipment and ensuring proper cremation procedures. A Funeral Director manages the overall funeral planning, arrangements, and client interactions. Understanding these differences helps families choose the right professional for their needs.

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

To thrive as a Crematory Operator, you need knowledge of cremation procedures, attention to detail, and typically a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with crematory machinery, maintenance protocols, and adherence to state or local certification requirements are essential. Strong soft skills include respect for grieving families, reliability, and the ability to maintain discretion and professionalism. These skills and qualities are crucial for ensuring legal compliance, operational safety, and compassionate service during a sensitive time.

What are crematory operators?

Crematory operators are professionals responsible for managing and operating cremation equipment used to cremate human or animal remains. Their duties include preparing the cremation chamber, ensuring proper identification of remains, operating the machinery, and adhering to safety and legal regulations. They may also handle record-keeping, maintenance of the crematory facility, and sometimes interact with grieving families in a respectful manner.

What are some common challenges faced by crematory operators, and how can they be managed?

Crematory operators often encounter challenges such as managing emotional situations with grieving families, maintaining strict adherence to safety and legal regulations, and handling multiple tasks under time constraints. Staying organized, following established protocols, and having strong attention to detail are essential for success in this role. Building communication skills and emotional resilience can also help operators support families while ensuring respectful and compliant operations.

How to become a crematorium operator?

To become a crematory operator, individuals typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and may require on-the-job training or certification in cremation procedures and safety protocols. Some states or employers may also require a license or certification, and familiarity with handling sensitive materials and operating specialized equipment is essential.

Is being a crematory operator hard?

Being a crematory operator involves handling sensitive tasks in a controlled environment, requiring attention to safety protocols, proper equipment operation, and adherence to regulations. The job can be physically and emotionally demanding, often involving shift work and strict procedural compliance.
More about Crematory Operator jobs
What cities are hiring for Crematory Operator jobs? Cities with the most Crematory Operator job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Crematory Operator jobs? The most popular types of Crematory Operator jobs are:
Who are the top companies hiring for Crematory Operator jobs? The top employers for Crematory Operator jobs are:
What states have the most Crematory Operator jobs? States with the most job openings for Crematory Operator jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Crematory Operator jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Crematory Operator jobs are:
What are popular job titles related to Crematory Operator jobs? For Crematory Operator jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Crematory Operator jobs near you
Crematory Operator

Crematory Operator

Service Corporation International

Memphis, TN

$17.25 - $23/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 11 days ago

Service Corporation International rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 93 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

3rd of 8 rated funeral services

Job description

Our associates celebrate lives. We celebrate our associates.

Properly receive and process human remains and ensures that the cremated remains are returned to the authorized person(s) according to company procedures and applicable Federal, State and Municipal regulations. Duties must be performed consistent with company mission and values and adherence to company policies and procedures.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Cares for deceased in a respectful manner while performing all the tasks involved in the cremation process
  • Receives remains and ensures all documentation is complete and visual identification of the deceased is complete and accurate.
  • Completes all required documentation with respect to cremation process and equipment maintenance
  • Adheres to all professional, municipal, state/provincial and federal licensing authority regulations applicable to the cremation of human remains
  • Adheres to all applicable policies and procedures
  • Maintains all Company logs/reports and required state-specific reports
  • Maintains all chain of custody paperwork
  • Promotes a safe work environment by being aware of and practicing universal precautions and adopting general principles of safe conduct
  • Maintains the crematorium, equipment and adjacent facilities
  • May deliver/release cremated remains to appropriate funeral home or proper authority
  • Other duties as directed by management

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Education

  • High school diploma or equivalent.  Completion of a formal program at a college or technical school specializing in funeral service or mortuary science where required by state law.

Experience

  • Minimum one to three months experience as an apprentice

Certification/Licenses

  • Certified Crematory Operator as required by state law; valid driver’s license required if performing removals and transfers of bodies and delivering cremated remains

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

  • Familiar with the basic operation of industrial equipment to include basic trouble-shooting skills
  • Basic computer skills
  • Ability to maintain effective relationships with all affiliates and/or third parties
  • Good communication skills
  • High level of compassion and integrity
  • Problem solving skills
  • Ability to multi task and set priorities
  • Detail oriented
Postal Code: 38122Category (Portal Searching): OperationsJob Location: US-TN - Memphis

Company Description

Life’s not about a job, it’s about purpose.
Do you love sales? Are you passionate about serving your community? Do you want to make a difference with your work?
We’re looking for a sales professional to join our dynamic team! We put people first and value integrity and attention to detail in our work. We’ll change everything you ever thought about working in the funeral services industry. This isn’t your typical job—and we’re not your typical company!
Our Sales Professionals enjoy:
• Unlimited Income Potential - with a competitive commissioned incentive package
• Stability – a recession-resistant, human centered business
• Brand recognition – Our Dignity Memorial® is the North America’s largest provider of funeral, cremation and cemetery services.
• Company-Provided Leads - we use the world’s #1 lead-management system and other best-in-
class technology platforms
• Ongoing training
• Advancement opportunities
We think our CEO, Tom Ryan, says it best:
“At SCI, we believe we are Better Together. When each of us brings our best self to work, we can provide the Service Excellence our families deserve. This is why we provide you and your loved ones with benefits and resources to help you become your best.”
BETTER HEALTH:
Wellbeing is important to us, and to ensure our associates have access to the best care, we offer medical, prescription drug, mental health, dental and vision insurance plans for our associates to select from. Our wellness program offers benefit credits and includes a company contribution toward Health Reimbursement Accounts (HRA). Our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) offers immediate, confidential help to our associates and their dependents as well as eight free counseling sessions per incident.
BETTER WEALTH:
We are committed to providing the means and resources for our associates to manage their current and future financial needs. We offer a 401(k) plan with a competitive company match, financial education tools and flexible spending accounts for healthcare, dependent care and commuter expenses.
BETTER SELF:
We encourage associates to take time off through vacation, holiday, sick time, maternity leave and baby bonding (maternity & paternity) plans. Career development is an important focus, supported by tuition reimbursement, professional training and discounted university rates. Through the Sam Lucas Scholarship Foundation, we provide educational grants to associates, their spouses and children. What is important to our associates outside of work is important to us too. We offer additional benefits including adoption assistance and pet insurance, among many other insurance and benefit options.
BETTER COMMUNITY:
Our Associate Resource Communities (ARCs) are associate-led, self-directed groups of Company colleagues who share similar interests and backgrounds. ARCs offer opportunities to connect with colleagues, promote diversity, share ideas, enhance our business and help improve the communities in which we live and work. As part of our mission to promote excellence in funeral service, our mortuary science scholarship program awards over $96,000 annually to 25 deserving students. (Associates are eligible to participate.) In exchange for a contribution to a charity of their choice, our associates can earn an additional day off per year.
Compensation: $40,000 to $100,000 targeted compensation (with higher earnings potential based on exceptional performance)
Note: Eligibility requirements apply.
SCI is committed to an inclusive, barrier-free recruitment and selection process. On request, we will seek to provide appropriate accessibility options to all applicants with disabilities.
For any difficulties with the application process, please reach out to SCI.jobs@sci-us.com.

What Service Corporation International employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom