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Embalming Jobs (NOW HIRING)

East Lawn

Licensed Embalmer

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$29.28/hr

This position performs embalming and preparation-room duties, maintains accurate documentation, follows required safety procedures, and supports the Care Center's service needs for East Lawn ...

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How much do embalming jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for embalming in the United States is $57,321.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $49,500.00 and $64,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges embalmers face when working with families and funeral directors?

Embalmers often work closely with both grieving families and funeral directors to ensure the deceased is presented with dignity and respect. One common challenge is balancing the technical aspects of embalming with the specific wishes of families, which can vary based on cultural or religious practices. Additionally, embalmers must communicate effectively with funeral directors to coordinate timelines and service requirements, all while maintaining sensitivity and professionalism in emotionally charged situations. Developing strong interpersonal and problem-solving skills is crucial for success in this role.

What is embalming?

Embalming is the process of preserving a deceased person's body to delay decomposition, typically through the use of chemicals. This process helps maintain the appearance and integrity of the body for viewing at funerals or for transportation over long distances. Embalming can involve arterial injection, cavity treatment, and surface embalming to ensure thorough preservation. The practice is often performed by licensed professionals known as embalmers, who follow specific health and safety regulations.

Is embalming a good career?

Embalming is a specialized profession that involves preparing deceased bodies for funerals, requiring knowledge of anatomy, chemistry, and attention to detail. It offers stable employment opportunities, often with a need for licensing and certification, and can be emotionally demanding but rewarding for those interested in funeral services.

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 embalming procedures, typically supported by a degree in mortuary science and state licensure. Familiarity with embalming instruments, restorative art techniques, and compliance with legal and health regulations is essential. Strong attention to detail, compassion, and discretion are crucial soft skills in handling sensitive situations and interacting with grieving families. These skills ensure respectful care of the deceased, adherence to safety standards, and the ability to provide comfort and professionalism during difficult times.

What is the difference between Embalming vs Mortuary Assistant?

AspectEmbalmingMortuary Assistant
Required CertificationsState license, embalming certificationBasic funeral service training, sometimes certification
Work EnvironmentPreparation rooms, funeral homesFuneral homes, preparation rooms
Job ResponsibilitiesPreserving and disinfecting bodies, cosmetic workAssisting with body preparation, cleaning, and setup

Embalming involves specialized skills in preserving bodies through chemical processes and requires specific certifications. Mortuary assistants support embalming and other funeral services, often with less technical training. Both roles work in funeral homes and contribute to body preparation, but embalming is more technical and certification-intensive, while mortuary assisting focuses on support tasks.

How do you become an embalming professional?

To become an embalming professional, one typically needs to complete a state-approved mortuary science program, which includes coursework in anatomy, chemistry, and embalming techniques. After graduation, candidates must obtain licensure or certification by passing a state or national exam, and often gain practical experience through apprenticeships or internships.
More about Embalming jobs
What cities are hiring for Embalming jobs? Cities with the most Embalming job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Embalming jobs? The most popular types of Embalming jobs are:
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Embalming jobs near you
Infographic showing various Embalming job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 68% Full Time, and 32% Part Time. Highlights an 71% Physical, and 29% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $57,321 per year, or $27.6 per hour.

Central Embalming Supervisor

Service Corporation International

Louisville, KY • On-site

$47K - $62K/yr

Full-time

Posted 27 days ago

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.

The Embalming Supervisor reports to the Central Care Center Manager, and oversees the team of embalmers at the facility. The Supervisor is responsible for planning and directing the activities of the Central Care Center embalmers and resources to optimize client family satisfaction, resource utilization and cost containment within given limits. Working under the direction from the Central Care Center Manager, the Supervisor will direct the activities of supervised personnel within the embalming room to ensure that services from decedent removal through final decedent disposition are provided in accordance with the Company* standards.

Job Responsibilities

Assists with Embalming: Consistently provides high quality care to those entrusted to the Company’s care throughout the embalming process.
  • Serves as a guardian of the human remains entrusted to the Company’s care
  • Applies his/her artistic skills and scientific knowledge to recreate a memory of the deceased that offers comfort to the Company’s client families.
  • Reverently and efficiently disinfects, sanitizes, preserves and presents the remains in accordance with the family’s wishes while protecting the community’s health.
  • Advises Funeral Directors concerning the condition of the remains and possible treatment so they may effectively manage client family expectations.
  • Ensures the overall presentation of the deceased conforms to the Company’s quality standards and client family’s wishes
Supervising Embalming Room: Oversees all activities within the embalming room
  • Performs quality checks to ensure proper procedures are followed
  • Ensures embalming schedule is followed to avoid any disruptions in service
  • Maintains equipment and related logs
  • Provides overall care and maintenance of embalming room
  • Maintains Material Safety Data Sheets
  • Maintains inventory and orders supplies
  • Conducts formaldehyde monitoring with embalming shift
  • Communicates and acts as a liaison between the Central Care Center and other location staff
  • May assist in training of others
  • Creates shift schedule for Embalmers
  • Operates within budget provided and looks for cost savings opportunities
  • Assists with preparing the deceased for identification
  • Conducts the final review to ensure the deceased meets the client’s wishes
  • Assists with scheduling mortuary services
  • Acts as Central Care Center Manager when manager is not present at the location
Removals and Transfers (where required by state regulations or Center requirements): Demonstrates a commitment to customer service and serving the Company’s families exceptionally well.
  • Assists in educating the family on what to expect through the removal process
  • Ensures Dignity Promise Standards are met throughout each removal and transfer
  • Confers with the Funeral Director frequently to provide any additional assistance
Overall Key Performance Indicators (KPI’s)
  • Production to Expected Level – Manage cases to meet or exceed Company established ratios
  • JD Power Customer Satisfaction Survey – Meet and exceed client expectations
  • Policies and Procedures – Ensure all policies and procedures are closely followed to ensure proper embalming – measured by passing all audits
  • Embalming room – measured by how well room and supplies are maintained
  • Teamwork – maintains an overall positive environment for the embalming staff
EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS
  • Associate’s degree in mortuary science preferred
  • State embalming license or state certification required, according to State regulation
  • At least three years of embalming experience required
  • Must pass pre-employment background check and drug test
  • Must hold valid license to drive a car and be an authorized driver as per the SCI Driver Safety Policy
  • Maintains the proper continuing education credits required to maintain license(s) (if required by state)
  • Knowledge of computers and some software is required
WORK CONDITIONSWork EnvironmentWhen considering the work environment associated with this job, the following factors may apply:
  • Work indoors and outdoors during all seasons and weather conditions
  • Limited amount of local and/or multiple location traveling required
  • When not required to wear protective gear and if not in contact with families, embalmers must be dressed in a professional manner. Professional Dress is required when in contact with families. Uniforms may be required in some locations.
Work PosturesWhen considering the work postures associated with this job, the following factors may apply:
  • Frequent, continuous periods of time standing, up 8 hours per day
  • Kneeling, reaching and bending to move and arrange materials
  • Climbing stairs to access buildings frequently
Physical DemandsWhen considering the physical demands associated with this job, the following factors may apply:
  • Physical effort requiring manual dexterity is required
  • Carrying and/or lifting materials up to 100 pounds
Work HoursWhen considering the work hours associated with this job, the following factors may apply:
  • Working a number of evenings and/or weekends every month
Postal Code: 40208Category (Portal Searching): OperationsJob Location: US-KY - Louisville

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.

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