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Funeral Apprenticeship Jobs in Renton, WA (NOW HIRING)

Bonney-Watson

Funeral Director

Seattle, WA · On-site

$29 - $37/hr

Education/Experience Two-year course of study at an accredited college, two-year apprenticeship period under supervision of a licensed funeral director/embalmer, and a full year of instruction at a ...

All JobsFuneral Apprenticeship JobsFuneral Apprenticeship Jobs in Renton, WA

Funeral Apprenticeship information

See Renton, WA salary details

$5

$21

$28

How much do funeral apprenticeship jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for funeral apprenticeship in Renton, WA is $21.81, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.31 and $23.80 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Funeral Apprenticeship vs Funeral Director?

AspectFuneral ApprenticeshipFuneral Director
CredentialsTypically requires a high school diploma and on-the-job trainingRequires licensing, certification, and often an associate or bachelor's degree in mortuary science
Work EnvironmentHands-on training alongside licensed professionals in funeral homesSupervises funeral services, manages operations, and interacts with families
Industry UsageEntry-level role for learning funeral service proceduresLicensed professional responsible for funeral arrangements and management

In summary, a Funeral Apprenticeship is an entry-level training position focusing on learning funeral service skills, while a Funeral Director is a licensed professional who manages funeral arrangements and oversees services.

What are some common challenges faced during a funeral apprenticeship, and how can they be managed?

During a funeral apprenticeship, apprentices often encounter emotionally challenging situations, such as supporting grieving families and handling sensitive arrangements. Balancing hands-on responsibilities—like preparing services and assisting with administrative tasks—while learning industry regulations and ethical standards can also be demanding. Managing these challenges involves maintaining professionalism, seeking guidance from experienced mentors, and practicing self-care to handle emotional stress. Open communication within the team and ongoing feedback are crucial for personal and professional growth throughout the apprenticeship.

What is a funeral apprenticeship?

A funeral apprenticeship is a supervised training program where individuals learn the skills necessary to become a licensed funeral director or embalmer. During the apprenticeship, trainees work under the guidance of experienced funeral professionals to gain hands-on experience in preparing bodies, planning services, and supporting grieving families. This period is typically required by state licensing boards and can last from one to three years, depending on local regulations. Completing a funeral apprenticeship is an essential step toward a career in funeral services, providing practical knowledge and exposure to all aspects of the profession.

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

To thrive as a Funeral Apprentice, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, attention to detail, and a willingness to learn about funeral service procedures and regulations. Familiarity with embalming equipment, funeral management software, and compliance training or state licensure requirements is often necessary. Compassion, professionalism, and strong communication skills help apprentices provide support to grieving families and work effectively with colleagues. These skills and qualities are crucial for delivering respectful, efficient service and upholding the dignity of the funeral profession.
What job categories do people searching Funeral Apprenticeship jobs in Renton, WA look for? The top searched job categories for Funeral Apprenticeship jobs in Renton, WA are:
What cities near Renton, WA are hiring for Funeral Apprenticeship jobs? Cities near Renton, WA with the most Funeral Apprenticeship job openings:
Funeral Apprenticeship jobs near you
Infographic showing various Funeral Apprenticeship job openings in Renton, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 3% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,367 per year, or $21.8 per hour.

Funeral Director

Bonney-Watson

Seattle, WA • On-site

$29 - $37/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 23 days ago

Job description

(Relocation reimbursement is a possibility for out of state applicants.)
Do you want to work for a company that makes a difference in our community? Are you passionate about delivering compassionate and exceptional service to others during one of the potentially most difficult times in their lives? BONNEY WATSON is a family-owned company that has provided funeral, cremation and cemetery services to generations of families and we're looking for a LICENSED Funeral Director and Embalmer to join our team!

