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Funeral Apprenticeship Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Funeral Apprenticeship information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$5

$20

$26

How much do funeral apprenticeship jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average hourly pay for funeral apprenticeship in Riverside, CA is $20.23, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.06 and $22.07 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 are the most commonly searched types of Funeral Apprenticeship jobs in Riverside, CA?

The most popular types of Funeral Apprenticeship jobs in Riverside, CA are:

What are popular job titles related to Funeral Apprenticeship jobs in Riverside, CA?

For Funeral Apprenticeship jobs in Riverside, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Funeral Apprenticeship jobs in Riverside, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Funeral Apprenticeship jobs in Riverside, CA are:

What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Funeral Apprenticeship jobs?

Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Funeral Apprenticeship job openings:

Infographic showing various Funeral Apprenticeship job openings in Riverside, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,078 per year, or $20.2 per hour.

$27 - $29/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 4 days ago


Service Corporation International rating

6.6

Company rating: 6.6 out of 10

Based on 96 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

5th of 9 rated funeral services


Job description

Our associates celebrate lives. We celebrate our associates.

Performs all embalming activities of the deceased correctly and respectfully.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Cares for deceased in a respectful manner while performing a variety of tasks which include: verifying identification and embalming authorization; performing restorations; completing removals and transfers; dressing, styling hair and or applying cosmetics, and; any other preparation required for human remains
  • Adheres to all applicable professional, municipal, state/provincial and federal licensing authority regulations
  • Assists with maintenance of preparation room and the facility
  • Cleans soiled equipment and hazardous material spills
  • Ensures hazardous materials and spills are handled in accordance with the Material Data Safety Sheets
  • Assists with chemical and supply inventory   
  • Receives caskets and other funeral home supplies
  • Promotes a safe work environment by being aware of and practicing universal precautions and adopting general principles of safe conduct

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Education

  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • Graduation from accredited mortuary college or other degree as required by state/province law

Experience

  • 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 requirements in applicable state/province as required by law and as prescribed by each state board
  • Current state/province issued driver’s license

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

  • Acceptable driving record
  • Ability to lift over 75 pounds
  • Knowledge of computers and some software including MS Office products required
  • High level of compassion and integrity
  • Good communication skills
  • Problem solving skills

Pay:

  • $27.00 - $29.00 an hour based on experience

Benefits:

  • Medical*Dental*Vision*Flexible Spending Accounts (health care and dependent care)*Health Savings Account with Company Contribution*Sick Leave*Short-Term Disability*Long-Term Disability*Life Insurance*Voluntary Accidental Death or Dismemberment Insurance*Dependent Life Insurance*SCI 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan with Company match*Employee Assistance Program

As part of your pre-employment background check, your criminal conviction history will be verified given that this role requires the following material job duties: Working around and/or handling deceased and working around families and colleagues. Convictions creating a direct, adverse, and negative relationship with the identified job duties may result in withdrawal of a conditional job offer.

Postal Code: 91740Category (Portal Searching): OperationsJob Location: US-CA - Glendora

Company Description

We are proud to be North America's leading provider of funeral, cremation and cemetery services.

Our nearly 25,000 associates are driven by our guiding purpose to compassionately support families during their most difficult times, celebrate the significance of life and preserve memories that transcend generations.

We’ve created a culture of Service Excellence to our families and to each other. It’s the reason more than 600,000 families turn to us each year to care for their loved ones.


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