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Funeral Apprenticeship Jobs in Renton, WA (NOW HIRING)

Funeral Director

Seatac, 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 ...

Funeral Apprenticeship information

See Renton, WA salary details

$5

$21

$28

How much do funeral apprenticeship jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 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 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 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 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.

Are funeral home apprenticeships paid?

Funeral apprenticeships are often paid positions, providing a stipend or hourly wage to apprentices while they learn funeral service skills. Compensation varies by employer and region, and some programs may be unpaid or offer academic credit instead. It is important to confirm specific apprenticeship details with the employer or program provider.

How to become a funeral apprenticeship?

To become a funeral apprentice, individuals typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and must complete a state-approved apprenticeship program, which provides hands-on training in funeral service operations. Some states require passing licensing exams and obtaining certification, and apprentices often learn skills such as embalming, casketing, and customer service under the supervision of licensed funeral directors.

What does a funeral apprenticeship do at a funeral home?

A funeral apprenticeship involves assisting funeral directors with tasks such as preparing bodies, arranging transportation, and coordinating funeral services. Apprentices learn skills like embalming, casketing, and customer service while gaining hands-on experience in a funeral home environment. The role often requires adherence to health and safety standards and may lead to certification or licensing in funeral service.

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:

Infographic showing various Funeral Apprenticeship job openings in Renton, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,367 per year, or $21.8 per hour.

Funeral Director/Embalmer

Park Lawn Corporation

Seattle, WA • On-site

$55 - $85/hr

Other

Medical, Retirement

Posted 5 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Consults with client families or legal representatives to create funeral services that meet their memorialization expectations.

  • Prepares and embalms the deceased for interment, cremation, or other disposition in accordance with legal requirements and with dignity.

  • Coordinates all service arrangements, including scheduling visitations and services, and oversees team members and transportation to ensure smooth execution.


Park Lawn Corporation rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

2nd of 9 rated funeral services


Job description

Forest Lawn Funeral Home
Forest Lawn Funeral Home
1 Chapel of Faith Dr
Candler, NC 28715, USA

Forest Lawn Funeral Home
Forest Lawn Funeral Home
1 Chapel of Faith Dr
Candler, NC 28715, USA

Locations

Showing 1 location
Forest Lawn Funeral Home
Forest Lawn Funeral Home
1 Chapel of Faith Dr
Candler, NC 28715, USA

  • Funeral Services
  • Full-Time
  • Requisition #: FUNER004710
Description

Why Work for Forest Lawn Funeral Home ?

Service

  • At every level, our dedicated team members display a strong work ethic and commitment to our core values, respect for the family, the profession, and the individual.
  • Work with leading experts in the funeral and cemetery profession.
  • Financial assistant programs encouraging employees through education and development in industry related subjects.
  • Robust Health and Welfare Plans, and savings account options, designed to support your personal needs, enhance well-being and help navigate life’s challenges.
  • Rich 401k and Roth Retirement Plan options available for both Full Time and Part Time employees along with a Company Match.
  • Variety of Vacation, Personal Days and Sick Days based on your role emphasizing the importance of physical and emotional replenishment for our team.
  • Employee Discounts on services, merchandise, and property to help our team members in their time of need.

Culture

  • We value honesty, courage, integrity, ethical behavior and the development of personal growth.
  • We are rooted in the communities to provide a personal touch to every family we serve.
  • We believe in the value of funeral and cemetery service, drawing on decades of experience to create the best experience for our families.

Summary/Objective

This position is the primary contact for client families is accountable for performing a variety of tasks during the preparation, planning, and execution of the funeral and memorialization process to ensure services run smoothly and that the expectations of our client families and their guests are exceeded.

