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Embalmer Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

Must hold a license as a funeral director and embalmer in one of the 50 states WORK ENVIRONMENT Navy Morticians are shore-based and assigned to Navy Casualty. While most all Navy Mortician positions ...

Must hold a license as a funeral director and embalmer in one of the 50 states WORK ENVIRONMENT Navy Morticians are shore-based and assigned to Navy Casualty. While most all Navy Mortician positions ...

Embalmer information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$5

$23

$27

How much do embalmer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 25, 2026, the average hourly pay for embalmer in Raleigh, NC is $23.31, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.18 and $27.12 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Is being an embalmer worth it?

Embalmers play a vital role in funeral services by preparing bodies for burial or cremation, requiring skills in anatomy, chemistry, and attention to detail. The profession offers steady employment, with certification often required, and involves working in funeral homes or mortuaries, sometimes with irregular hours. Whether it is worth it depends on personal interest in the field and job satisfaction from helping families during difficult times.

What are embalmers?

Embalmers are professionals who prepare deceased bodies for burial or cremation by preserving them using chemical solutions and specialized techniques. Their work involves disinfecting, restoring, and cosmetically enhancing the body to ensure it is presentable for viewing and funeral services. Embalmers often work in funeral homes, mortuaries, or medical facilities, and they must follow specific legal and health regulations. In addition to technical skills, embalmers need compassion and sensitivity when interacting with grieving families.

What is the difference between Embalmer vs Mortician?

AspectEmbalmerMortician
CredentialsState license, embalming certificationState license, funeral director certification
Work EnvironmentPreparation rooms, funeral homesFuneral homes, administrative offices
ResponsibilitiesEmbalming, body preservationArranging funerals, client services

Embalmers focus primarily on body preservation through embalming, while morticians handle both embalming and funeral arrangements. In many cases, morticians are also licensed funeral directors, overseeing the entire funeral process. Both roles require similar certifications and work in funeral homes, but their core duties differ, with embalming being the primary task for embalmers and client service for morticians.

Is it difficult to become an embalmer?

Becoming an embalmer requires completing a state-approved mortuary science program, obtaining licensure, and gaining practical experience through apprenticeships or internships. The process involves studying anatomy, chemistry, and embalming techniques, and often requires passing a licensing exam, making it a challenging but structured career path.

What are some common challenges embalmers face in their daily work, and how can they be managed?

Embalmers often encounter challenges such as working with grieving families, handling bodies in various conditions, and adhering to strict health and safety regulations. Managing these challenges requires strong emotional resilience, meticulous attention to detail, and thorough knowledge of sanitation procedures. Effective communication skills and empathy are also essential when interacting with families and colleagues. Many embalmers find that ongoing professional development and support from experienced team members help them navigate these aspects successfully.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Embalmer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Embalmer, you need in-depth knowledge of human anatomy, chemistry, and mortuary science, typically supported by a degree in mortuary science and required state licensure. Familiarity with embalming instruments, restorative art techniques, and compliance with health and safety regulations is essential. Strong attention to detail, compassion, and discretion are vital soft skills for handling sensitive situations with grieving families. These skills and qualities ensure that embalmers provide respectful, safe, and high-quality care for the deceased and their loved ones.

What is the highest pay for an embalmer?

The highest salaries for embalmers can reach around $70,000 to $80,000 annually, primarily in regions with high demand or for those with extensive experience and certifications. Factors such as location, employer, and years of service influence earning potential in this profession.

How much are embalmers paid per hour?

Embalmers typically earn between $15 and $30 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer. Salaries can vary based on certifications, such as embalming licenses, and the work environment, which often involves irregular hours and on-call duties.

What Do Embalmers Do?

An embalmer prepares deceased bodies for funerals and public viewings through the use of chemicals and cosmetics. The process begins with a thorough cleansing of the deceased with an aseptic soap. The embalmer must then remove waste material and drain the body. The blood that is drained is replaced with an embalming fluid that acts as a preservative. The embalmer will then stitch the incisions and apply make-up to make the body appear as normal as possible.

