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Funeral Assistant Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

Carriage Services

Funeral Assistant

Alexandria, VA · On-site

Funeral Assistant At Carriage Services , we are united by our purpose of creating premier experiences through innovation, empowered partnership, and elevated service. As a member of our team, you'll ...

Carriage Services

Funeral Assistant

Alexandria, VA

Funeral Assistant At Carriage Services , we are united by our purpose of creating premier experiences through innovation, empowered partnership, and elevated service. As a member of our team, you'll ...

Carriage Services

Funeral Assistant

Alexandria, VA

Funeral Assistant At Carriage Services , we are united by our purpose of creating premier experiences through innovation, empowered partnership, and elevated service. As a member of our team, you'll ...

Adams

Funeral Manager

Sterling, VA · On-site

Direct and supervise funeral assistants, ensuring they understand their roles and maintain a compassionate service standard. * Collaborate cross-functionally with the Imams' Office, Operations, and ...

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Funeral Assistant information

See Reston, VA salary details

$5

$16

$24

How much do funeral assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for funeral assistant in Reston, VA is $16.79, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.98 and $19.28 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What Is a Funeral Assistant?

A funeral assistant, also known as a funeral attendant, assists the director of a funeral home. As a funeral assistant, your responsibilities include assisting in planning the events of the funeral, escorting each guest and family member to the service, and potentially helping with the preparations of the remains. You also may help with selecting of caskets or making cremation service arrangements. Your job is to assist the funeral director in any way possible to make the funeral logistics less stressful, allowing the family to focus on grieving. This is an entry-level job for someone looking to make a career in the mortuary field.

How much do funeral assistants get paid?

Funeral assistants typically earn between $25,000 and $45,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and employer. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced assistants or those with specialized skills can earn higher wages. Compensation often includes benefits such as health insurance and paid time off.

What are funeral assistants?

Funeral assistants are professionals who support funeral directors and help organize and carry out funeral services. Their duties may include preparing the venue, greeting and assisting mourners, transporting flowers or caskets, and handling administrative tasks. They play a crucial role in ensuring that services run smoothly and respectfully, providing comfort and support to grieving families during a difficult time.

How long does it take to become a mortuary assistant?

Becoming a funeral assistant typically requires completing a high school diploma or equivalent, followed by on-the-job training that can last from a few weeks to several months. Some states or employers may require certification or specific training in embalming or sanitation procedures, which can extend the preparation time. Overall, it can take several months to a year to become fully qualified for the role.

How to get a job as a funeral assistant?

To become a funeral assistant, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and should develop skills in communication, organization, and compassion. Relevant certifications or training in funeral service or mortuary science can improve job prospects, and previous experience in customer service or healthcare is often beneficial. Employers may require background checks and physical ability to handle the demands of the job, which often involves working evenings, weekends, or on-call shifts.

What is the difference between Funeral Assistant vs Embalmer?

AspectFuneral AssistantEmbalmer
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; on-the-job trainingState license; mortuary science degree
Work EnvironmentFuneral homes, assisting with arrangements and setupFuneral homes, preparing bodies for services
Employer & Industry UsageCommonly employed in funeral service industrySpecialized role within funeral service industry

Funeral Assistants typically handle logistical tasks and support funeral directors, requiring minimal formal education. Embalmers perform body preservation and require specialized training and licensing. While both roles work in funeral homes, their responsibilities and credentials differ significantly.

What are the most common challenges Funeral Assistants face when supporting grieving families?

Funeral Assistants frequently encounter the challenge of providing compassionate support to families while managing logistical details under emotional circumstances. Balancing empathy with professionalism is key, as families may have specific requests or last-minute changes. Additionally, maintaining composure during emotionally charged moments and ensuring that services run smoothly requires effective communication and adaptability. Most teams provide training and mentorship to help new assistants develop these essential interpersonal skills.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Funeral Assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Funeral Assistant, you need organizational skills, attention to detail, and basic knowledge of funeral service protocols, typically supported by a high school diploma or relevant vocational training. Familiarity with scheduling software, record-keeping systems, and the safe handling of funeral equipment is often required. Compassion, discretion, and strong interpersonal skills are crucial for supporting grieving families and coordinating with colleagues. These abilities are essential to ensure respectful, smooth-running services and to provide comfort during emotionally challenging times.

What qualifications do I need to be a mortuary assistant?

To become a funeral assistant, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent. Relevant skills include attention to detail, compassion, and the ability to handle physical tasks; some employers may require training or certification in areas such as health and safety or embalming procedures. Prior experience in healthcare or customer service can be beneficial but is not always mandatory.
More about Funeral Assistant jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Funeral jobs in Reston, VA? The most popular types of Funeral jobs in Reston, VA are:
What job categories do people searching Funeral Assistant jobs in Reston, VA look for? The top searched job categories for Funeral Assistant jobs in Reston, VA are:
What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Funeral Assistant jobs? Cities near Reston, VA with the most Funeral Assistant job openings:
Funeral Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Funeral Assistant job openings in Reston, VA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $34,933 per year, or $16.8 per hour.
Funeral Assistant

Funeral Assistant

Carriage Services

Alexandria, VA • On-site

Part-time

Posted 5 days ago

Carriage Services rating

5.9

Company rating: 5.9 out of 10

Based on 14 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

4th of 8 rated funeral services

Job description

Funeral Assistant
At Carriage Services, we are united by our purpose of creating premier experiences through innovation, empowered partnership, and elevated service. As a member of our team, you'll join a dynamic community dedicated to setting new standards in the Funeral and Cemetery profession. Join us on this exciting journey as we continue to shape the future of our industry. Carriage Services is an equal opportunity employer.
The Funeral Assistant performs a variety of tasks during the funeral and memorialization process and assists Funeral Directors and other location staff to ensure services run smoothly and that the expectations of our client families and their guests are exceeded.
Job Type: PT
Location: Everly-Wheatley Funeral Home (Alexandria)
Qualifications
  • High School Diploma or equivalent.
  • Demonstrated willingness to participate in growing market share through personal community involvement.
  • Ability to communicate effectively with internal and external customers.
  • Ability to empathize with client families and their guests and demonstrate tact and patience in emotionally charged situations; and
  • Ability to actively respond to the requests of the client families and their guests.

Job Duties
  • Actively serves as an ambassador of the business in the community to build trust and loyalty.
  • Greets and directs client families and their guests at the funeral home.
  • Escorts client families and their guests to the correct chapel or parlor in which services are being held.
  • Directs visitors to guest book and distributes memorialization materials as needed.
  • Answers questions and assists with serving the needs of the client families, their guests, and other visitors during the visitation and memorialization event.
  • Represents the business in a professional and caring manner, maintaining a professional personal appearance and employing honesty, integrity, and ethical methods of performing duties.
  • Receives and places flowers in chapels or parlors.
  • Ensures refreshments are available to client families and their guests.
  • Ensures that public spaces such as parlors, chapels, and reception/rest areas are prepared prior to scheduled services; and
  • Performs other duties, as assigned.

Physical Requirements and Work Environment
  • The duties associated with this position are generally performed in an indoor office setting; however, some duties may be performed outdoors. Outdoor duties may require exposure to natural elements such as inclement weather, extreme temperatures, uneven ground, dust, gas, and/or fumes.
  • 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.
  • Performance of this position's duties may also require power reaching, pushing, and pulling.
  • This position's duties require routine exposure to chemicals and/or blood borne pathogens.
  • Must be able to drive a company vehicle and maintain a good driving record and must be insurable under company vehicle insurance.

What Carriage Services employees say

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