Essential Functions

  • Consults with client families or legal representative of the deceased to create services designed to meet their memorialization expectations.
  • Ensures that client families are presented with all merchandizing and service options available.
  • Obtains information needed to complete required documents such as obituaries, death certificates, burial permits, and insurance.
  • Coordinates all service arrangements and details with clergy, other presiding persons, fraternal or military organizations, and others who may participate in conducting the funeral service.
  • Utilizes systems to record merchandise selections, enter contracts, and complete necessary forms.
  • Prepares and embalms the deceased for interment, cremation, or other disposition in conformity with legal requirements and with the utmost respect and dignity.
  • Ensures proper paperwork, including permits, logs, identification tags, and certificates are completed accurately and timely and in accordance with relevant laws and regulations.
  • Properly and safely utilizes embalming instruments and machinery in accordance with company guidelines.
  • Utilizes personal protective equipment and adheres to relevant operational and safety procedures.
  • Dresses, apples cosmetics, and performs casketing duties.
  • Plans, schedules, and conducts visitations and services.
  • Oversees all employees participating in services, ensuring that each member of the team understands their individual role and is professionally representing the location.
  • Places casket or remains in visitation area, setting up the area to comply with client family wishes, including adjusting light fixtures, and arrangement of flowers or plants.
  • Directs and usher families and service attendees to and from the location of the funeral service.
  • Supervises and assists in the transportation of client families to ensure a timely departure and arrival.
  • Arranges and coordinates shipment or transportation of remains to and from other cities and locations.
  • Instructs and oversees work of Apprentice Funeral Directors/Embalmers on cases, services, and paperwork.
  • Stocks and cleans preparation room and refrigeration unit.
  • Works on-call /first-call, as needed.
  • Identifies and remedies all hazards on grounds.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.
  • Teamwork Orientation.
  • Detail Orientation.
  • Thoroughness.
  • Customer Service Orientation.
  • Time Management.

Required Education, Experience, Certifications and Licensure

  • Four-year degree or equivalent combination of education, training and experience preferred.
  • 5 years’ experience as a licensed Funeral Director/Embalmer.
  • Valid and applicable state Funeral Director and Embalmer License; reciprocal across states and in good standing.
  • Valid state issued driver’s license in good standing and acceptable driving record.

Additional Eligibility Qualifications

  • Attend and perform work in a professional and courteous manner in accordance with the employer’s requirements.
  • Demonstrated willingness to participate in growing market share through community involvement.
  • Able to read, write and speak English fluently. Bilingual is a plus.
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, Access and PowerPoint) preferred
  • Ability to communicate effectively with internal, as well as external customers, community leaders, and grieving client families.
  • Ability to empathize with client families and their guests and demonstrate tact and patience in emotionally charged situations.
  • Tactful and professional when dealing with complaints or dissatisfaction with services or merchandise.
  • Maintains a positive attitude and working environment through organization and communication.
  • Ability to simultaneously handle multiple projects, prioritizes tasks, and exercise good judgment.
  • Effective and professional communication skills, with an emphasis on verbal skills and the ability to resolve and respond to issues in a professional manner.
  • Attention to detail and follow-through.
  • Ability to work independently with little or no supervision.

Supervisory Responsibility

This position has no direct supervisory responsibilities.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

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.

  • The duties associated with this position are generally performed in an indoor office setting.
  • Outdoor duties may require exposure to natural elements such as inclement weather, extreme temperatures, uneven ground, dust, gas, and/or fumes.
  • Equipment used to perform the essential function of this position includes, but is not limited to; computer, fax, copier, multi-line phone system, AV system, body lift, casket handling/transport devices, personal or company owned vehicle.
  • Employees in this role must have sufficient strength and manual dexterity and must be willing to work safely and comply with the Company’s safety procedures, including wearing any personal protective equipment that may be required.
  • Employees in this role are regularly required to climb, sit, stand, bend, kneel, and frequently lift up to 75 pounds, and may be required to lift up to 100 pounds.
  • This position may also require power reaching, pushing, and pulling.
  • Employees in this role must be able to perform job duties when awakened from a sound sleep.
  • This position may also be exposed to chemicals and/ or blood borne pathogens. Exposure risk is considered: High
  • Overtime is sometimes necessary or required.

Travel

  • This position may require up to 10 percent out of area and overnight travel.
  • Travel is primarily local occurring during the business day only.

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.

Qualifications Skills Behaviors

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Motivations

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Education Experience Licenses & Certifications

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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