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Funeral Apprentice Jobs in Kansas (NOW HIRING)

We are seeking a licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer, or a licensed apprentice nearing completion, who is committed to providing exceptional care while working as part of a supportive and ...

Funeral Apprentice information

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$4

$17

$22

How much do funeral apprentice jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for funeral apprentice in Kansas is $17.29, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.70 and $18.85 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 Kansas?

The most popular types of Funeral jobs in Kansas are:

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

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

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

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

Infographic showing various Funeral Apprentice job openings in Kansas as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 60% Full Time, and 40% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $35,971 per year, or $17.3 per hour.

Funeral Director / Embalmer

Wichita, KS • On-site

$60K - $80K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

Join a Team Where Compassion, Excellence, and Family Still Matter

For more than 100 years, Downing & Lahey Mortuaries & Crematory has served Wichita families with compassion, dignity, and professionalism. We are seeking a licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer, or a licensed apprentice nearing completion, who is committed to providing exceptional care while working as part of a supportive and experienced team.

This is an opportunity to build a meaningful career with a respected, family-owned funeral home that values teamwork, accountability, and professional growth.

Why Join Downing & Lahey?

At Downing & Lahey, every member of our team plays an important role in serving families during life's most difficult moments. We foster a collaborative environment where employees support one another and take pride in delivering exceptional service.

Our team is built around five core principles:
  • Teamwork
  • Accountability
  • Respect
  • Sound business practices
  • Open communication

If you're looking for a workplace where your contributions are valued and your career can grow, we'd love to meet you.

What You'll Do
  • Meet with families to arrange funeral, memorial, and cremation services
  • Coordinate services from first call through final disposition
  • Perform embalming and preparation with exceptional care and attention to detail
  • Direct funeral, memorial, graveside, and visitation services
  • Coordinate with clergy, cemeteries, crematories, hospitals, hospice providers, and other partners
  • Participate in removals and after-hours calls on a rotating schedule
  • Maintain accurate documentation and comply with all state regulations
  • Work collaboratively with fellow directors and staff to provide seamless service
  • Actively participate as a licensed Funeral Director, Embalmer, and Crematory Operator
What We're Looking For

Our ideal candidate is someone who genuinely enjoys serving others and takes pride in providing compassionate, professional care.

Required Qualifications
  • Licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer, or apprentice nearing completion
  • Kansas licensure or ability to obtain licensure
  • Strong communication and organizational skills
  • Professional appearance and demeanor
  • Ability to remain calm under pressure
  • Detail-oriented with excellent time management
  • Comfortable using technology and learning new systems
  • Commitment to exceptional service and teamwork
Schedule & On-Call Expectations

Our directors work a rotating two-week schedule designed to provide consistency while ensuring families receive exceptional care.

  • Scheduled to work 11 out of every 14 days
  • Week 1 consists of Monday through Sunday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
  • Week 2 includes one weekday off, which rotates among directors, along with the full weekend off
  • Each two-week pay period includes eight hours of scheduled overtime paid at time and one-half
  • On average, directors are on call one weeknight and one weekend night every two weeks, averaging approximately four nights per month
  • Night calls are guaranteed a minimum of two hours of pay at time and one-half
  • Directors typically work one or two of the six recognized holidays each year, with holidays paid at double time
  • Directors may also assist with evening rosaries when serving Catholic families
Compensation & Benefits

Downing & Lahey believes employees should be rewarded for the time and care they invest in serving families.

Compensation
  • Hourly pay with overtime eligibility
  • Annualized compensation of approximately $60,000 to $80,000, depending on experience and licensure
  • Additional compensation for night calls, rosaries, and holiday work
Benefits
  • 100% employer-paid health insurance for employees
  • 50% employer-paid health insurance for eligible dependents
  • Dental insurance available
  • Disability and life insurance for full‑time employees
  • 401(k) with profit sharing after one year of employment
  • Four paid personal days each calendar year with rollover eligibility
  • Vacation beginning after six months of employment, increasing with years of service
  • Continuing education opportunities paid by Downing & Lahey
  • Professional license renewal fees covered by Downing & Lahey
What Success Looks Like

Successful team members build trusting relationships with families, work confidently alongside fellow directors, demonstrate professionalism in every interaction, and consistently provide compassionate service that reflects the values and reputation of Downing & Lahey.

About Downing & Lahey

For more than a century, Downing & Lahey has been dedicated to serving Wichita families with compassion, respect, and dignity. Our commitment extends not only to the families we serve but also to the employees who make that service possible. We believe a strong team culture creates exceptional experiences for both our staff and the families who place their trust in us.

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