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Embalming Apprentice Jobs in Seattle, WA (NOW HIRING)

Bonney-Watson

Funeral Director

Seatac, WA · On-site

$29 - $37/hr

Coordinate removal of body to mortuary for preparation including refrigeration, embalming, dressing ... Education/Experience Two-year course of study at an accredited college, two-year apprenticeship ...

All JobsEmbalming Apprentice JobsEmbalming Apprentice Jobs in Seattle, WA

Embalming Apprentice information

See Seattle, WA salary details

$13

$25

$42

How much do embalming apprentice jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for embalming apprentice in Seattle, WA is $25.06, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.71 and $27.36 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an embalming apprentice?

Embalming apprentices are individuals who are training under the supervision of licensed embalmers to learn the skills and techniques necessary for the embalming process. They assist with preparing bodies for funerals by cleaning, preserving, and restoring them, as well as learning about health, safety, and legal regulations. This apprenticeship is a crucial step toward becoming a licensed embalmer, providing hands-on experience and knowledge of funeral service practices.

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

To thrive as an Embalming Apprentice, you need a foundational understanding of human anatomy, sanitation procedures, and compliance with health and safety regulations, typically acquired through formal mortuary science education or on-the-job training. Familiarity with embalming instruments, chemical handling, and documentation systems is essential. Attention to detail, discretion, and strong interpersonal skills help maintain professionalism and support grieving families. These skills ensure dignified care of the deceased, adherence to legal standards, and compassionate service during sensitive times.

What are some of the most common challenges faced by an embalming apprentice during their training period?

As an Embalming Apprentice, you may encounter challenges such as adapting to the emotional aspects of working with grieving families and the deceased, mastering technical skills like proper chemical handling and anatomical restoration, and maintaining strict adherence to health and safety regulations. Apprentices often work irregular hours, and the learning curve can be steep due to the sensitive and precise nature of the work. Support from experienced mentors and a willingness to learn are essential for overcoming these challenges and developing confidence in your role.

What is the difference between Embalming Apprentice vs Embalmer?

AspectEmbalming ApprenticeEmbalmer
CredentialsTypically requires a high school diploma and enrollment in embalming training programsRequires state licensure, completion of apprenticeship, and passing licensing exams
Work EnvironmentAssists in embalming under supervision, working in funeral homes or mortuariesPerforms embalming independently, managing preparation of bodies in funeral homes
Job ResponsibilitiesLearning embalming techniques, assisting with procedures, gaining hands-on experienceExecuting embalming procedures, ensuring proper preservation and presentation of bodies

The Embalming Apprentice is in training, gaining practical experience under supervision, while the Embalmer is a licensed professional responsible for embalming bodies independently. Both roles are essential in the funeral industry, with apprentices progressing toward becoming fully licensed embalmers.

How to start a career as an embalming apprentice?

To start a career as an embalming apprentice, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and must complete a state-approved mortuary science program. Apprenticeship involves working under licensed embalmers to gain hands-on experience, often requiring certification or licensing depending on the state regulations. Developing skills in anatomy, chemistry, and sanitation is essential for success in this role.

What are popular job titles related to Embalming Apprentice jobs in Seattle, WA?

For Embalming Apprentice jobs in Seattle, WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Embalming Apprentice jobs in Seattle, WA look for?

The top searched job categories for Embalming Apprentice jobs in Seattle, WA are:

Embalming Apprentice jobs near you
Infographic showing various Embalming Apprentice job openings in Seattle, WA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $52,128 per year, or $25.1 per hour.

Funeral Director Apprentice

Service Corporation International

Lynnwood, WA • On-site

$20.40/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Key responsibilities

  • Learns to arrange and conduct funeral and memorial ceremonies in a professional, organized and caring manner

  • Handles contracts, legal documents, and collection of monies or insurance in accordance with company policies

  • Assists with funeral services by coordinating parking, ushering, driving funeral vehicles, and helping at chapel, church, and cemetery services

Service Corporation International rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 97 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

5th of 9 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%

Compensation:

Salary: $20.40/hr. - 27.60/hr.

Benefits:

Medical*Dental*Vision*Flexible Spending Accounts (health care and dependent care)*Health Savings Account with Company Contribution*Sick Leave*Short-Term Disability*Long-Term Disability*Life Insurance*Voluntary Accidental Death or Dismemberment Insurance*Dependent Life Insurance*SCI 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan with Company match*Employee Assistance Program

Postal Code: 98036Category (Portal Searching): OperationsJob Location: US-WA - Lynnwood

What Service Corporation International employees say

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