What are the most commonly searched types of Embalmer jobs in Raleigh, NC? The most popular types of Embalmer jobs in Raleigh, NC are:
What are popular job titles related to Embalmer jobs in Raleigh, NC? For Embalmer jobs in Raleigh, NC, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Embalmer jobs in Raleigh, NC look for? The top searched job categories for Embalmer jobs in Raleigh, NC are:
What cities near Raleigh, NC are hiring for Embalmer jobs? Cities near Raleigh, NC with the most Embalmer job openings:
Infographic showing various Embalmer job openings in Raleigh, NC as of June 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 $48,482 per year, or $23.3 per hour.
Funeral Director/Embalmer

Funeral Director/Embalmer

Service Corporation International

Raleigh, NC

$48K - $62K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 14 days ago


Service Corporation International rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 91 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

3rd of 8 rated funeral services


Job description

Our associates celebrate lives. We celebrate our associates.

Provides customer service in all areas of helping client families following the loss of a loved one. Provides exemplary personalized and professional service. Learns how a Funeral Director implements choices made by the families/legal representative regarding the funeral, final disposition of the body and memorialization of the individual. Interacts with the family to fulfill death care needs. Ensures customer needs are addressed.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES 

  • Learns to arrange and conduct funeral and memorial ceremonies in a professional, organized and caring manner consistent with company policies and procedures
  • Learns to negotiate and create acceptable funeral contracts
  • Handles contracts, legal documents, and collection of monies or insurance in accordance with company policies.
  • Ensures client families are informed of special recognition/services available for veterans and ensures the delivery of selected recognition/services.
  • Confirms authorization to proceed with the service arrangements
  • Verifies identification of the deceased and authorization for embalming
  • Learns how to arrange for the interment or cremation of human remains
  • Adheres to all company and regulatory requirements
  • Cares for the deceased in a respectful manner while performing a variety of tasks which may include:
    • Removals and transfers
    • Lifting of deceased human remains
    • Dressing and casketing
    • Coordinating and assisting with funeral service and visitation
    • Delivery of flowers, caskets, urn, photos and other personal keepsakes or mementos of client families
    • Setting of chairs and the removal, proper care and storage of these items
    • Removals and transfers
  • Assists with funeral services by:
    • Coordinating the parking of cars
    • Ushering
    • Driving funeral vehicles
    • Assisting at chapel and church services
    • Assisting at the cemetery
    • Delivering flowers, caskets, urn, photos and other personal keepsakes or mementos of client families
    • Setting up chairs and the removing, properly caring for and storing of these items
    • Participating at special functions
  • Provides aftercare in absence of Family Service Counselor. Aftercare includes delivery of:
    • Documentation
    • Stationery
    • Information on insurance, health benefits and pension,
    • Pre-arrangements for next of kin
  • Ensures potential pre-need referrals are shared with Family Service Counselors
  • Completes and accurately prepares of all documents related to services, cremations, maintenance, and any other type of data entry
  • Assists with general office duties such as preparing reports as needed
  • Assists with the maintenance of vehicles, the facility and property
  • Receives caskets and other funeral home supplies as well as place into inventory
  • Ensures refreshments are available (where allowed by law)
  • Performs other duties as assigned

MINIMUM Requirements

Education

  • High School diploma or general equivalency degree (or diploma)
  • Completion of or currently enrolled in a degree training program at an accredited mortuary college or technical school specializing in funeral service or mortuary science.

Experience

  • Typically requires a minimum of 6 months experience in a funeral home, crematory or cemetery

Certification/Licenses

  • Must meet all licensing requirement in applicable state/province as required by law as prescribed by each state board
  • Valid driver’s license

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

  • Knowledge of computers and some software including MS Office products required
  • High level of compassion and integrity
  • Good communication skills
  • Problem solving skills
  • Ability to multi task and set priorities

Work CONDITIONS

Work Environment
  • Work indoors and outdoors during all seasons and weather conditions
  • Limited amount of local and/or multiple location traveling required
  • Professional Dress is required when in contact with families. 
Work Postures
  • Frequent, continuous periods of time standing, up 6 hours per day
  • Sitting continuously for many hours per day, up to 6 hours per day
  • Climbing stairs to access buildings frequently
Physical Demands
  • Physical effort requiring manual dexterity is required, includes paperwork, calculators, computers and phone usage
Work Hours
  • Working beyond “standard” hours as the need arises
  • Travel up to 25%
Postal Code: 27605Category (Portal Searching): OperationsJob Location: US-NC - Raleigh

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.

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