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Funeral Apprentice Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Embalmer Apprentice

Oakland, CA · On-site

$25 - $27/hr

NorthStar Memorial Group is seeking an Embalmer Apprentice to join our team at Chapel of the Chimes ... United by a common desire to serve, Funeral Directors and Embalmers at NorthStar share a pride in ...

NorthStar Memorial Group is seeking an Embalmer Apprentice to join our team at Chapel of the Chimes ... United by a common desire to serve, Funeral Directors and Embalmers at NorthStar share a pride in ...

Embalmer Apprentice

Oakland, CA · On-site

$25 - $27/hr

NorthStar Memorial Group is seeking an Embalmer Apprentice to join our team at Chapel of the Chimes ... United by a common desire to serve, Funeral Directors and Embalmers at NorthStar share a pride in ...

Embalmer, Apprentice experience as required by state/provincial law * 2 years of experience in a 200-call minimum/year funeral firm embalming facility preferred Licenses * Must meet all licensing ...

New

Embalmer

Glendora, CA · On-site

$27 - $29/hr

Embalmer, Apprentice experience as required by state/provincial law * 2 years of experience in a 200-call minimum/year funeral firm embalming facility preferred Licenses * Must meet all licensing ...

New

Funeral Apprentice information

See California salary details

$5

$19

$24

How much do funeral apprentice jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for funeral apprentice in California is $19.14, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.19 and $20.87 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a funeral apprentice?

A Funeral Apprentice is a trainee who works under the supervision of a licensed funeral director or embalmer to learn the skills and responsibilities of the funeral profession. Duties typically include preparing bodies, assisting with funeral services, meeting with families, and handling administrative tasks. This role provides hands-on experience and is often a step toward obtaining full licensure. Apprentices must follow state regulations and complete required training hours. It is a demanding yet rewarding career focused on providing compassionate care to grieving families.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a funeral apprentice?

To excel as a Funeral Apprentice, you should possess a foundational knowledge of mortuary science, attention to detail, and the ability to follow legal and ethical guidelines, typically demonstrated by enrollment in a funeral service education program or relevant training. Familiarity with embalming equipment, funeral management software, and safety protocols is often required. Compassion, emotional resilience, and strong interpersonal communication skills are vital soft skills for supporting grieving families and working alongside licensed funeral directors. These abilities ensure respectful, organized, and compliant funeral services while maintaining sensitivity to the needs of those experiencing loss.

What does a typical workday look like for a funeral apprentice?

A typical day for a Funeral Apprentice involves assisting licensed funeral directors with preparing the deceased, arranging service logistics, and supporting families throughout the funeral process. You may help with tasks such as documentation, coordinating visitations, embalming under supervision, and setting up ceremonies. The role often includes both office-based work with administrative duties and hands-on work in funeral homes or crematories. Funeral Apprentices work closely with a small team, gaining exposure to every aspect of funeral service, which helps build skills and knowledge for eventual licensure.

How to become a funeral apprentice?

To become a funeral apprentice, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and must complete on-the-job training under the supervision of experienced funeral directors. Some states or employers may require relevant coursework in mortuary science or related fields, and obtaining licensure or certification can enhance job prospects.

What does a funeral apprentice do at a funeral home?

A funeral apprentice assists funeral directors with tasks such as preparing bodies, arranging transportation, and setting up funeral services. They learn about mortuary practices, sanitation procedures, and customer service while gaining hands-on experience in a funeral home environment.

What are the most commonly searched types of Funeral jobs in California?

The most popular types of Funeral jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Funeral Apprentice jobs in California?

For Funeral Apprentice jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Funeral Apprentice jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Funeral Apprentice jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Funeral Apprentice jobs?

Cities in California with the most Funeral Apprentice job openings:

Infographic showing various Funeral Apprentice job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 97% Full Time, and 3% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,805 per year, or $19.1 per hour.

Embalmer Apprentice

NorthStar Memorial Group

San Mateo, CA • On-site

$24/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 9 days ago


Job description

NorthStar Memorial Group is seeking an Embalmer Apprentice to join our team at Skylawn Funeral Home. United by a common desire to serve, Funeral Directors and Embalmers at NorthStar share a pride in their profession that extends beyond the workday. Here, we celebrate the above-and-beyond ethos of our team, encouraging collaboration in every aspect of our work. Joining NorthStar Memorial Group means becoming part of a compassionate community dedicated to upholding the highest standards of care and respect for the deceased and their families.

Responsibilities

  • Perform embalming, disinfecting, dressing, preparing, and casketing of the deceased using appropriate precautions and OSHA standards in a manner that honors the deceased, under the guidance of a Funeral Director or Licensed Embalmer.
  • Maintains a sterile and safe work environment consistent with company, government, and industry rules and
  • regulations
  • Preparing complete and accurate documents related to services provided
  • Commit to personal development and growth by participating in personal training opportunities

Compensation of $24/hr.

Benefits

  • Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
  • Health Savings Account (HSA)
  • Life Insurance
  • 401(k) with Employer Matching

Qualifications

  • Recently completed or currently enrolled in an accredited mortuary program
  • Excellent communication skills
  • Experience handling sensitive situations in a professional manner
  • Understanding of the services and products available
  • Knowledge of current federal, state, and local regulations related to the funeral industry

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.