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Funeral Assistant Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

U.S. Navy

Mortician

Rockville, MD · On-site

... funeral services to honor those who have fallen. The Navy is the only branch of the military that ... In your job, you may expect to: * Assist in recovery, identification and inspection of remains

U.S. Navy

Mortician

Adelphi, MD · On-site

... funeral services to honor those who have fallen. The Navy is the only branch of the military that ... In your job, you may expect to: * Assist in recovery, identification and inspection of remains

U.S. Navy

Mortician

Annandale, VA · On-site

... funeral services to honor those who have fallen. The Navy is the only branch of the military that ... In your job, you may expect to: * Assist in recovery, identification and inspection of remains

U.S. Navy

Mortician

Gaithersburg, MD · On-site

... funeral services to honor those who have fallen. The Navy is the only branch of the military that ... In your job, you may expect to: * Assist in recovery, identification and inspection of remains

Carriage Services

Location Manager

Falls Church, VA · On-site

Location Manager - Funeral Home Manager At Carriage Services , we are united by our purpose of ... Develop relationships with community businesses and leaders. * Assist direct reports with setting ...

Carriage Services

Location Manager

Falls Church, VA · On-site

Location Manager - Funeral Home Manager At Carriage Services , we are united by our purpose of ... Develop relationships with community businesses and leaders. * Assist direct reports with setting ...

Carriage Services

Location Manager

Falls Church, VA · On-site

Location Manager - Funeral Home Manager At Carriage Services , we are united by our purpose of ... Develop relationships with community businesses and leaders. * Assist direct reports with setting ...

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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.
Mortician

Mortician

U.S. Navy

Rockville, MD • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Re-posted 26 days ago

United States Navy rating

6.3

Company rating: 6.3 out of 10

Based on 378 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

38th of 46 rated military and defense

Job description

When a Sailor makes the ultimate sacrifice, we have an honored duty to ensure that crew member’s remains are treated with the utmost dignity and respect. For this reason, Navy Morticians have a very important role to play. You’ll be responsible for handling all parts of the process, from communicating with families and foreign governments to retrieve and deliver remains, to carefully preparing each body and conducting funeral services to honor those who have fallen. The Navy is the only branch of the military that employs its own morticians as military personnel. Our Sailors have devoted their lives to defense; it is only right that we find the best caretakers to defend their legacy.

RESPONSIBILITIES

As an Enlisted Mortician (HM-Mortician), you are technically part of the Hospital Corpsman program. You will handle administrative, logistical, and mortuary services for deceased Sailors and Marines. Your role requires treating those you serve with the utmost dignity, honor and respect for the sacrifice they have made. In your job, you may expect to:

  • Assist in recovery, identification and inspection of remains
  • Oversee the care and preparation of the remains of fallen Sailors, including embalming duties and final presentation
  • Prepare for and direct the transportation of remains
  • Liaison with families and foreign government officials for disposition of remains, and ensure proper documentation accompanies remains
  • Conduct funeral services and direct pallbearers, clergy, mourners and flowers as needed
  • Offer counsel and comfort to bereaved families or friends 

PAY AND BENEFITS

From the day you start, you’ll receive:

  • Competitive salary
  • Potential to earn a bonus upon enlistment
  • Free health insurance
  • Free housing
  • A retirement plan
  • Paid training
  • College credit

EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES 

  • Navy College Program and Tuition Assistance
  • Post-9/11 GI Bill, up to 100% tuition
  • Professional credentials and certifications
  • College credit hours toward a bachelor’s or associate degree through the American Council on Education

QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

  • U.S. citizen or equivalent
  • High school graduate or equivalent
  • 17 years of age or older
  • Must have graduated from an accredited mortuary school
  • Must hold a license as a funeral director and embalmer in one of the 50 states

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Navy Morticians are shore-based and assigned to Navy Casualty. While most all Navy Mortician positions are located in the U.S., a Mortician’s responsibilities could require them to travel to distant locations around the world, and some Morticians may be assigned to overseas stations.

What United States Navy employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

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About US Navy

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

National security, national security and international affairs, public safety statistics centers and offices, guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing and public administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Washington, DC, US

Social media

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