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Embalming Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

U.S. Navy

Mortician

Edwardsville, IL · On-site

  • Medical

  • Retirement

Oversee the care and preparation of the remains of fallen Sailors, including embalming duties and final presentation * Prepare for and direct the transportation of remains * Liaison with families and ...

U.S. Navy

Mortician

Peoria, IL · On-site

  • Medical

  • Retirement

Oversee the care and preparation of the remains of fallen Sailors, including embalming duties and final presentation * Prepare for and direct the transportation of remains * Liaison with families and ...

U.S. Navy

Mortician

Dekalb, IL · On-site

  • Medical

  • Retirement

Oversee the care and preparation of the remains of fallen Sailors, including embalming duties and final presentation * Prepare for and direct the transportation of remains * Liaison with families and ...

U.S. Navy

Mortician

Joliet, IL · On-site

  • Medical

  • Retirement

Oversee the care and preparation of the remains of fallen Sailors, including embalming duties and final presentation * Prepare for and direct the transportation of remains * Liaison with families and ...

U.S. Navy

  • Medical

  • Retirement

Oversee the care and preparation of the remains of fallen Sailors, including embalming duties and final presentation * Prepare for and direct the transportation of remains * Liaison with families and ...

U.S. Navy

Mortician

Rockford, IL · On-site

  • Medical

  • Retirement

Oversee the care and preparation of the remains of fallen Sailors, including embalming duties and final presentation * Prepare for and direct the transportation of remains * Liaison with families and ...

U.S. Navy

  • Medical

  • Retirement

Oversee the care and preparation of the remains of fallen Sailors, including embalming duties and final presentation * Prepare for and direct the transportation of remains * Liaison with families and ...

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Showing results 41-52

All JobsEmbalming JobsEmbalming Jobs in Illinois

Embalming information

See Illinois salary details

$30.5K

$55.5K

$76.1K

How much do embalming jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for embalming in Illinois is $55,545.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48,000.00 and $62,500.00 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.
What are the most commonly searched types of Embalming jobs in Illinois? The most popular types of Embalming jobs in Illinois are:
What are popular job titles related to Embalming jobs in Illinois? For Embalming jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Embalming jobs in Illinois look for? The top searched job categories for Embalming jobs in Illinois are:
Embalming jobs near you
Infographic showing various Embalming job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, and 19% Part Time. Highlights an 82% Physical, and 18% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $55,545 per year, or $26.7 per hour.

Funeral Director/Embalmer

NorthStar Memorial Group

Decatur, IL • On-site

$55K - $65K/yr

Full-time

Posted 10 days ago

Job description

For more than a century, Graceland/Fairlawn has been honored to serve the Decatur community with dignity, compassion, and unwavering commitment. Since 1919, families have leaned on our expertise, our care, and our promise to guide them through one of life's most meaningful moments.
NorthStar Memorial Group is seeking a dedicated Funeral Director/Embalmer to join our team at Graceland/Fairlawn Funeral Home in Decatur, IL. This role is ideal for a professional who values both the technical mastery of preparation and the meaningful, family-facing work of funeral service. You will step into an established, high-impact role where your skill, compassion, and leadership make a difference every day.
What You'll Do
  • Serve families with professionalism and empathy, guiding them through arrangements, services, and memorial experiences with clarity and respect.
  • Collaborate with a passionate care-center and funeral service team committed to excellence in both preparation and family support.
  • Perform embalming, disinfecting, dressing, preparing, and casketing using industry-leading techniques and OSHA-compliant standards.
  • Direct and coordinate funeral and memorial services to ensure seamless, meaningful experiences that honor each family's wishes.
  • Maintain regulatory compliance across all funeral service and care-center operations.

Considering Relocation? Here's What You Need to Know
Illinois makes it straightforward for licensed Funeral Directors/Embalmers from other states to transfer their credentials. Most professionals already meet the requirements. You'll simply submit:
  • Your education records from your mortuary science program.
  • Your National Board Exam verification (sent directly to IDFPR).
  • Proof of one year of recent experience in funeral service.
  • License certification from your current state.

For most candidates, this is a quick administrative process no additional schooling, no retesting, and no surprises. Illinois simply confirms what you've already accomplished.
Qualifications
  • Current Illinois Funeral Director/Embalmer License or the ability to reciprocate
  • 1+ years of funeral industry experience demonstrating professionalism, compassion, and technical skill.

We offer a salary of $55,000-$65,000/year, aligned with experience and technical skill. To support your transition, we provide a Sign-On Bonus OR Relocation Assistance for qualified candidates making it easier to join our team and continue your craft in Decatur.
We are an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.

Apply