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Funeral Apprentice Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

McDonald Funeral Home & Crematory

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Funeral Director/Embalmer/Apprentice

Rock Falls, IL · On-site

$40K - $60K/yr

We are looking to add to our staff an Illinoice licensed funeral director/embalmer or a recent graduated apprentice. We are located in Northern Illinois and have facilities in seven locations.

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Funeral Apprentice information

See Illinois salary details

$5

$18

$24

How much do funeral apprentice jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for funeral apprentice in Illinois is $18.79, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.90 and $20.48 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 Illinois?

The most popular types of Funeral jobs in Illinois are:

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

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

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

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

What cities in Illinois are hiring for Funeral Apprentice jobs?

Cities in Illinois with the most Funeral Apprentice job openings:

Funeral Apprentice jobs near you
Infographic showing various Funeral Apprentice job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, and 6% Part Time. Highlights an 94% In-person, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,084 per year, or $18.8 per hour.

Funeral Director/Embalmer/Apprentice

McDonald Funeral Home & Crematory

Rock Falls, IL • On-site

$40K - $60K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Re-posted 13 days ago

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Job description

We are looking to add to our staff an Illinoice licensed funeral director/embalmer or a recent graduated apprentice.  We are located in Northern Illinois and have facilities in seven locations.