Summary:

Plans and directs funeral services, memorial services, wakes, and burials. Assists families throughout the grieving processes by offering emotional support, professional care to the deceased, arranging services, and transportation to the mourners.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

  • Coordinate removal of body to mortuary for preparation including refrigeration, embalming, dressing, casketing, cosmetics, and any other related technical duties.
  • Interviews family or other authorized person to arrange details such as preparation of obituary notice, selection of urn or casket, determination of location and time of cremation or burial, selection of Pallbearers, procurement of official for religious rites, and transportation of mourners. Plans placement of casket in visitation room and/or or chapel and adjusts lights, fixtures, and floral displays.
  • Directs the Funeral Support Team assigned to services in the performance of their duties prior to, during, and after the service.
  • Directs Pallbearers in placement and removal of casket from hearse. Closes casket and leads funeral procession to church or burial site. Prepares body for interment or directs preparations and shipment of body for out of state burial.
  • Informs Manager of any non-routine situations or complaints on an on-going basis.
  • Completes all mortuary related forms and paperwork.

Qualifications:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education/Experience

Two-year course of study at an accredited college, two-year apprenticeship period under supervision of a licensed funeral director/embalmer, and a full year of instruction at a college or mortuary science. Successful completion of two extensive examinations to determine knowledge of the many aspects of funeral service and embalming.

Math Ability

Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent and to draw and interpret bar graphs.

Computer Skills

Experience with Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook.

Certificates and Licenses

Valid Washington driver's license, valid funeral director's license, and valid embalmer's license.

Supervisory Responsibilities

This position will direct the work of the Funeral Support team during services.

Work Environment:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to outside weather conditions. The employee is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, fumes or airborne particles, and toxic or caustic chemicals. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to reach with hands and arms and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee is occasionally required to sit, climb or balance.

The employee must occasionally lift and/or move more than 100 pounds.

The employee must strictly observe WISHA requirements; possess the ability to wear required safety equipment for up to 2.5 hours at a time; and may come in contact with deceased with contagious diseases.

Other Duties:

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Benefits:

  • Medical, dental, vision, Group Life & AD&D and Disability coverage offered through the Washington Teamsters Welfare Trust.
  • FSA plan offered under terms of the Company’s plan.
  • 401(k) savings & profit-sharing plan, subject to the terms of the applicable benefit plan.
  • Vacation Time Off: Eligible for employees that work 30 hours or more each week. Vacation accrual begins on the first day of work. Hours are accrued bi-weekly depending on your years of service.

Length of Service

Bi-weekly Accrual Rate

Annual Accrual

Maximum Accrual

1st day - 5 years

3.07 hours

80 hours

160 hours

5 years, 1 day - 15 years

4.61 hours

120 hours

240 hours

15 years, 1 day +

6.15 hours

160 hours

320 hours

  • Paid Sick and Safe Leave Policy: Full-time Employees working a minimum of 30 hours are eligible for 80 hours of PSSL per year, which accrues at a rate of 3.077 hours each pay period.
  • Holidays: 8 paid days, but open during certain holidays as stated below:
    1. Washington Memorial Park & Mortuary: Open on all holidays except New Year’s Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.
    2. Satellite Locations: Closed on all holidays except President’s Day and Veteran’s Day when they will maintain regularly scheduled business hours.
    3. Employees who work holidays may take another day off with prior approval.

Other compensation: Employees have the opportunity to earn:

  • Monthly bonus under the Company’s Quarterly Incentive Plan, subject to Plan eligibility requirements.
  • Educational Development: The Company encourages career development and may help support your participation in educational courses, seminars, and conferences when deemed to make a direct contribution to job development. Eligibility and prior approval are required.
  • Employee Referral Program: Employees may receive an Employee Referral payment upon the referral and hire of a job candidate filling an open position with the Company, subject to the Program’s eligibility requirements.
  • At-Need Funeral and Cemetery Benefits: Following six months of continuous service in good standing, employees may be eligible for at-need funeral and cemetery benefits.
  • Pre-Need Cemetery Benefits: Following three years of continuous service in good standing, employees may be eligible for pre-need cemetery benefits.